• Janet Fontane is a 76-year-old woman from Seattle who has always dreamed of getting married. • Seven years ago, she made a dating profile online and was eventually matched with Cliff. • The pair fell in love while dating long-distance for three years, and were married at 76 and 81.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Janet Fontane. It has been edited for length and clarity.

When I retired in 2016 after a successful career in international marketing, I began a personal development course that delved into identifying and pursuing my dreams.

The dream I wanted fulfilled more than any of the others was to be married, to love and be loved in return. In the past, I'd dated different men, some for years, but never found my companion.

Friends asked why I hadn't married

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