Dear Emily,

I am a 39 year old male.  I really like this woman I work with.  She is ten years older than me.  She likes me as a friend, but does not want to date right now because  she has been hurt in a past relationship. I don't mind waiting for her, but for how long should I wait? I really care about this lady a lot but I do not want to waste my life waiting for her if she never comes around.  I have known
her for six months.

-------------------------------Miss Emily's advice--------------------------

I tend to think waiting would be a mistake. Most humans have been hurt in a relationship, but that usually doesn't keep them from going after something that could turn out to be a good thing. And that's why I believe you need to face the fact that if you were really a draw to her, she would throw caution to the wind and take the risk. If you do move on, and she is interested at a later date, she'll let you know. But I wouldn't hold my breath.