Camille, 65, and Marcus, 59, met on Guardian Soulmates nine years ago. After her divorce, Camille had a hard time finding a genuine man. They messaged about their shared love of films and discovered they lived only 10 minutes apart. Marcus took the pressure off their first date by writing: “If there isn't a romantic spark, we can just be friends who watch films together at our local cinema.” But when they met, they both felt a connection.
Taking it slow
Camille decided to wait to have sex with Marcus. She'd had bad experiences of sleeping with men who would disappear on her. Marcus was respectful and patient. He taught her that sex isn't all about penetration. In her previous marriage, the sex was “check-listy and turn-takey,” feeling like a routine task done without care. Her ex-husband wasn't very nice to her, and sometimes they would have sex without even kissing.
Marcus, 59, was quite newly single when they started chatting. He was intrigued by their compatibility. In his long marriage and long-term relationship, they'd become less compatible over time. On their first date, they went for lunch and to see a film, and he wanted to keep chatting all night. He didn't mind that she wanted to wait a few weeks before having sex.
A shared joy
They still live in separate homes near one another. From Monday to Thursday, Camille is often overwhelmed by her stressful job and doesn't have the capacity for sex. Fridays are the best time for them. She'll ask him: “Do you fancy having sex?” He always says yes, and she never feels rejected. In the past, she dressed up in sexy underwear for her ex and he laughed at her. The other day, she dressed up in only a leather jacket and high boots, and Marcus took racy photos of her.
They spend weekends at each other's houses and prioritise their sex life. Camille's kids are grown up, so she can walk around the house naked with her boyfriend. Marcus often compliments her body. She says she's put on a bit of weight, but it's encouraging that he always tells her how good she looks.
Feeling desired
Marcus says Camille has an incredible body and is the most desirable woman he's ever been with. He felt a lot of rejection in previous relationships, where sex life dwindled or he'd hear things like “you've missed your chance.” With Camille, she tells him when she wants sex and initiates it. He says, “I know where I stand.”
When Camille comes out of the bathroom naked, Marcus always tells her it's his first treat of the day. He says he's often basking in the afterglow of their sex. Names have been changed.
