52 years old. How to date a woman?translated

Reader question:

Good health, father. I am 52 years old. Not married. I love a woman, she is very religious, and also not married. We really want to be together, but she is afraid that having a relationship outside of marriage is a sin. He doesn’t want to register officially: he had a very negative experience, he’s afraid. Can we date? If so, how should we behave during Lent? Are close relationships possible between us during Lent? The feelings are very sincere, from the heart. I have been caring for her for several years, there was no intimacy. What should we do?

Alexander

Priest's answer:

Archpriest Andrey EFANOV

And good health to you, Alexander!

All that can be advised to you is to pray to God to help your beloved overcome the complex associated with an unsuccessful marriage, and also try to prove to her that there will be no such problems with you. Women in general tend to trust men, and even a very experienced woman, seeing a man's sincerity and positive behavior, will eventually trust him. Don’t give up and don’t give up prayer!

As for intimate relationships outside of marriage, the Orthodox Church clearly calls such relationships fornication and warns believers against this mortal sin. So you should strive for marriage as...