1) Will Dating Again be as Hard as the First Time Around?
Are you scared about entering the dating world as a senior? Taking that first step is the hardest part, especially if you have not dated in a long time, because dating again can be frightening.
You remember what it was like dating when you were in your 20’s, well you will be glad to know that this time around can be so much easier. First of all, you have a much more mature, experienced view of people, and most of the games that people play when they are young will not be part of the senior dating scene. You should be able to identify exactly what you want in an older, dating relationship.
2) Am I Ready To Date Again?
You cannot start a healthy relationship with someone, if you are not ready to date. You will know if you are ready for dating when your older, if you are positive, feel confident of your worth, and reasonably happy.
You have to be totally over your past love, so you can devote yourself to someone new. You do not have to forget the death of your spouse after a long, happy marriage, you just have to be ready to move on. If your not ready you will continually be comparing anyone new, and they will not be able to live in the shadows of the love from your past.
Bitterness from a past relationship can also ruin any new relationships. If you are carrying around sad, bitter, and unpleasant feelings and events, anyone you meet will be able to feel these burdens you are bearing. It will send most people running, so to date as a senior you will have to put old hurts behind you.
You may be out of shape, or have an out dated appearance, after being out of the dating scene for a long time. You can spend some time at the gym, get some new clothes, and update your hairstyle, before you begin dating in your senior years.
3) How Do I Find a Date?
You are wondering how to find a date, and you remember you used to go to bars, date guys you went to college with, or found someone through your friends. Today, dating seniors can cast a much wider net by using the Internet, and setting up online profiles. Studies show that the fastest growing segment of online dating services, are dating older adults.
Start by making a list of what you are looking for in a relationship, and be honest with yourself. Using an online dating site for 55+ dating, will allow you to use search criteria to find people that have the same interests you have. For example, if you are an active dating over 50 person, and looking for someone who enjoys sports use words in your profile like, athletic, active, sports, baseball fan, independent, or hyperactive. Always upload a smiling photo in your profile, because a picture will increase the response to a man’s profile by 40%, and a woman’s profile with a picture will get triple the responses.
4) What Should I Do Before the Date?
You probably remember how first dates are, wondering what to wear, what to say, where to go, it can be very stressful. Wear something that is suitable for the place you are going to on your first date, and most importantly be yourself.
Make sure your expectations are not too high, because when beginning to date as a senior you need to just try to make friendships, and if you meet someone that is really special you can take it to the next level when you are both ready. Just keep your expectations reasonable, and think about having fun on your first date.
Don’t forget to Google yourself, because you can be sure the person you are going to date will. You may have the same name as someone who has done unquestionable things, and you will know this ahead of time so you can mention it when you meet someone on a senior online dating service.
When you give out your phone number to prospective dates, always use a cell phone number, because a reverse lookup will not provide your home address on a cell phone number. Being safe is something you have to think about in today’s dating world.
5) Where Should I Go on My 1st Date?
Mature dating singles over 50 who haven’t been on the dating scene for a while may be more comfortable with a group date at first. First dates should center around common interests and hobbies. Here are some ideas for a first date that should be fun.
Go on a picnic, because they can be very casual and adventuresome. You can both bring items to combine for the picnic, or you can shop together on the way to the site.
You could plan an evening of dancing, and you could even attend a class together, if you are both interested in learning a special type of dance.
If you both love sports, you could play tennis or go golfing, choose something you both enjoy. You could also attend a sporting event, if that is something you both want to do.
Concerts are always fun, and there are usually a lot of different types of music to choose from. You can even try an outdoor concert, and combine it with a picnic for a fun day.
Visit a botanical gardens if you both love plants, for a beautiful romantic day. This type of a first date can also be combined with a picnic.
Wine tasting is fun and informational. It can be the ideal first date, because it provides you a chance to talk plus do something different.
6) How Should I Act on My 1st Date?
Meet your senior date, instead of having them pick you up, so you will have your own transportation, and do not give out your address. Let someone know where you will be, and about when to expect you home.
You may be lonely, but refrain from giving out too much information about yourself. Keep the conversation light, and fun so you will have a good time. A good rule of thumb, is to listen carefully to the other person, then they will know you really care about them.
7) How Can I Tell My Family I Am Dating Again?
Introducing your kids, even if they are grown, and other family members to a new partner can be tough. Have an honest talk with them, and let them know how lonely you are. Don’t wait until you have found someone, let them know when you are beginning to date so they won’t feel left out of the loop.
When it is time for introductions to that special someone, make it casual. Always do this before things get serious, to give your family time to get used to the idea.
The main thing is to remember why you are dating as a senior, so you won’t be lonely anymore, and will have someone to share things with.