Dear Penelope Jones:

Three comments and suggestions:

1.  Having lived in So Cal for many years, I know that not only the distance is great between Hollywood and Long Beach, but the traffic is horrendous, on the 10 and the 405 freeways, especially on weekdays, and especially at rush hours. To “grab a bite to eat” after work, as you suggested, if he was to drive to Long Beach, means driving, stop-and-go (lots of stops) for hours and hours.

2. It is probably better that you do set dates with other candidates from match. com. Notice I wrote “candidates”- so you are not having multiple relationships when you meet multiple men- you are only meeting them, in daytime, in a casual place like a coffee shop, to … sort of interview them for the position of a boyfriend. You can even take notes as you study the candidates, eventually to choose one for a close relationship.

3. Regarding the Hollywood man you wrote about- you can stop the texting after you text him the following: “when you are willing and able to see me, text me. Not before that. Best to you”- something like that.

anita