Many single seniors are afraid to get back into the dating scene. The biggest question is where to begin? Thanks to technological progress, the dating world has evolved drastically. Singles have turned to online dating to meet their match.
For single men and women looking for love in later life, it can be challenging to know where to start and what to do. Especially if they have not dated since high school or college and recently came out of a long-term relationship.
Since the rules of the game have changed quite a bit in the last couple of decades, here are some guidelines and tips to dating in these days for seniors:
1. Set up a dating site account
The key advantage of online dating is that it puts the power in your hands. Nowadays, it is easier to find a date with the help of user-friendly dating sites and apps. They can save you a lot of time. You are free to “browse” people by shared interests and choose who to contact or who to ignore.
Some services are free of use, while others require a subscription fee. If you choose a subscription-based service, you also have to provide some information about yourself like characteristics you’d like in a partner, a list of your passions, and so on.
2. Don’t take rejection personally
Don’t expect to get a positive answer to every message you send. Just because your profiles match doesn’t mean you will too. Don’t take it personally. You have to try again and continue searching for the right match.
3. Don’t overshare
Being honest is a good thing, but make sure to keep the conversation natural and don’t overshare on the first dates.
While most people have a sad story to tell, some don’t like to be reminded of how they got there, and they just want to start over. If all goes well, you will have the time to tell all the details of your life, good and bad, but the first dates are not the time for that conversation.
4. Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket
Monogamy is excellent when you’re a couple. Don’t feel uncomfortable to date multiple people at the same time. It’s a perfect strategy to cast a wide net when dating. This way, you save time and maximize success rates.
5. Own your age, don’t mask it
Do not try to hide or downplay your age on the profile you created. Express according to your age, and put real photos. This way, you make sure the people you attract are what you are looking for.
Remember, the other users are looking for maturity, for someone to relate to.
6. Neutral ground for first dates
For security’s sake, the first couple of dates and until you hit it off, arrange to meet outside and in public places such as restaurants and cafés.
7. Take your time
One of the advantages of dating as a senior is the lack of pressure. Take your time to get to know someone you are interested in. Don’t automatically trust everything your date tells you, no matter how sincere she or he may seem.
One of the most important tips offered to seniors who have considered online dating is to make sure that they are ready. There is no reason to rush!
If you follow these suggestions, you are likely to find that online dating is a fun and pleasant way to make new connections. So what next?