It's so hard to generalize female/male relationships because, as others have said, we are all individuals. We come with our unique baggage, our traumas, our achievements, our hurts, and our wants into a relationship. I think
@Nathan did the right thing in his second marriage of dating/courting for several years before marrying again. I think in order for a marriage to work, there needs to be love, and above all, we need to communicate, communicate, communicate. Get to know the other person well before marrying. I'd rather have a companion at this stage in my life than a husband, because a "looser" relationship fits me well. I am free to come and go, and can pick and choose times and days to meet. I've been single 9 years now (since my husband's death) and although, have felt lonely many times, I've gotten used to being my own friend. I honestly don't have a companion. but have many friends that fill the gaps. No one has been able to replace my late husband, unfortunately.