He can't get an erection but still craves affection

DEAR ABBY: I am a 70-year-old senior who is sexually dysfunctional. I am so lonely. I have outlived two of my brides. Do you think I could find someone who would just appreciate holding hands and whispering sweet words without the physical contact?

- Young at Heart in Texas

DEAR YOUNG: Not only do I think you can, I suspect you may need police protection to control the crowd of applicants. Years ago, my aunt, the late Ann Landers, polled her female readers asking if they would prefer "holding and cuddling" to actually doing "the deed." The majority of them answered in the affirmative.

DEAR ABBY: I recently found out my ex-boyfriend married the girl he cheated on me with, and they have had a baby. I didn't think it would affect me because it has been nine years since our breakup, but I feel devastated and sad all over again. I constantly wonder why he was blessed with the happy ending I was wishing for. I ask myself why I haven't met anyone worthwhile.

I am scared to go through the hurt and pain again, so I put on a smiling face for everyone. I want to forget this miserable relationship and be happy. What can I do to move on with my life?

- Lost in New Jersey

DEAR LOST: That's a good question, and I'm glad you asked because it means you may finally be ready to do it. One way to move forward would be to keep busy so you won't brood. Make an effort to meet new people, because the saying "no risk, no reward" is true. If you have saved any mementos of your relationship with your ex-boyfriend, box them up and put them away - or get rid of them entirely because this chapter of your life is finished.

I can't guarantee this will bring you another romance, but it will be a step in the right direction.