Dealing with Mid-Life Crisis

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Don't get me wrong...I agree with the whole idea that these middle aged men are just seeking their inner path, looking to redefine themselves, and perhaps they themselves aren't even sure what they need/want....
I think we all go through some combination of these challenges when we hit middle age.
It's not that I think Bluetree's guy biking pals are acting sleazy.
HOWEVER....
Being in my mid 50's I can say that I have had a little experience with this issue.
When I was in my mid 20's I was quite attractive, and I noticed an occasional middle aged guy would say this kind of stuff to me sort of wistfully.
It happened more regularly in my 30's....50 something guys would tell me (sometimes seemingly out of the blue, or while working in the same place, and didn't seem to matter if I was happily married or not) how they were 'bored' with their lives, how they couldn't connect anymore with their spouses or children, how their lives lacked passion or direction, ....and how they wished their wife was more like me. It was always "I wish she had a smile like yours" or "I wish she was musical like you" or "I wish she was more outgoing like you"...."independent like you"...."artistic like you".....etc etc. If I had been biking at the time I'm sure it would have been "I wish she was into fitness and biking like you". Usually followed by their assurances to me that they cared deeply about their families and marriages.
Then, if I listened sympathetically to their tales of angst over a period of time...well it would always eventually wind up with them asking me for a 'date'. Always. If I did not continue to listen sympathetically, well they would just immediately go focus on some other woman, like it was no big deal.
But one thing I did notice is that it would always be a younger, pretty woman they would focus on....never a woman their own age (or their wife's age) who might actually have some really valuable wisdom and insight to offer them. hmmm....
I know this sounds unkind and cynical, but I'm just reporting my experiences. I do sympathize with these fellows and with anyone, male or female, who goes through this kind of angst. I went through it myself!

Perhaps it will help Bluetree to sense if things are going in an unwanted direction in any of those cases she is dealing with.