The Age of Not Believing

Remember “Bedknobs and Broomsticks?” Remember the song Angela Landsbury (Miss Price) sings to the children as they are getting ready to embark on their bedknob-led adventure? Charlie doesn’t want to have anything to do with the project, calls it a lot of “rubbish” and Miss Price explains he is at the “Age of Not Believing.” He isn’t about to believe that bedknob is capable of transporting them to a magical place.

Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbyFbJFjhxk

I’m at a stage in the middle-aged dating game where I find myself doubting whether there are any good guys left, and whether I’ll ever be able to find them. I’m trying to keep a firm grasp on the fantasy of love, devotion and the possibility of happily-ever-after, but men themselves are sabotaging the dream.
So, I’m right there with you, Charlie. Smack in the middle of the Age of Not Believing.

The Age of Not Believing

When you rush around in hopeless circles

searching everywhere for something true,

you’re at the Age of Not Believing,

when all the make-believe is through.

When you set aside your childhood heroes

and your dreams are lost upon a shelf,

you’re at the Age of Not Believing.

Worst of all, you doubt yourself.

You’re a castaway where no one hears you

on a barren isle in a lonely sea.

Where did all the happy endings go?

Where can all the good times be?

You must face the Age of Not Believing,

doubting everything you ever knew,

until at last you start believing

there’s something wonderful in you!

I hate becoming cynical, but that’s what’s happening. I find a guy who is nice, funny, interesting and reasonably good-looking, and it turns out he’s gay. I find one who is obviously not gay, and he turns out to be a womanizer who is collecting notches on his belt. I find one who seems right in nearly every way and it turns out he thinks sending a three-word text message every other day is going to cut it in the communication department. Is he disinterested? Why bother texting at all?

I won’t even talk about the men who are so soured on women in general, thanks to the behavior of their ex-wives, that they see red flags in everything you say:

“Let’s see a movie after dinner.” She’s a spendthrift. Does she think I’m made of money?

“I’m not going to have sex with you on the first date. I hardly know you!” She’s frigid and hates sex.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing my kids over Christmas.” She is too attached to her kids and they’ll always come between us.

“I haven’t heard from you all week! I missed you!” She’s needy and clingy.

“Yes, thanks, I’d love to stop for an ice cream cone.” She has an eating problem.

Are there any nice, normal men out there who are looking for a nice, normal woman to love? Send him at once! I need rescuing from the black hole of the Age of Not Believing.

Heeeeellllllllp, Miss Price!