Whether you’re new to the dating scene after a long partnership, or you’ve just decided that it’s the right time to find that special someone, dating in your 50s can be challenging.
This is especially true if you’ve gone through a long period of monogamy, or you’ve just happily getting on with things by yourself.
It can lead to us feeling as though we’re a little out of touch, but this truly isn’t the case. If you’ve recently entered the dating scene again, we’ve got some tips that will help you to feel more confident.
Simply keep reading to find out more.
1. Use A Tailored Dating Website
Online dating isn’t what it used to be, and now it feels like everyone is using these apps no matter what age they are.
Indeed, because dating websites have become so popular amongst young people in recent years via Tinder (see also “What Does The Blue Star Mean On Tinder?“), it can feel difficult to find one which caters to your age group.
Don’t worry though, because there are actually plenty of dating websites and apps out there (see also “Best Dating Apps San Diego“) that cater specifically for mature users. This way, you won’t have to sift through a hundred young men who are your son’s age.
For the over 50s dating websites (see also “Do Men Want To Get Married In Their 50s?“), you’ll typically be required to pay a monthly fee, as they are somewhat specialized dating websites outside of the mainstream.
Despite this, they usually offer a free week or two when you sign up, to help you figure out whether it’s a good fit for you or not.
2. Clear Out Your Wardrobe
Getting back out there into the dating world can seem scary, but exhilarating at the same time.
In order to give yourself a little confidence boost, why not clear out your wardrobe and get rid of some older items that have outstayed their welcome.
This way, you can treat yourself to a little shopping trip, and find some new clothing items that make you feel great and confident within yourself.
3. Take Up Exercise
Now, we’re not talking about running a marathon, but taking up a little bit of exercise as a part of your daily routine can be a real confidence booster.
It’s also important as we get older to take care of our bodies as best we can, and exercise is a great form of self care.
Not to mention the fact that you may find some eligible potential partners on your ventures. This is especially true if you join a swimming club, or another similar exercise group.
4. Discover Some New Hobbies
Perhaps you’ve been with one person for the majority of your life, and that partnership has recently ended. If this is the case, finding your way around daily life can be tough without another person there all the time.
But this isn’t actually a negative thing at all, because being by yourself can finally give you the opportunity to figure out who you are, without another person there to define you.
When we are in long term relationships, it can be easy to forget ourselves. But, now is the perfect time for you to take up some new hobbies, and find something you really enjoy and connect with in the process.
This should be the main goal when taking up new hobbies, but in addition to this, it’s also a great way to meet other singletons too.
This is especially true for things such as ballroom classes, which can be incredibly fun and a great way to get to know new people.
5. Go On As Many Dates As You Can
Now we’re not saying that you should go on a date with someone if you feel you don’t know them well enough, but rather, be open to the possibility of dating multiple people.
By broadening your horizons, and going on some dates with people you wouldn’t typically consider, you could make some great new friends.
Just like dating at any age, you probably won’t come across somebody you’re interested in romantically right away, but dating is supposed to be fun and playful, so don’t get hung up if you haven’t met the right person yet.
Simply enjoy meeting as many people as you can, it’s a guarantee that each person will have at least one interesting thing to say.
6. Don’t Rush
When you get back into the dating scene, it can feel like a little bit of a whirlwind, as we get swept off our feet in a situation we’re unfamiliar with. If this sounds like what’s been going on with you, push down on the breaks a little.
When it comes to the sexual aspects of relationships, you should never feel like you’re being pressured into things, or like the other person expects it from you.
Of course, everybody has wants and desires, but these should be on your own terms.
Don’t be afraid to tell them that you’re not ready yet, if they bring this up with you. If they’re too persistent even after you’ve politely expressed yourself, kick them to the curb.
7. Practice Honesty
Nobody wants to waste their time dating the wrong person, and this is especially true as we get older. We want to find somebody that we have a genuine interest and connection with.
If you’ve been dating someone, and you don’t feel like they’re the right person for you, make sure to tell them.
Although it can be difficult to express your feelings in this scenario, it’s best to let the person move on and find somebody better suited to them.
You would want the same courtesy granted to you, wouldn’t you?
8. Take A Vacation
Now that you’re in the stage of life where you’re completely free to make your own decisions, and on your own terms, why not take a solo vacation?
Sun, sea, sand, honestly, what could be better we ask?
There are lots of vacation companies out there that cater specifically for people over the age of 50 (see also “What Do Women In Their 50s Look For In A Relationship?“), this is a great opportunity for you to meet potential singletons whilst you’re away.
9. Get To The Bars
If you want to try meeting people the old fashioned way, why not dedicate one night a month to spending an evening out at a bar with a friend.
This way, you can have somebody to have with you while you scout out a potential partner.
10. Talk To Your Family
It can be a difficult conversation to have for many reasons, but it’s always good to tell your family that you’re looking for a romantic relationship again.
This way they can support you, and also make sure that you’re always safe and careful. Especially using online dating.
Final Thoughts
Although dating in your 50s can seem scary, it should ultimately be a fun experience and a way to meet new and interesting people (see also “How To Meet A Man In Your 50s“) .
Take care to always be safe online, and make sure to tell friends or family your whereabouts when meeting somebody new.
Perhaps this is why, when I was thrown into the adult dating pool, I was completely underwhelmed. Everyone was either looking for hookups or professing love only to ghost me a few weeks later.
After a few years on the apps (much too long), I gave up. I deleted the apps and pondered getting a cat.
That’s when I met my now-husband, Tom.
Tom and I have now been together for four years and our combined experience gave me the idea to start this website, looking into all things love-related.
I would have loved a website like this in my 20s, to let me know that I wasn’t alone in the sea of terrible dates. So, I hope that my painful experiences and advice bring you some comfort, and maybe even laughter.
Remember that there is someone out there for you - you just have to struggle through the time-wasters to find them.
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