CONFESSION BOX: Long-distance love a worry

I am a woman aged 36 and I have been divorced for three years. I have no children.

I have been on my own since the divorce because I was in a very abusive marriage and I have been too scared to get involved with a man again.

I started speaking to a man who I met through a website. Even though he is a few years younger than me, we get on so well. I live in Johannesburg and he lives in Durban.

We talk to each other every day and he seems to be such a kind, thoughtful person.

I don't have much experience and would love to start a relationship with him. The problem is that I cannot move to Durban and he cannot move to Johannesburg. I know long-distance relationships can be challenging and often don't work out.

Do you think that considering our ages, we have a chance of making this work?

Hopeful, Kensington

You are certainly not too old to find love and romance. It would seem that the two of you have a lot in common and possibly share similar values. But you are still in the early stage of your relationship so perhaps you should take things a bit slower. Get to know him better and let him come to visit you.

Long-distance relationships can work but they take effort and commitment and you need a solid foundation. It is impossible to know yet whether you can trust each other or have a mutual attraction. Given time you might both decide that you want to take the next step and move closer to each other.

Just be aware that there are risks to meeting people online and be cautious. If it doesn't work out then make an effort to meet friends, go out and give yourself a chance to meet new people.