If you're in or approaching your middle ages, then you've probably met a few older men who would've been great as partners. Men at this age are usually successful, and have a lot going on in their lives, and it's easy to think that they'd make a great boyfriend or husband. But it's not that simple, isn't it?

When you try dating an older man, you'll probably realize that they're not all that open to deep and long-term relationships. Chances are they've never been married before and act as sly bachelors even at their age, or they've been married before (they may even have kids of their own) and are now single again.

The problem with these men is that while they make great dating partners and are fun to be with, they seem a little aloof when you start talking about relationships. They seem to take a step back whenever the idea of settling down or getting married pops up.

Worse, after you do manage to get intimate with him, he suddenly backtracks and says he's not really ready, or that he needs more time. After that, he never really goes back to being the same great guy you've been dating. What gives?

Here's what most women don't understand -- men can be even more sensitive than women. Studies have shown that when the woman in a relationship dies, the man dies soon after. But when a man dies in a relationship, the woman tends to be more resilient and live on. What a surprise, huh?

The fact is that most of us -- both men and women -- carry some sort of emotional baggage from the past. We've all gone through bad relationships, and the wounds we get from these relationships never heal easily.

Older, more successful men are no different. Actually, their age doesn't necessarily mean they get over emotional difficulty more easily than younger men. Time does little to make people get over the past -- what really matters most is nothing else but MATURITY.

Think about it -- a 25-year old man can be very emotionally mature and ready to handle a relationship, but a man in his forties can act as though he never grew out of his teens, and just wants to have fun.

You'll need to realize that there's little you can do to change a man's attitude towards relationships. You'll also need to realize that you're not really stuck with such men -- in relationships, the one you choose is the one you get. So do yourself a favor and choose a man based on his maturity, and not his age.

The only way a man can change is by himself, no matter what his age is. And if you simply be there for him whenever he needs you, he may just feel compelled to change himself to keep you.