Is being in a romantic relationship a crucial part of your life?

Yes, and it's irritating to say the least. My worst siege of this stuff happened after I posted a picture of myself here. I was actually just seeing if I could do it (I'm still struggling with technology). Immediately I was besieged with messages telling me how "beautiful" I am--very depressing since I am over 70 years old, semi-gray haired, fat etc. Lots of these messages included hints or outright requests for perverted sexting or something like that. I was amazed that anyone would make assumptions like that because I posted an ordinary picture. Of course, I removed it.

@greenmountaingal Oh wow, for crying out loud !
This is why my favourite quote is , "Life is an unrelenting comedy, therein lies the tragedy of it." ☺😢

Other people may not agree with me but I could use that quote all day long.

I hope your 82 year old friend is wise and careful; I know how clever and persistent some of these scam artists (and telemarketers) can be. One thing that has helped me--and validated your quote about life as tragic comedy--is watching some of those YouTube videos where people work on paying back the scammers by wasting their time in various amusing ways. My favorites are Lenny (a recording designed to "converse" with scammers) and that guy who calls himself The Hoax Hotel. The Jolly Roger recordings are also fun. Listening to these scammer payback hoaxes is not only hilarious entertainment but very educational.