Robert: “After my first marriage ended, I wasn’t sure if I had the courage to start over. My career as a senior executive gave me stability, but my personal life felt empty. I tried popular dating apps, but they were exhausting  too many people looking for casual flings, too few looking for something real. I was ready to give up on the idea of marriage.”

Elma: “I understood that feeling. I had built a strong career in international trade, raised two sons, and valued my independence. But I also wanted a partner who was serious about life, someone I could share a future with. From the start, I was honest with Robert: I wasn’t looking for a fling  I was looking for stability and commitment.”

Over months of video calls, they built trust. They spoke about their children, their careers, and even their financial plans. Robert admired Elma’s practicality and independence, while Elma was touched by Robert’s warmth and consistency. “He always asked about my day, and he cared about my family,” she says. “It made me feel safe.” Robert adds: “She had a gentle warmth asking if I had eaten, if I was working too hard. It was the kind of care I didn’t realize I missed.”

With guidance from WUMA Match, Robert learned how to approach Elma’s close-knit family. “My matchmaker advised me to be respectful and show genuine interest. On our first video call with her family, I wore a dress shirt and even talked with her brother about Texas cowboy culture. It broke the ice, and it gave me confidence.”

Today, Robert and Elma are planning a future together. He has traveled to Guangzhou twice, and she has visited Texas. “He took me horseback riding,” Elma laughs. “At first I was nervous, but he encouraged me  and I ended up loving it.” Robert smiles: “My daughter thinks Elma is a ‘cool lady.’ Hearing that meant the world to me.”

At 55 and 49, they feel grateful for this second chance. “We both had full lives before,” they say, “but finding each other reminded us that love can still grow, no matter your past. WUMA didn’t just connect us  it gave us the courage to believe in marriage again.”