Maybe you were married for decades. But you and your former spouse have gone your separate ways. Now, you’re finally ready to enter the dating scene again. Or perhaps your spouse passed away. Although you never pictured yourself with anyone else, you’ve realized that you’re open to finding love once more.
On the other hand, you may have lost interest in dating after being single for years. Yet as you approach your golden years, you’re wondering if you should give dating another shot, even if you’ve built a fulfilling life without a partner.
There’s no doubt that dating in your fifties can pose some unique challenges. You may not know how to use a dating app, or you may not feel as confident in your appearance as you once did. Yet many women in their fifties have vibrant, exciting dating lives! Try these suggestions to embrace dating in your fifties and feel comfortable in your own skin.
1. Commit to More Social Activities
In order to meet new people, you’ll need to attend lots of social events. Your first instinct might be to look into events for singles in your area, which is a good start. However, don’t hesitate to accept invitations to all kinds of events. You never know where you might bump into your next partner! Whether you’re at a casual barbecue in your neighbor’s backyard, a workout class, or a meeting for a volunteer group, stay open to new connections.
Furthermore, you don’t have to wait for someone else to invite you to a gathering. Be willing to sign up for new activities or check out meetup groups on your own. By introducing yourself to people, you’ll be able to meet new friends and potential partners.
2. Give Online Dating a Try
If you’ve only ever gone on dates with people you’ve met in person, it’s normal to feel a bit nervous about the idea of signing up for a dating app. However, this can be a fun way to meet new people. It never hurts to give online dating a try, and if you find that it’s not for you, it’s okay to delete your apps! Make a profile that reflects your interests and what you want out of a relationship, and ask one of your friends to look it over if you want to get some pointers.
Remember, you should still keep your security in mind when dating online. You do not have to reveal any personal information about yourself that might put your safety at risk. Pick a safe, public location for first dates, and let a friend know where you’ll be and when they should expect you to come home.
3. Be Straightforward
When you’re young, it can be hard to tell someone how you truly feel. Furthermore, lots of young people feel nervous about letting someone know whether they want an exclusive, committed relationship, or if they would prefer to simply keep things casual. But once you’re in your fifties, you’ll find that being straightforward about what you want benefits you and any potential partners. Don’t waste time beating around the bush.
4. Let Go of the Idea of Dating “Milestones”
You do not have to get engaged, move in with a partner, get married, or move forward with any specific milestones to make your relationship “real.” In your fifties, you can live separately while dating, commit without expectations of marriage, and let go of the pressure to achieve any relationship milestones. That’s the beauty of dating in your fifties!
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Are you interested in meeting a new partner, yet hesitant to enter the dating scene? Couples therapy can help. Reach out to us to find out more about scheduling your first appointment.