I doubt there is any person over 50 who has not read Dear Abby or Ann Landers advice columns at one time or another.  Today we also have Ask Amy and Miss Manners and countless others.  Their advice runs the gamut from family relationships to love affairs to weight problems to  most problems imaginable.  For the most part, they seem to give reasonable advice though no doubt our own advice is much sounder and wiser.

Yet for all the modern day columnists, there was someone who offered a bit of great advice and wisdom nearly 2,000 years ago.  It can be applied equally to most things coveted, which includes lovers and cars.  While I can't presume to speak with authority for women, I think I am on fairly safe ground in saying the words penned applies to many younger women and men (as well as a few older ones as well).

When it comes to dating, falling in love or even buying a car, one should heed these words well.  The advice giver is Pliny the Younger and his advice is, "An object in possession seldom retains the same charm that it had in pursuit."  Been dumped while dating someone?  The one who promised to love you forever has dropped you?  The one you thought you would love forever no longer is exciting?  The car you're driving doesn't excite you like it did when you first bought it?  Wonder why?  Pliny had the answer long before you were born.

So, as you go through life either as pursuer or pursued, remember Pliny - he was one smart cookie.  I can attest to that.  Can you?