Love is a many splendored thing. Isnt that what the song said? Romance, sunsets, long walks on the beach, holding hands with the one we love, gazing into each others eyes I mean, isnt that what every girl dreams of?

The knight in shi ning armor to sweep her off her feet, right?

As Cher so succinctly put it to Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck SNAP OUT OF IT! Real life doesnt work that way!

Think about it the knight in shining armor young, earnest, his armor never having been touched, no experience WHAT?? Thats fine for those young girls, the maidens in need of rescue. But what about we mature ladies? You know those of us who have seen and experienced life!?

What we really want is the knight in DENTED armor! The knight who has experience. The one who has had lived life. Oh sure, he may no longer have the body of Adonis. And he may be balding a little on top. I mean sure, the armors dented. Its a little rusty and creaky in spots. The swords not as sharp as it used to be. But its not like were filling out our bodices the way we used to, either. But then looks arent everything.

Then begins that courtly ritual the poems, professing undying and eternal love, the dented knight gets on one knee the rust locking up his knee joints, so that you have to help him up, lest he fall over (its great at parties!) as he proposes, he sends you cards and flowers because hes old fashioned that way.

The dented knight KNOWS romance. He gets the joy of cupping your cheek and gazing into your eyes, and telling you how beautiful you are (even when you have bed head and havent showered yet, let alone put on makeup). He understands the importance of an evening alone with you (even if you are having hot flashes or having menstrual cramps). He even enjoys slow dancing (even though you are dressed in sweats, and youve spent the day cleaning out the garage).

Hes the knight that helps around the house, washes the dishes and does unknightly things like the laundry. And he knows that these things are just as romantic as those flowers or card he sent you, just because he happened to think of you.

Knights like this dont come around just every day. So if the next time you are in the market and you see a man, dressed in a suit of armor that looks all dented and dull, rusted and shabby ask him to tea he may be the man you are looking for.