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"Special" is how I would define Barbara McDaniel. The
Brea resident is one of those rare individuals who
teaches challenged children.
The number 28 is significant in Barbara's life. That's
how many years she has taught special education and
how many years she was married.
"I knew my husband for five years before we were married
so more than half my life was involved with this one
person," said Barbara. She's been divorced for two years.
What kind of a man is this educated woman with
a Master's Degree looking for?
"A man's intelligence is more important to me than his
formal education. It's also more important to me
that he be a hard worker who takes pride in doing
a job well than what kind of work he does."
I wasn't sure if Barbara was directing a comment
at me - a deli owner -- when she added, "He might
smell of onions from the deli, but he must remember
to tell me how he likes my perfume when he greets me
at the end of the day."
Barbara shared the qualities she seeks in
a mate: "I don't need someone to take care of me
financially. Instead, I WANT an emotionally
involved, physically responsive man who
truly values me. I want to wake up every morning
knowing I'm loved by the one I love.
"It isn't a person's job/salary/education/etc.,
that defines him. It's how he relates to others,
especially to his/her significant other.
Barbara's next comments brought to mind Kitty Kallen's
song from the 1950s, "Little Things Mean a Lot."
"It's more about how he makes me feel. Not
big gestures. A single rose. Or remembering
the brand of ice cream I like and bringing it to me that
sets him apart from the others. It's the romance
that comes from the person, not the job or education."
Older singles (and married people as well) can benefit
from Barbara's words It's not the big diamond or a
week-end at the Ritz Carlton that are important.
It's being kind, considerate and putting our mates
first -- and letting them know we appreciate them --
that builds strong relationships.
And it's good for all of us living this fast-paced,
sometimes materialistic life, to be reminded of
the simple things.
It takes a unique person to be a special education teacher.
I know, that's been my partner's work -- also for 28 years.
Barbara added, "Most people think I have exceptional patience
for this job, but I don't. I have a wonderful sense of humor,
which comes in handy every day." Which is another quality
that strengthens relationships.
Wouldn't it be nice if a "special" single gentleman
read this column and said, "Wow, Barbara sounds like
the woman for me?"
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Reader Comments
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Candy, Mission Viejo, Ca., "Since I
work as a psychologist, many men think
I'm going to analyze them. The truth is -
everyone 'analyzes' everyone else all of
the time." Response: That's because singles
seek ideal mates.
Karen, Newport Beach, Ca., "I was in the passenger
seat of my friend's car. A nice looking guy was in the
car next to us. I noticed him and vice versa. The light
turned green, we went straight and he turned left. I waved
and he waved back. What else could I have done?"
Response: Thrown yourself on the hood of his car.
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