POSSLQ—acronym for “person of opposite sex sharing living quarters”, a term coined in the late 1970s by the United States Census Bureau as part of an effort to more accurately gauge the prevalence of cohabitation in American households.
—Wikipedia
You live with me, and I with you,
And you will be my POSSLQ.
I’ll be your friend and so much more;
That’s what a POSSLQ is for.And everything we will confess;
Yes, even to the IRS.
Some day on what we both may earn,
Perhaps we’ll file a joint return.
You’ll share my pad, my taxes, joint;
You’ll share my life – up to a point!
And that you’ll be so glad to do,
Because you’ll be my POSSLQ.
—-Charles Osgood
Why my sudden interest in the term? Because of a Christmas letter I received last month from a friend/former boss. I hadn’t heard from him in over a year, and I was delighted to hear that things have been going so well for him.
His wife had been in a nursing home for over two years. She was completely unresponsive but when he was in town he went over and read to her every day, just in case it helped. She died in December 2015, and according to his letter he joined ourtime.com, an online dating site for people over 50. He successfully met a good companion and she has moved in with him. They’ve been doing a lot of traveling — to Yellowstone and around the Southwest in his 20-foot Airstream, a seven-day cruise to Mexico, a nine-day vacation to Iceland and Greenland, etc.
He’s 80 with one great grandchild and she’s 81 with ten great grandchildren. He says they may have to start slowing down a bit, but whatever they do I hope they keep enjoying their golden years. Every time I think of them, my face lights up with a smile. Once again, hurray for the internet!
Very sweet poem. 🙂
Yes. 🙂
Nursing homes have become hotbeds of sexual activity–especially since the onset of Viagra. Administrations have had to decide whether or not to discourage such activity. But, I think anyone still interested should not be discouraged as long as the partner is still competent to make his/her own decisions.
My late father-in-law selected a care center based on liking the legs of an administrator. 🙂
Good for him!
what an interesting poem – and how fabulous that your friend from along ago, has found happiness in a new partner.
Yes, I’m so happy for him.
what a wonderful story that is. people loving and living life to the fullest! 😀
It’s heartwarming and spirit lifting . 🙂
A great story. There are similar stories doing the round here too. Again, thanks to the internet and various dating / marriage sites.
It’s a blessing to many of us. I love blogging, but even if something happens to Andy, I doubt that I would check out a dating site.
I love the poem (Is it a simple limerick, or possibly in iambic pentameter?) I’m just being silly—I recognize the form, but don’t want to hunt for an example! But nevertheless, I think it’s brilliant! Yes, love flourishes in senior residences, good for the peeps who live there!
Except my friend and his new POSSLQ don’t live in senior residences. I agree with CIndi’s comment below.
I don’t understand why so many are commenting on nursing homes?
As I read your post I didn’t think it had anything to do with senior residences.
I read it as you sharing quite the opposite.
To be brave and get out there!
Get on the Internet and meet people.
Travel and seek adventure and be brave to meet new people.
Don’t waste anytime and not to let age hold you back!
I definitely didn’t think you were writing about sex and love in a nursing home.
????
Anyway…
Thanks for this!
Maybe I’ll go check out OurTime!
Lol!
(no, just kidding)
Andy and I aren’t interested in traveling, but it warms my heart that my friend and his gal are doing what they love and have someone to share it with. 🙂