Dear Cheryl: Is there any hope for a woman over 60 to find romance with a man even remotely close to her age? My aunt lost her husband five years ago. She is lonely and would love to meet someone, but she tells me men her age want women in their 40s or younger. My single friends in that age group confirm it.

My aunt is stunning, outgoing and likable, and has really put herself out there socially, but she's not 40 and isn't trying to be. Any suggestions? — Concerned Niece

Dear Concerned Niece: Not all men in their 60s are comfortable with a 40-something-year-old woman. A male friend of mine who's 68 recently married a woman who's 69. Another male friend of mine stopped dating a younger woman because she thought Woodward and Bernstein was a law firm. In other words, some men are looking for women with whom they actually have something in common.

Your aunt has to be even more aggressive than she already is if she wants to meet a man close to her age. There are social groups for people over 60, dating sites, clubs, cruises, travel clubs, fitness classes, etc. Then there are activities that draw people of all ages, such as volunteering, sports clubs and political groups. Just tell your aunt to get out there and to stay positive.

Dear Cheryl: My husband and I have been married for 18 years. This past year, he and his ex-girlfriend started texting and emailing. His ex-girlfriend is married, too. My husband swears they're just friends.

I found out he sent her a Valentine's Day card. My husband says it wasn't a real Valentine's Day card because it didn't say "I love you." He swears they have not had sex. What do you think of this situation? — Suspicious Wife

Dear Suspicious Wife: Here's what I think: I think the situation stinks.

Let's take your husband's word. Let's say he and his ex haven't had sex, that they just have the kind of friendship where they exchange texts, emails and a Valentine's Day card. My question is, why, after 17 years, did you husband suddenly have an urge to renew a friendship with an old girlfriend? What's his problem? Is he bored? Lonely? Longing to relive his youth? Whatever the problem, the answer is not his ex-girlfriend.

Ask you husband how he'd like it if you renewed a friendship with one of your old boyfriends. If he's honest, he'll tell you he wouldn't. If he says he wouldn't care, he's lying. Tell your husband if he values his marriage and your feelings, he'll end this friendship right now. Nothing good can come of it, and the potential for trouble is huge.

This is the perfect time for you and your husband to take stock of your marriage. Look at it objectively. What's working; what isn't? What can you do to fix it? There are plenty of ways to put the zing back in a marriage. But first you two have to recommit yourselves to each other.

Got a problem? Send it, along with your questions and rants to cheryllavinrapp@gmail.com. And check out my e-book, "Dear Cheryl: Advice from Tales from the Front."