I am 86 and on my own. How do I get to know my nice neighbour better? | Leading questions

<p>Trying to progress a relationship can feel awkward, writes advice columnist <strong>Eleanor Gordon-Smith</strong>. But it’s easier if you find something specific to do together</p><ul><li><p>Read more <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/series/leading-questions">Leading questions</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>I am 86 and have been on my own for many years. However, despite being financially secure, it is a lonely life and I realise I’ve fallen into a materially comfortable rut. Come 6pm I eat a meal, usually microwaved, have a shower, put my PJs on, lock the doors, put the TV on and settle down to another boring evening. My children live far away and have their own lives, although I do encourage them to visit me as much as they can and my grandchildren do, for the occasional weekend. Sometimes, though, I can go days without talking to anyone.</strong></p><p><strong>I used to belong to several singles groups but Covid caused them to close and not reopen again. I am in reasonably good health, although walking any distance is a problem now. My question is: there’s a nice lady, a little younger than myself, who lives next door and we have chats over the fence. I would love to know her better and think she feels the same, but I feel if I asked her out for a coffee away from our homes but got a rebuff, it could spoil our current friendship. Any advice?</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/sep/26/i-am-86-and-on-my-own-how-do-i-get-to-know-my-nice-neighbour-better">Continue reading...</a>