I apologise oldexpat if my twopennorth offended your sensibilities. You and I both know that being in your forties means you're still very young and the attentions of a mature man, particularly if he appears well-heeled, can be extremely flattering to a young woman.That doesn't mean she will see him in a romantic light. Don't forget that she will probably have a father in his forties, not a boyfriend. And yes, in common with other mediterranean countries, Maltese men are fiercely protective of their women.