With the launch of the first ever The Golden Bachelorette season featuring Joan Vassos, a 61 year old widowed grandmother, you may wonder about entering the dating scene yourself. Maybe you haven’t dated in decades? Or maybe you’re nervous because things aren’t what they were the last time you dated? Maybe you’re just missing your significant other after a loss that never heals with time but yet you want to find another partner?
Entering the dating scene after 50 can feel like stepping into a foreign new world fraught with mixed emotions and concerns. Excitement, fear, anxiety, hope…the list is endless. By framing this as a new chapter in your life and that you’re dipping your toe in the water…you’re in control and things can move at the pace you want…you can find it to be a fresh with the possibility of discovering meaningful connections.
In the spirit of The Golden Bachelorette, we’ve got some actionable tips geared specifically to women over 50 entering the dating scene like Joan!
1. Take Time to Reflect on What You’re Looking For
The more life experience we have makes us who we are today. Whether you had a long, happy marriage that ended with the passing of a spouse, multiple relationships, or a hiatus from dating, those experiences give you a rich perspective on love and relationships.
Actionable Tips: Reflect on your past relationships and what you’ve learned from them. What’s something you had that you want again? What do you NOT want? Being clear on what you need and are looking for in this next chapter can help as you start this journey.
2. Be Open to Dating Apps
In today’s dating world, technology is your friend but that alone could cause anxiety. Dating apps and websites designed for mature singles make it easier than ever to meet people. There are several sites focused for older adults like Silver Singles that you may want to check out. Be careful creating your profile by not giving too much personal or identifying information, as you want to engage but be safe in the process.
Actionable Tips: Create a profile that reflects your current interests and passions so people can get to know your authentic self. And remember, using recent photos is important. Just as you want potential partners to be honest about themselves, using an old photo isn’t OK, try to take a selfie or better yet, have a friend take a clear photo of you to use as a profile shot.
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You may want to read, Romance Scams: 6 Tips to Prevent Financial Ruin
3. Stay True to Yourself
One of the most liberating parts of dating after 50 is the freedom to be yourself. Gone are the days of playing games or trying to mold yourself to fit someone else’s expectations.
Actionable Tips: Be open and honest in your dating conversations. Share your passions, quirks, and beliefs with pride. Authenticity leads to more meaningful connections.
You may want to read, Ageism: What It Is and 4 Ways to Fight It
4. Trust Your Gut
By now, you know yourself and have enough lived experience to have a gut feeling about people. If you don’t like what you’re seeing and hearing, step away or don’t accept a connection request.
Actionable Tips: Understand the privacy rules of the dating apps you’re using and feel free to put up boundaries. If you’re going on an in person date, let a friend or loved one know where you are and have them be your safe person if you need an out.
Just think, your next great love story may just be around the corner!
Want more? You may want to read 9 Tips for Dating Later in Life
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