Dear Abby: I’m in my early 50s. She’s in her late 60s or early 70s. Should I stick closer to my age range?

DEAR ABBY: I asked a woman I know out for coffee. She politely declined. I replied that I hoped my asking didn’t make things awkward between us and that we could continue being friends. She agreed, and our friendship continues. I’m in my early 50s. I’m guessing she’s in her late 60s or early 70s. I have always found more mature women to be attractive. We talk or text each other and, when the weather is nice, we talk outside. We actually had that coffee recently, which was platonic, unless I missed a sign she was putting out there.

Abby, do you think societal pressures hold people back from pursuing relationships? Should I try to stick closer to my age range? -- READY AND WILLING IN NEW YORK

DEAR READY: There are any number of reasons why people hold back from pursuing relationships. Chie