Shruti MehtaSome people say, “40s are the new 20s!”. Without diving deep into the numbers, we truly believe that there is no age to attain what your heart desires, have new experiences, and feel emotions. One such experience is dating! Dating in the 40s can be tough but looking at the flip side, it is a different nuance altogether.
An individual grows with the odds they face and the experiences they have. One has more exposure to life in the 40s than in their 30s or 20s. This might be fruitful in bringing them clarity about their wish for their lives and who they want as their partner. But it is a known fact that one requires guidance throughout their life for various aspects. So, if you are in your 40s and are willing to give a shot at dating, these dating tips might be just for you!
Dating in the 40s? 7 Sincere Tips
1. Ready, Steady, and Go
The title might sound cliché but this is an essential tip for dating in the 40s. Whether you are someone who has not given a shot to dating, had taken a break, are divorced, or had bitter experiences, this suggestion is applicable to all. It is essential that you prepare yourself physically and mentally to enter the wide dating world.
Some might go out all the way, and take this as an inspiration to hit the gym and feel their confident selves. But what we mean is for you to be comfortable and confident in your body. Being prepared mentally too is equally important. Keeping an open mind is necessary and accepting the fact that the date might go either way is of great aid. That doesn’t mean you stop. You made up your mind to find love this time around, and a bad match shouldn’t deter you. This dating tip is a game-changer and will give you a boost of stability to set your foot in the dating world.
2. Just be You
This thought might be very evident yet is of utmost importance to reach the crux of it. Now that you have hit your 40s, people do expect you to conduct yourself in a certain way or present yourself depending on your age. But we would like to suggest to you that it would be in your best interests if you would be your authentic self without the filters of what society expects you to be or what your date might imagine you to be.
It might be a deal-breaker for many people but it would save you from investing your time and efforts in a relationship where you are appreciated only if you are a certain way. This will also help you in navigating your way towards a partner who can cherish you for being yourself and shedding the garb of expectations to a great extent.
3. Pause the Hesitation
By adhering to the last dating tip, you have taken the first step towards shedding your hesitation. But this is not all! Taking steps and mustering enough courage to experiment is vital too. Never be hesitant to make the first move. If you find someone attractive, approach them. They might either appreciate your move or rebuke it. But as we mentioned earlier, keeping an open mind is the key, and acceptance and rejections are part of a dating life.
There is no age to be adventurous and if your 40s have spiked your interest in experiments and adventures, there is nothing like it! Don’t hesitate to try new things and scratch the surface to dig deeper. By this time, you might have developed a ‘type’ which may result in you meeting people who are very similar. Let go of this type and you might meet more interesting people. Also, remember that making efforts is important, and don’t hesitate to make some efforts too.
4. The Online Dating Game
If you have been out of the dating game for a while, you might want to consider making a comeback online and eventually put yourself all out there. Strengthening your online dating game is a crucial dating tip for people over 40. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of online dating as there are a lot of layers to it.
First and foremost, set your profiles on multiple dating apps. Next, be true to yourself yet have a unique profile because it might be difficult for people to have an insight into someone by reading a generic description. Also, use the most recent photographs to not keep anyone in an illusion. Highlighting the last dating tip again, don’t be hesitant to make the first move and be ready for the consequences as well. Things might not be great in the beginning but be patient and you will get the hang of things eventually.
5. Practice Patience
As easy as it might sound, maintaining patience is not as simple as one thinks. Though you are now sailing through your 40s, you still may not have nailed the art of practicing patience. It sounds very basic but practicing patience is the key.
Each and every aspect requires this skill. Be it during the time you or your date opens up or make efforts to sustain the relationship, manage time efficiently or handle other responsibilities. Patience shows its importance. It is also salient that you allow things to go with the flow and not hasten anything or it will dampen your relationship even before it is formed. While some might be just a newbie in the dating swarm, others might be heartbroken from the death of their partner, divorce, etc, and might have kids. It is essential to tread with caution while dating a partner with kids. Click here to know more.
6. Say NO to the No Strings Attached Relationship
If you are not an amateur in the dating world and had bitter past experiences which made you sour towards dating, this might be an eye-opener for you. While your past shenanigans might gravitate you towards the casual liaisons but our advice would be to tread with caution as in the long run these might be of no benefit to you.
The infamous no strings attached relationship might give you satisfaction for a while but it would leave you craving for stability sooner than later. You might think that finding love again in your 40s might be difficult and you would want to opt for casual dating. There is no harm in this but making it a habit might shake the stable grounds that your 40s might offer you. It is fathomable if you do not fancy a relationship but getting into constant casual flings might hinder the probable formation of a meaningful relationship in your life.
7. Keeping Things Light
Congratulations! Like you are sailing through your 40s, you have almost breezed through this post too! If you are dating in the 40s, our last suggestion would be to simply keep things light. It is very natural to overshare when you find someone who appears to be empathetic or a good listener. But it is necessary to be mindful of keeping things light for the early part of your dating days.
This is also inclusive of the fact to avoid mentioning your ex, if you have one, let alone bad-mouthing them. This would undoubtedly blow up your chances of having a budding romance. It would also make the other person see you in a sympathetic light. You definitely want your partner to see you as an equal and not a victim. This is going to deduct points so definitely be careful! If in the latter stages of your relationship, you wish to share your part of the story, share it respectfully and just go with the flow.
It is also fundamental to understand that dating in the 40s is not necessarily difficult but it is just different. Also, do not be afraid of what society or someone else would think. Don’t let your age be a boundary that restricts you to achieve what your heart wishes for! It is also crucial to steer clear of social media which would help you to keep a check on your expectations.
With this, we end our post ‘Dating in the 40s? 7 Sincere Tips.’ If you are still nervous about your first date, you might want to take a look at Upbeat First Date Ideas and Tips to Make a Good Impression on a First Date! We hope that these dating tips were helpful for those who are willing to give a chance to date in their 40s!
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