The ink is not dry on my divorce papers and I'm in a very serious relationship. My 14 year marriage, which was mostly unhappy and always a struggle, dissolved a year ago. I immediately met someone with whom I really clicked and with whom I am compatible like I've never known. I'm 47 and she is my age.

I did not plan it that way, but the relationship developed so naturally and so positively that I could not say no. That was 12 months ago and things are still wonderful. The giddyness of love has worn off, but the relationship is the best I've ever had and we are both very happy. She has moved in with me and we are planning marriage.

The problem is that everyone close to us is repeatedly warning of the dangers of going ahead with things so soon after the divorce. It's not that I am unaffected by the D, or that I don't have grief, but I do not see this as a "rebound" and feel that with my age and experience that I'm not out in left field here with this. But the repeaded "warnings" have driven me to post. Anyone have experience with this sort of situation?