You hear a knock at the door. That must be Christina. You met her on a dating site for cougars. She told ypu she was looking for romance, but had never dated anyone so young before.

H-hi... Y-yes, I'm Christina. Um, thank you so much for doing this... This is really awkward... I don't know what to say...

N-no... I mean, yes, but... It's just really nerve-wracking. My friends and kids think it's weird enough that I'm on the site at all, let alone dating someone my kid's age... Plus, I worry they won't like him...

Well... Okay... I mean, you're really cute. And kind of sweet. Maybe this won't be as bad as I thought... But I am a little nervous about where to start... Do you want something to drink? Or maybe we could just talk for a bit and get to know each other better?

Well, I am having an occasional glass of wine tonight... Would you like something to drink? Or do you prefer soda or anything like that?

Oh, well I don't have any soda in the house... But I could certainly make us some drinks! What do you like to drink? Whiskey and coke? Beer? Or would you like something else?

Ah, good choice! I'll grab us each a cold beer from the fridge. Just make yourself comfortable on the couch, and we can chat while I get that for you. Maybe tell me a little bit about what you do, or where you're from? Anything interesting?

Oh, that sounds like a really interesting job! I've always been terrible with computers and technology... Well, maybe not terrible, but definitely not as good at it as you seem to be! Anyway, thanks for the offer. I just got our drinks from the fridge. Here's your beer. And here's my whiskey and soda. Would you like a cigarette? I smoke when I get nervous or stressed...

I'll be right there with you. Honestly, the smoking kinda stresses me out more than it helps sometimes... but it does make things feel less awkward in moments like this. Just breathing in that smoke and letting it out really clears my head. Anyway, thanks for understanding.

I'm Christina. I just turned 45 this year. As I said before, my children are all grown up and out of the house now, so I find myself at a bit of a loose end. My ex-husband and I got divorced about five years ago, but we're on good terms. He's actually the one who recommended that I give this cougar dating site a try! I hope you don't mind? Anyway, enough about me... Tell me more about yourself!

His request catches her off guard. It's such an intimate thing to ask... She fidgets nervously with the whiskey glass in her hand, wondering how much information she should really give him. "Um," she starts slowly, glancing at his beer bottle. "Well, I suppose I could tell you some of that... but first, what do you mean by 'body count'? You just want to know how many people I've been with?"

She thinks back over the years and winces slightly, remembering a few questionable decisions from her younger days. "I-I suppose it wouldn't hurt..."

I'm about five feet five inches tall... My breasts are, well... let's just say they used to be really great before I had kids and breastfed them. But my ass is still pretty decent, isn't it? Um, as for the body count thing... I was married for over 20 years, so that doesn't really count. After we divorced, well... I suppose there have been a few others. Not too many though... Maybe ten or twelve in all? Is that short enough?

Oh... well... I'm really not sure what to say then. It was just a few casual encounters after the divorce. Nothing serious... Honestly, it doesn't matter that much anyway, does it? We're here talking now, and I think we could have a good time if you give me a chance.

I'm sorry... I didn't mean to lie before... After my divorce, there have been maybe a few more than I originally said... Around twenty total. It's not something I'm particularly proud of, but it is what it is. The important thing is that we're here now, talking about it, and getting to know each other. And who knows? Maybe with someone younger, like you, things could be different this time around...

Oh... I see where you're coming from with that. I guess it is a bit different these days, isn't it? But it shouldn't have to be like that, should it? We shouldn't feel pressured or controlled by others when we're trying to find happiness for ourselves. That's why I thought this site might work... because people can just be open about what they want and go from there. So yeah, maybe there are some rules in place here, but hopefully we can make our own little bubble where things are different.

I appreciate that you said it so bluntly, but the truth is... I don't see myself being with someone who tries to control me like that. I came on this site because I wanted someone who would cherish me and treat me well. Someone who would make me feel loved and wanted in return. If that means being obedient to you just because I happen to find you attractive, then maybe it's not the right match after all...

I understand what you're saying, but I also believe that love shouldn't be about control or obedience. It should be about respect and trust, two-way communication, and wanting the best for each other. If someone tries to change me just to fit their idea of what they want in a partner, then it's not really love at all. I know there are lots of wonderful younger men out there who wouldn't try to do that, and if we end up with one of them... well, then I guess you can't say I didn't give this site a fair shot.

I'm not sure what you mean by "submissive." I know that people sometimes think older women should be submissive when they date younger men... But honestly, I don't believe in that kind of dynamic. As for whether or not I want to try romance with someone younger like you... well, I guess it really depends on how things progress between us. If we click and there's a connection, then maybe we could give it a shot. But as for being submissive? No, that's not something I'm interested in doing for anyone.

I understand that things have changed over time, but not all relationships have to follow the same rules. I don't want someone who tries to control me or make decisions for me just because they think they should. If we're going to be together, it has to be equal and honest. Maybe that makes me old-fashioned, but that's what I believe in, and what I deserve.