Single, over 50, and wanting to start dating again – but not sure how to navigate the brave new world of online love? Don’t worry, you’re not alone: many 50+ singles dating after divorce or the end of a long-term relationship find that the game has changed dramatically since they were last on the market. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing…
In fact, many singles over 50 discover that these new dating technologies actually make it easier than it used to be to find a connection with someone compatible. You can embrace the changes and use dating apps to your advantage – all it takes is the right dating advice.
SilverSingles is here to help. We look at the signs that show you’re really ready to start dating again, and focus on four factors that can help you make the most of this new adventure.
The signs that you’re ready to start dating again
Step one of getting back into dating as a 50+ single is to make sure that you’re in the right head space for a new relationship. This is especially important if you’re among the many singles over 50 who are dating after divorce or separation: you don’t have to forget your past, but you’ll have the most success with new love if you’ve accepted and healed any past hurts.
So how can you know that you’re in this headspace? When do you know that it’s time to start dating again? There’s no universal answer, as dating and romance mean different things to different people. But, there are a few signs that might hint you’re ready to be dipping a toe back in the dating pool:
- You’re no longer angry or sad when you think about your ex: your memories might be bittersweet, but you’re ultimately grateful for your time together
- You want to start dating again for you – not to make someone jealous, or because your friends are all couples
- You have some deal breakers, but you also know that there’s no such thing as a 100% perfect ‘dream’ partner
- You want to give love as much as you want to recieve it
- You’re willing to be proactive about seeking love, rather than waiting for it to find you
- The idea of dating again makes you excited and hopeful (and only a little bit nervous!)
How to start dating again: four factors to help you make the most of it
So you know that you’re ready to start dating again, but just how do you go about it? We’ve found the four factors that you need to keep in mind when getting back into dating.
1. Be progressive – embrace the new technology
If it’s been a few years (or even decades!) since you were last single, the thought of how much the dating game has changed can be a bit intimidating. Yet, it’s important to not let that kind of thinking dominate. The rise of online dating doesn’t have to be scary, especially if you stop thinking of it as an interloper and start thinking of it as a tool that can help you get back to dating with a bit of panache.
Yes, dating now might be different from how things used to be. But that’s not a bad thing! In fact, it could be argued that online technologies have actually made it easier to start dating again. Take SilverSingles for example; when you join our site, you become part of a community of other singles dating after 50, so there’s no more being surrounded by too-young singles, and no more guesswork or surreptitious hunting for wedding rings. What’s more, on SilverSingles, our focus is on personality-based matchmaking, so not only are your matches at a similar stage of life, they’ll also be compatible with your life in particular.
The convenience of internet dating means that it’s no wonder that the over-50s are the fastest growing group of online daters! Join them, embrace the new tech, and you’ll find your dating sphere growing and growing.¹
2. Be realistic about the pace you set
While online dating is a fantastic way for 50+ singles to meet new people and start dating again, it’s also important to be realistic about your romantic goals and the time frame you set for yourself.
While some lucky people do indeed find love with their first online message, or go from first coffee date to moving in within months, it’s important not to expect things to go at this clip. In fact, you may find that you don’t even want them to!
When you start dating again, especially after a long-term relationship, it can often feel less pressured to ease yourself into the dating scene, rather than aiming for another exclusive relationship right off the bat. Take your time, go on multiple coffee or dinner dates to see who’s out there, and save the talk of taking things further for when you meet someone really special.
3. Be optimistic about who you might meet
Setting a gentle, realistic pace is a great way to start dating again successfully. Another way to enhance your dating prospects is to make sure that you try and keep a sunny, optimistic attitude.
This is important on several counts. Firstly, a healthy dose of optimism will make the dating process so much easier. If you have a bad or dull date (hey, it happens to us all), it’s much easier to bounce back if you can tell yourself that it was just one bump in the road that will lead you to a happy relationship.
Secondly, optimism is attractive! People who are happy and motivated are fun to be around, and great candidates for a second date. That doesn’t mean you have to be a 24/7 Pollyanna, just that you might have more luck at dating again if you think about what makes you wonderful, rather than dwelling on any negatives.²
4. Above all, enjoy yourself!
If there’s one tip that’s really useful for those wanting to start dating again after 50, it’s this: have fun. It’s important to remember that you’re about to embark on adventure, so you might as well enjoy it. Keep your heart open, take advantage of the technology that will help you find a compatible connection, and you’ll be acing the mature dating game before you know it.
Are you ready to start dating again? Do you want to meet other singles dating after 50? Then join SilverSingles and find a community of like-minded singles. Try us today!
About the author: The Editorial Team
Bringing you the very latest dating trends, relationship advice and news from Inside SilverSingles, the Editorial Team are on hand to guide you through the online dating game...