If you’re over 50 and single, dating might sound a little daunting. But the good news is that you can date (because there are millions of people 50 and older who are single in the US) and when you do start to date, you can build a relationship how you want. What we’ve learned about the 50 and older crowd is that a large percentage of them have already been married so they know more about what they want (or better yet, what they don’t want). So if you’re just getting out into the dating scene after a few years, you need to know that times have changed and dating is definitely not like how it was when you were in your 20’s!
If you are going to start dating in 2016, here are 4 things you need to know:
- Dating after 50 could mean that the person sitting across the restaurant table has more baggage in the form of financial issues, emotional issues, and/or are still raising or putting their children through college. Make sure you understand where the person is at in all aspects of their life and if they’re bringing with them an overnight bag of issues or hauling in a semi-truck full of problems. If it’s the latter, you may want to just split the tab and head home.
- Online dating has become increasingly popular over the years, with singles of all ages. If you do decide to explore online dating, be safe, especially when giving out personal information or meeting someone. If you’re going on a date, always tell someone else where you are going.
- Slow down the dating process. Just because you’re over 50 doesn’t mean you have to speed up the relationship process and hurry to the altar because you don’t want to be alone. Take your time to get to know those men or women who most interest you. Over time people will reveal all their life story once you have both built trust with each other.
- Before things get serious, be forthright in knowing everything about the other person. Dating is personal and you need to know everything. Ask questions about their finances, past relationships, family and health issues and everything in between. The more personal your conversations are early in the dating the process, the sooner you will know what you’re getting into – and if that is something you can handle.
Do you have any advice you’d give the 50 and older crowd on dating? Share your thoughts and suggestions below.