It doesn’t matter if you are dating for the first time in a while or if you’ve never quite left the dating pool, dating in your 50s is NOT something you should feel discouraged by, in fact, you are at an advantage! All the wisdom and experience you have gained throughout your life will help you find love and being more mature allows you to be more confident and skip the usual awkwardness that younger people might experience in the dating scene. Overall though, dating in (or over) your 50s is a unique experience that comes with its own challenges. Here are 3 tips from us on successfully dating in your 50s.
For more advice, we also have articles on First Date Red Flags and Love and Financial Security
1 – Have fun
This is our most important tip for anyone when dating. HAVE FUN. Dating is not a chore, it is an adventure. Use this opportunity to try a restaurant you wanted to visit or to go bowling for the first time. Being overly formal puts a lot of pressure on both of you so make sure you know what kind of date you want to have and don’t be afraid to make it clear what you want to do when you go out.
2 – Intimacy
One of the benefits of mature dating is you have experience with intimacy of all kinds and much of the pressures of youth no longer have the same impact. This is a great time to be clear with what kinds of intimacy you are willing to engage in and have a frank discussion with your partner about your wants, needs, and abilities.
3 – Live a full life
Before you decide to start dating, take inventory of your own life. Get involved in activities you enjoy and have meaningful hobbies you engage in. If you have a vibrant home life, it will show your date that you are self-assured, and an active participant in your life. In dating, 2 halves don’t make a whole, it takes two complete people to make a successful relationship.