Dating After 50 – Tips on Returning to The Dating Scene

If after 20 years you find yourself back in the dating scene, there might be a minor culture shock at just how different dating is in the 2000s. Today, online dating is more prevalent than ever, technology has made meeting other people less personal, and more millennial’s are waiting longer to get married than in the past. Though this new dating environment might feel difficult to get used to, with the right approaches, profiling, and perseverance, men 50 and over can still find your right match to cultivate a genuine connection. We can help with this blog – Dating After 50 – Tips on Returning to The Dating Scene.

Realize some things never change, but the situation may.

Sure, dating after 50 is more modernized, but don’t underestimate the power of traditions that can form lasting relationships. It should go without saying that good manners never go out of style. Being prompt for your first meeting, holding the door open for your date, show interest in them, be an excellent listener (probably the most important), and always remain polite. True, these are the fundamentals of dating that have withstood the tests of time but are essential for you to adopt if you have not done so already.

And as we refresh our etiquette awareness, it’s an opportune time to talk about what dating might mean in the 21st century. Unless you’ve been utterly out of touch for the past few years, you need to understand that the feminine mystique has been through a social awakening of late. Dating now means you also acknowledge individuality, respect boundaries without question or comment, and appreciate the probability that the lady sitting across from you has most likely seen inequality, or even sexual harassment, in her lifetime. A little thoughtfulness and a lot of compassion will go a long way!

Setting up an online dating profile

Did you know that on Match.com, the 50+ age group is their fastest-growing demographic? This means you have so many people out there that can be potential matches for you, and it is worth signing up for one (or two or three) to see your options. There are some commonsense rules in this and think through your profile strategically. For instance:

• Be completely honest in your profile. Some hot topics that will kill that first date:
  • Share your actual fitness level, not what you want to be. You don’t want to be surprised at that first meeting, nor will your date.
  • Be straight about your marital status. If you’re married and looking for a casual acquaintance, there are specific sites for that. Best to keep the standards like eHarmony, Match, or Zoosk to the single folks. We’ve written a piece on the Top 4 Dating Sites you can access here.
• Be open about what you are looking for in a partner and what your ideal age gaps limits are.
• List your deal breakers but be realistic and positive about your expectations. Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and learning about someone may take a little while. Being exhaustive with the “turnoffs” may come across as uncompromising.
• Always use an updated profile picture. It may be tempting to use a perfect photo from 10 years ago, but that is being dishonest, which noted above will only disservice you and the other seekers. There are basic suggestions for pictures that should keep you in “good graces”
  • Provide a minimum of four pictures and no more than ten and vary the settings. For example, have a couple in casual (or business) attire, a few engaging in a favorite activity like hiking or a concert, and have at least one full-length image.
• Display positivity, enthusiasm, and authenticity so people searching can get a reliable feel of who you are as a person and if they can see themselves with someone like you long-term.

What to wear

What you wear will be part of the first impression you give off, so make sure it is a good one. Unless you’re taking your date to a gubernatorial fundraiser, a tux and tie are unnecessary and casual to semi-casual should be fine for the first dates. Key is to make sure your impression is one of sincere interest in the date and you’ve put a little thought in how you dressed.

Above all, avoid wearing clothing to look younger. Dress for the occasion and for your age or you may end up looking like you have aging self-esteem issues. We have an assortment of casual fashion blogs you can read through here. A good pair of jeans, button-down shirt, and a sports coat/blazer should be all you need.

Be mentally prepared for the first date

Let’s be honest here. Just because the dating sites love to market their successes, dating is still dating. Unless you know something about your date beforehand, this is still a stranger (mostly) sitting across from you and probably having the same thoughts as you. Remind yourself of that. It’s ok to be nervous, that’s an excellent thing, it means you’re human. They may be nervous or excited as well, or apprehensive and guarded. By preparing yourself ahead of time to be thinking about what they are going through removes some of your own natural uneasiness and will boost your confidence.

One thing I strive for on a first date is to find something TO DO. First dates are awkward enough in having to explain who you are to a stranger in an hour or two. By using an activity to draw away the pressure of the initial “meet and greet” you can put your date at ease and let them be themselves. For example, I’m passionate about wine, so I like to have that first meeting at a wine tasting. It takes the pressure off the two of us having to push a conversation. Plus, it’s something I know a little about so I’m comfortable going into the date.

Final Thoughts

Dating after 50 (and beyond) does not have to feel like a daunting experience. You may have less hair, maybe a few more wrinkles, but you have maturity, wisdom, and temperament on your side. Realize you have a lot to offer in a relationship and deserve to be happy. Carry that confidence into your dating life and enjoy yourself again! No matter how old you are, you can still find the love and support a dedicated partner can provide. There are millions of single people out there, and if you want to find the best person for you, all you have to do is begin.

We hope that you’ve found some useful information on Dating After 50 – Tips on Returning to The Dating Scene. As always, if you don’t see something here you want us to cover, feel free to reach out to us directly through our Contact page or leave a comment below. Stay healthy and happy! ~ Glen.