Mother died 20 years ago and since then, my father has been in one fantasy relationship after another. He convinces himself that one younger woman (usually in their 30's and he is in his upper 80's) is his close friend. He has attached himself to women's church ball teams, has attached himself to teachers when volunteering at our church and the latest is that he thinks that a waitress (married with 3 little kids) is his close friend. He gives these ladies money (gave a missionary 600.00 for a seminar, gives excessive tips, and the latest is that he wanted to give the waitress one of my mother's vintage coats from the 60's (made in London).
Two weeks ago, he insisted on going to the diner and he took the bus back. Being in the cold, he developed a nosebleed and ended up in the E.R for 5 hours (I was with him and had to take the day off next day and for two days it was doctor after doctor). While he was in the E.R. he advised me that if anything happens to him, please call "the waitress" because she cares about him. The waitress is 33, has kids and husband is a cop.
When he was better I told him that I will not go along with his nonsense. I told him that NOBODY wants a friendship with somebody almost three times their age and that he needs to see a pastor, a counselor and not go back to that diner again.
I told him that I would gladly take him to senior groups, church functions (even though he has embarrassed me with his gravitation to younger women in my church).
I told him that I will not take him to that particular diner anymore and I am not going along with this nonsense anymore.
Meeting people in person is so much better than going on-line and be bait for a catfisher who isn't the person they claim they are, asking for money with a promise of marriage and home life. These guys, yes guys, their task is to get as much money out of lonely souls. There was one on Dr. Phil's show today who had sent over $200,000 and the second part of the show will air this Friday [May 1].
We can laugh and cheer the guy on, but seriously, this can be dangerous as well as he could be wide open to being taken advantage of.
Do the best you can to protect him and get a lawyer if necessary.
Let him have *some* fun as long as it's harmless.
(your embarrassment is something you'll just have to deal with, because I hope I can chase 30 year old women and embarrass my caregiver when I'm 80! Whoo-Hoo!)