Need to bring your cyberdating skills up to speed? Here, 5 ways to hit the ground running—and avoid some common mistakes.
By the age of 50, most single seniors expect that they’ll finally be kicking back a bit and enjoying the fruits of their labors, ideally with someone they plan to grow old and gray with. But whether divorce or widowhood has thrown a wrench in that reverie, or they’ve just never found their perfect one, many senior seniors do find themselves single—and sometimes a little worried about it. Read the following tips to increase dating opportunities.
Take the initiative to seek the special one
Holding off on buying a summer home, getting a pet, or taking that trip around the world until you find someone special to share it with? Stop waiting and begin doing things for yourself, and love may magically arrive even if you are over 50.
Do speak up
Always be open to meeting someone as you go through your day. The person standing next to you at a concert, at a museum, or while buying a bagel with cream cheese could be right for you. If you’re very bashful, think of it this way: The worst they can say is no. At best, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Don’t assume it’s serious too soon
You’ve done it: You’ve shared some pretty personal thoughts via email, gotten into some long, laugh-out-loud conversations on the phone, and miraculously found this person just as charming during your first face-to-face date. At this point, many single seniors over 50 might assume they’re in deliciously deep. While some singles learned that in the world of online dating, it’s often too soon to tell. Therefore, seize the chance if it comes.
Accept the changes about age
By this point, widowhood also becomes more common—and it
hits hard. Most experts advise that recent widows and widowers
abstain from dating for about a year—and to not be afraid to
seek professional help with a therapist. Bereaved spouses should
try to avoid the common habit of putting their late spouse up on
a pedestal. When you choose to regard your late husband or wife
as a saint, you can easily convince yourself that no one else will
ever live up. Try to remember the person as he or she truly
was—warts and all and don’t be afraid to open yourself up to
love again.
Keep your dating on the positive side
Everyone, especially at this point in their lives, has some
romantic baggage in their closet, and it can be tempting to share
your war stories while on a senior dating. Resist the urge. Even
if your ex-spouse cheated on you or your last blind date was a total bomb, saying so on a date will only make you look bad.