First, you have to know what is important, either as a good match or a deal-killer. I was over 50 when I finally figured that out. It wasn’t what I expected.

I dated my ex-boss for a while. The engineering staff said that “she has the brains of Einstein…” and that was important. Something else was a deal-killer, though.

Later, my wife’s ad on Match.com said “Intelligence is important” and mine said “Bugs Bunny is my hero.” My handle was “non-techie” which she thought was funny for a computer professional.

It was a perfect match — we understood each other’s jokes. Most people don’t. We have been married for 18 years.

Anything worthwhile requires work. That is why.