For her, third time around brings flowers

DEAR AMY: I have been through two courtships and marriages that I thought were very happy but were not very romantic. These relationships spanned 57 years. My first husband bought me tea and chocolates as Christmas and special-occasion gifts. My second husband bought dishes and kitchen appliances, and for my birthday one year he bought and installed a pair of windshield wipers on my car. For Mother's Day, he bought and installed a muffler on my car. These were things I needed and appreciated. Neither husband ever bought me flowers - not once! Here is my problem.

I am nearly 80, and I have met a widower. Let me call him "Mr. Romantic." He is sending me roses. What do I do with them? Do I just put them in a vase? Other than writing him a thank-you note, how do I reciprocate? I feel like a 16-year-old girl again, but I don't want to ruin this relationship or embarrass him. We are having the time of our lives. I'm a widowed great-great-grandmother, starting over! -- Romance Deprived

DEAR DEPRIVED: I've written this advice column seven days a week for seven years. I've fielded thousands of letters in the almost 2,500 "Ask Amy" columns published to date.

You win the prize for writing the letter that has charmed me the most.

I love your spirit and your spunk - and most of all that you've grabbed the second chances that have come your way. I have my own second-chance story, and you can read others at chicagotribune.com/ askamy.

People give flowers to one another to signify a fresh start. I'm happy to advise you that your only job here is to literally stop and smell the roses.

You can demonstrate your gratitude by inhaling deeply and enjoying their scent. Let these flowers make you happy. Tell your gentleman friend everything you're feeling. And give him flowers, too.