Ok I'm 46 and have a friend who is age 54 and she is respected in our circle of friends as real clever and very wise. I appreciate her wisdom and friendship. But she is not that hot as a looker. And she is looking at me and dropping very strong hints at raising our friendship to higher levels. She has said that she would like a relationship with someone for say six months to see how things go. I have said nothing yet but I would be happier at a "friends with benefits" for now. I do not want to get into the conversation with her until I know my decisions.

One concern is I would like her to keep this private. But I'm sure she will tell her other female friends in our social circle. I am concerned at how these others may lower their opinions of me for getting with someone that is say a 5/10 when I could if I tried be going for 8's 9's or even 10's?

Maybe this is all in my own head. Maybe they would think higher of me. They are similar ages so they may be looking at me with the same thoughts??? i just don't know.

Yes I know I should not bother what others think but I do.

Just to add that she has "been alone" (no sex) now for 3 years and I too do not have a very active sex life.

Thanks