February is the month of love and there’s no reason why seniors shouldn’t date or fall in love again! That’s why we decided to make a blog about dating throughout your retirement, as getting back in the game may be challenging for many, especially if it’s been a long time. So, here are the dos and don’t of dating as a senior.
The Dos of Dating as a Senior
Let’s go over the dos first and some tips on how to date as a senior citizen. Some things have changed while others have stayed the same, but ultimately dating is about having fun.
#1 Set the Rules and the Boundaries
While things have changed in the dating world since you last checked in, you are the one who sets the rules and the boundaries on your dates. If you are nervous about kissing and you remember the time when there was no kissing on the first date – don’t kiss on the first date! The same goes for later on in the relationship.
#2 Meet in Public Places
This is one of the rules in the dating world now. Always meet in public places, especially for the first couple of dates. Things have changed since the past and nowadays safety is no longer guaranteed. So, you need to ensure your own safety. Pick places like a cinema, restaurant, or coffee shop for your first dates and wait until you go over to someone’s place or you bring someone over.
#3 Keep an Open Mind and Heart
Don’t start dating with a list of preferences like when you were a teenager. You may limit yourself or miss out on a great match for you! Keep in mind that older people have gone through life just like you have. So go into dating with an open mind and an open heart rather than ticking off boxes of your list. Maybe someone who wouldn’t have matched your expectations before proves to be a perfect match now!
#4 Be Open and Honest
Playing games or playing hard to get doesn’t even work for millennials anymore. So, if that’s dating as you last remember it, change your perspective. You are more mature now and so will be your prospective dates. Act naturally and be honest about yourself but also about your expectations. Now is also not the time to compromise being yourself to satisfy someone’s expectations.
#5 Focus On Enjoying Yourself
Remember – it’s not a job interview and you don’t have to find your next spouse. At least not right away! So, focus on enjoying and having fun. Maybe your date doesn’t end up as your spouse but as a new, cherished friend! Who knows? The point is to enjoy meeting new people and hope for the best!
The Don’Ts of Dating as a Senior
There are also some mistakes seniors make when dating. We will go over the most common ones so you can avoid doing these things when you start dating.
#1 Don’t Dwell In the Past
Whether it’s about being sad or disappointed that the dating world isn’t what it was or comparing the new people you meet with your former love – don’t. Also, don’t bring past trauma into your new relationship and make new people pay for the sins of others. The past is the past. Let it be behind you and let go of it.
#2 Don’t Take Online Dating Too Personally
Younger people are well-versed when it comes to online dating. If you choose to go this route and open a profile on a site, you should know not to take online dating too personally. That goes for rejections but also when things are going well. Remember, online dating is just the first step and a chance to meet someone better, not a relationship in and of itself.
#3 Don’t Rush Into Anything
Don’t start dating too soon. Wait until you are ready. And when you do start dating, don’t rush things. If things are going great right off the bat, don’t delete your online profile right away (if you have one) or rush into a relationship or worse, marriage. Give yourself and your relationship time.
#4 Don’t Talk About Your Health Issues on the First Date
Don’t talk about your prostate or your veins on the first date! Yes, you should be open and honest and it’s a talk worth having but later on! Many people have such challenges and they should be disclosed so your relationship is better and easier. It’s just a boring topic for the first date. First dates should be fun and lighthearted.
#5 Don’t Give Up Too Soon
Don’t get too sad or give up easily if you don’t meet the right person right away. Dating is different now and there are many more options, but that doesn’t always have to be a good thing. You might encounter some bad apples before you meet the right person. So, have patience and don’t give up easily.
Good Luck With Dating, Seniors!
Plenty of seniors have done great in the dating world and there’s no reason why you wouldn’t. You just need to be patient, not give up, and have faith. And we wish you the best of luck!
