Dating in your senior years may sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s been a few months or 50 years since you went on a date, here are a few pieces of advice every senior should think about before heading out into the dating scene.
Know what you’re looking for (and establish that upfront!)
Maybe you’re looking for someone to see the world with post-retirement. Or someone to share your love of cooking. Or someone who likes a good book and a weekend at the cabin. Being direct with your potential suitor is a good way to establish if this is a match right away. While every relationship requires compromise, you should be honest with your dates about your relationship goals.
Go online!
Don’t be intimidated by that advice. Online dating is a trend that’s here to stay and seniors have many options when it comes to choosing a dating site. If you’re worried about the technology aspect, there are many user-friendly sites such as AARP Dating that will walk you through setting up an account. Otherwise, this could be a great time to take a computer class and learn some basic skills. Who knows- you may even meet someone in the class!
Things may be a little different, in a good way!
If you haven’t dated in many years, don’t worry- most things haven’t changed much. However, there may be a few new experiences in your introduction back to dating. For men, don’t be surprised if a woman offers to pay for her own dinner. This is a newer tradition that occurs frequently now with younger people who are just getting to know each other. For women, don’t be shy to ask a man out on a date. It happens often and could be a great experience!
Exercise caution.
As always, be cautious when you agree to a date. Especially if you’re online dating, be sure to let someone you trust know where you’re going in case the date is not what you anticipated it to be. Most people are honest about their intentions, but it’s always good to err on the side of caution.
For the most part, dating as a senior is a really fun experience! Putting yourself out there is a great way to find love. If you’re honest and open to new people, you’ll have a great time exploring the dating world in your post-retirement years. You may even find someone to spend the rest of your life with.
