A confidence boost I never expected

[bridie69]

I am new on here so hi to all. 51, widowed and relationship free for 8 years now, son and dd grown up, jobs etc. I have had no self confidence in myself for so long count myself lucky to have some close friends and family. I wish I'd discovered MN before though
I went away this we to Barcelona to visit an old friend who also recently lost her husband. Strange though it may say under the circumstances we had a wonderful time with lots of laughs as well as some tears. I blush to day this but the highlight of my weekend was being chatted up by 2 lovely charming young well by my standards Irishmen in a cafe bar we went to. No aggression, no unpleasant advances, just beautiful warmth and kindness. They weren't even fazed one bit when we told them we were widowed and one said he'd lost his father too young and life goes on. They even invited us to Cork for a weekend said they would be happy to show us around. I'm not delusional before you start worrying and have a busy life in London so may not even get in touch, but I have to say Irish men you are right up in my good books right now

Birdie I am smiling so much.

Especially as today I randomly heard some recognisable accents on a quiet street near my partners house (I live overseas) said Hello and a full blown street get together with this family for 30 minutes. Swapped details and we are arranging a cook off together, their fave cake that I can make, my fave savoury snack one of the ladies can make.

We were hugging goodbye when I left .

I felt like if known them for years.

I think people can come into your life on a long or short term basis and make a huge mark and bring such joy.

Also think you write very eloquently, really painting a picture.

Hope you enjoy further experiences.

I'm checking flight times.

What a lovely thread bridie

had to chuckle at 'being elderly' at 51.. no way! I'm 30, DM is 57, my StepDad is 51 they're certainly not elderly, dont write yourself off! my StepDad is Irish, hes from Wicklow. although I've never been there in the 25 years they've been together I used to love it when he would go home and visit his parents because I knew he would always bring home made soda bread back with him. It was amazing. his parents have both sadly passed now but i'll always have those fond memories.

We were thinking of taking the kids abroad next year, do you know what, I think I'll suggest Ireland instead.

Another Corkonian here. What a lovely thread. So happy you enjoyed our city, although the county is soooo much better (scenery wise, we are all fab people

Curries are one of my big misses from London, we moved home 2.5 years ago. DH is regularly in London and I cant fathom why he doesn't have a curry every time he is over. They are mediocre here and expensive.

You're lovely musings on us as a people brought a tear to my eye. It's been an emotional day.

Come back soon....

Yes I admit the curry was a mistake. .will go for seafood next time..It looks like the Irish charm bombing of London is set to continue as this morning in the post I find...wait for it...from Ireland presumably sent before I even left..don't know how long post takes from Ireland..2 tickets to see U2 in London in November with a lovely note from HBI..I mentioned in Barcelona when the nationality issue came up I saw U2 in 1987 & would love to see them again. I am in tears at this thoughtful gesture..everywhere

Continuation of previous
..everywhere I go I see handsome Irishmen since I returned. .well obviously only the ones I hear talking like the one on the train to work this morning...If he only knew what naughty thoughts went through my mind as he talked to his colleague. ..I will ask Bono if he can ensure a steady supply of Irish men to London for our delectation. .

Continuation of previous
..everywhere I go I see handsome Irishmen since I returned. .well obviously only the ones I hear talking like the one on the train to work this morning...If he only knew what naughty thoughts went through my mind as he talked to his colleague. ..I will ask Bono if he can ensure a steady supply of Irish men to London for our delectation. .

Wow, that's a really lovely gesture from a man you've just met! How very thoughtful of him. Bridie ... It's looking good, roll on November