Couldn't agree more. Lists are for getting errands done.
Sometimes it is who you least expect when you least expect it.

Much increased and continued love to you both. Great one!

Like you're trying to convince yourself a little bit.

You sound like you're jealous. OP, congratulations! I'm in a similar situation (I went off-book with my current beau) and am so in love. It is not without its challenges, but the challenges are valid and worth it. Good luck to you and continued happiness!

I couldn't agree more with what you're saying, but you come off as smug.

I'm not jealous. I just feel when people 'gush' about their new gray and wrinkled love, it sounds odd. Like, when you're really into someone would you really notice how gray and wrinkled they are?

I totally agree - i love your post. Am a single woman, and I stay single because I am not codependent, but would love to be in a relationship and also have always had lovely younger boyfriends. Staying open is the best thing you can ever do for yourself - it's like a gift. Everything you said is so bang on - nice to read such a positive post. You're a stranger and I'm happy for you. And I don't think you come off as smug, I think you come off as grateful and full of amazing energy. Good on you!

Every woman I have ever dated has said the same thing, "gee your not my type but this is F'n GREAT! "

That's why its great, If you just go for it, life has surprises but if you try to fill a list you get Mr Flanders.

I think the only reason the OP mentions his grey hair and wrinkles is to illustrate her point - that she had a laundry list of things that she expected from her dates that wasn't working for her. Because she went for someone she wouldn't have normally gone for (a la grey hair and wrinkles), she found someone wonderful. Her point is - let go of your expectations because it's probably what's holding you back from having something great (and when I say "you", I mean everyone, not specifically *you*, You Sound). If you keep shopping off your list, you're never going to try anything new.

@Lovely Post - thanks for your lovely comment. "Smug" was not my intention - merely to encourage others to look outside the box, as I hadn't always been open to it myself.

@From you sound - huh? He'd be the first to say he has gray hair and wrinkles - they exist. But now I notice more his sparkling eyes and great smile, and love stroking that gray hair.