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Does the thought of dating at your age bring a blush to your cheeks? Do you feel like you’re too old to be dating again?
Don’t let aging be a barrier to dating.
Whether it’s due to a divorce, break-up, or the loss of a loved one, there are many reasons why someone may enter the dating scene later in life and it’s nothing to be ashamed about!
Instead of letting age get in the way of your social life, let it be a gift. After all, you are much wiser now than you were when you were in your twenties. This maturity can help you find exactly what you’re looking for in a romantic partner.
Forget the relationship advice you thought you knew about dating!
Here are 8 reasons why aging shouldn’t be a barrier to entering the dating world, it should be a blessing!
“I waited 16 years to date after my divorce. At 54, I was back on the scene and more knowledgeable than ever about what it takes to make a relationship work.” Nicole, 59.
Part of maturity is knowing what it takes to have a successful relationship.
You must out a focus on date night ideas. Research shows that it is only by spending quality time together that you and your spouse will be able to deepen your communication, increase relationship satisfaction, and keep your relationship strong.
“I started dating again when I was 37 after a long-term, serious relationship. What I cared about in my mid-30s was a world apart from what I cared about at 20 years old. It wasn’t so much about looks as it was about finding someone I actually got along with.” -Stephan, 39.
Studies show that in the world of relationships, younger people often place more emphasis on shallow qualities such as physical appearance.
In contrast, later life couples (ages 70-86 in this study) were more likely to emphasize the importance of emotional intimacy.
“I was so nervous about dating after my wife died. I felt like I was too old to be back on “the scene”, but dating again really showed me that there’s this whole world of people my age, widows and what have you, looking for someone special.” -Allen, 62.
One piece of relationship advice for older daters is never to feel embarrassed or silly for heading back onto the dating scene. There are plenty of people in your bracket looking for love and companionship!
“After going through a divorce, you know exactly what you do and do not want from another person. You learn not to let anybody change you. Me? I wanted financial security, someone who loved hiking as much as I do, and someone who loves pets! I’m still looking and am not willing to settle this time around.” -Ava, 43.
Having the luxury of being in various long-term relationships gives you the benefit of knowing what you want. You know your worth and are therefore able to set standards to reflect this.
You want someone who respects you, appreciates you and is willing to come up with date night ideas to help boost your connection. You want someone who makes your relationship a priority, not an afterthought.
“Dating as an older and wiser person, I’m able to see things clearly. I know my flaws, sure, but I also see the benefits that I bring to a relationship. This gives me more confidence when heading out on dates.” -Ritchie, 40.
Creating a healthy relationship with yourself in your single years (whether those be in your twenties or fifties!) helps you gain perspective and insight into the type of person you are.
As Ritchie stated above, this time alone gives you a better understanding of your positive qualities.
Are you generous? A great listener? Do you love to make people laugh? Are you financially responsible? Whatever qualities you bring to a relationship, you can hone in on these positive qualities when you re-enter the dating world.
“Aging is a real gift. It allows you and whoever you’re sitting across from to bring an air of maturity to the table. So long as you share that, what does age matter?” -Shalene, 56.
If you had ever considered dating an 18-year-old when you were 28, you probably thought that the age gap made a huge difference. You would have been right.
The levels of maturity between this ten-year age bracket differ greatly and probably would have caused a disconnect in goals and maturity.
But as you get older, such an age gap matters less and less.
If you are 50 years old and want to date a 40-year-old, who cares? All that matters is that you and your spouse are mature enough to be in a relationship.
“I started dating again at 36. I knew I wanted to be a mom and I didn’t have time to play games with a partner. There was no hard to get or following ancient dating rules. When I met my now husband, I told him exactly what I was looking for, no games! It was great because we always knew exactly how the other one felt.” -Stacy, 41.
Do you remember the old “rules of dating”? Many of them go as follows:
Such nonsense!
As a mature person, you have a low tolerance level for such mind-games. Your only interest is spending time with someone whose company you enjoy and sharing your lives together – not playing with their heart!
“I had been dating and dating and dating since I was 16 years old. Where was this so-called love of my life? As it turns out, I wouldn’t meet him until my single friends and I took a cruise to Cuba on my 55th birthday. That, my friend, is a lot of waiting and a whole lot of patience. But it was completely worth it to find the person I was meant to be with.” -Alessandra, 67.
When it comes to entering the dating world later in life, keep this relationship advice in mind: Patience makes perfect. Finding your soulmate may not happen overnight, but don’t despair.
Be patient and know your value. Don’t settle for someone who isn’t going to make you happy or see your worth.
This is the best relationship advice you will ever hear: age is only a problem if you let it be.
Show you are older and wiser by using your maturity to your advantage. Set high standards, be confident in what you bring to a relationship, and find amazing date night ideas to make your new spouse swoon.
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