When you go out on that first date with someone, what is that you’re looking for? For some people, it’s all about the goosebumps they develop, their smell, or their sense of humour. Whereas others may be more interested in the depth of the conversion they had. Irrespective of what it is you look for, it’s all about getting a positive vibe.
As you grow older, you start experiencing some changes of habit. The way you date included. Your priorities and goals of dating will naturally change as you grow older since you’re not the same person you were 10 years ago. So, for today’s post, I thought I’d talk about how dating tends to change as you get older, as well as sharing some of my top tips on dating throughout the different stages of your life. I hope you enjoy having a read.
DATING IN YOUR 20’S
Even though you’re still young, dating in your 20’s is so much fun! This is when you begin life as an adult; you may still be at school, partying, and travelling. At this stage in your life, you want to try out new things that you weren’t able to do in your teens.
The reason for dating at this age is mostly for social approval. You want to be seen with the prettiest girl as a guy, or the fittest guy as a girl; you are merely living in the moment and not taking things too seriously. Most people at this age date for the pleasure and fun of it, and there are no long-term goals from most relationships at this age.
But it’s only a matter of time before you graduate. And you’ll soon find yourself in your mid to late 20’s. At this stage, you’ll most likely start experiencing some changes, and you become more mature. You now have a life to live, a career to pursue, and you may feel like you’re ready to commit to someone.
Top tips for dating in your 20’s — Have fun! In the words of Mark Twain; life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never forget anything that makes you smile. I promise you won’t regret it.
DATING IN YOUR 30’S
In your 30’s, your life is beginning to shape up, and you’ll have a clear picture in your head of things that you want to achieve. At this age, you’ll have most likely figured out who you are, your hopes and fears, what makes you happy, and what to look out for in a partner. You may even start to wonder what you were playing at when you were in your 20’s!
Many people in their 30’s move past the dating phase within a year or two of meeting the right partner — someone who possesses most of the qualities they’re looking for. There’s no time to waste at this phase of your life as you’ll probably start thinking about settling down and starting a family.
By this point, you already have a career, and you’re doing just fine. And even though you’ll enjoy the odd night out with your friends or significant other, you won’t fancy dancing the night away at the hottest night clubs like you once did. Oh, no! By your late 30’s your ideal Friday night will be binge-watching the latest Netflix series with a packet of chocolate biscuits and a cup of tea. You might be laughing at the thought right now — but just you wait and see!
Top tips for dating in your 30’s — You have to be honest and realistic with whoever you are seeing at this point. Furthermore, it is vital that you discuss your goals and dreams early on in the relationship to avoid disappointment later on when you’ve given each other years of your lives. If you don’t, things can start to get complicated. Having this discussion fairly early means you can move on quickly if your goals don’t match and no compromise can be made. Remember, there is always someone out there looking for the same thing as you.
DATING IN YOUR 40’S
By the time you reach your 40’s, you’ll be more mature than ever before. And there’s a high chance you’ll have met lots of different people from around the world with diverse backgrounds. At this point, you must start thinking outside the box, and make the decision to expand your social circle. This time of your life demands that you remain positive and get noticed.
Dating in your 40’s is a little different from dating in your 20’s and 30’s. You may have been in a marriage that didn’t work out, and the same may apply for any potential partners that you’ll meet. There may even be commitments and attachments, such as children from previous marriages. But that doesn’t make dating impossible. You just have to be creative with your time and try to ensure that both you and your partner are on the same page.
Top tips for dating in your 40’s — You most definitely need to be more open-minded by this point. If you haven’t had any luck meeting anyone at social events or through friends by now maybe you could give online dating or speed dating a try? At this age, it’s easy to let yourself go a little and think there’s no point in dressing to impress. But if you look good, you feel good. And that really comes across when you’re trying to impress someone. So why not give yourself a complete makeover — go shopping and buy a couple of dresses that look lovely on you, eat healthily, hit the gym, and maybe even try a new hairstyle. It’s amazing what a few simple changes can do for your self-esteem!
DATING IN YOUR 50’S
Dating in your 30’s and 40’s is quite different from dating in your 50’s. Because, at 50, you’ve seen a lot. You’re beginning to have a different perspective on life, and you should be starting to look forward to your retirement. Dating in your 50’s, you are not a novice; instead, you’re re-entering the dating life. Sometimes, you may find it stressful. Others, you may find it exciting. But you must work towards achieving success as you would for any other important thing in your life.
It’s super important not to sit around waiting for love to come your way. Instead, you have to go out and find it. Most people dating in their 50’s are looking for fulfilment rather than mere pleasure. You’re looking for a best friend to spend the rest of your life with.
By this point in your life, you might find that you don’t want to get married again. And the best advice I can give you here is to just be honest and upfront with any potential new partners about this. If they genuinely like you, they won’t mind either way.
Top tips for dating in your 50’s — You have to stay positive and maintain a positive conversation. Any negative vibe is a complete turn-off. Tell your date amusing stories about yourself and leave the sad ones out of the conversation. Ask questions about things you would love to know about your date, listen attentively, and respond in the best way possible.
OVERVIEW
Although not everyone is the same (some people may be ready to settle down in their early 20’s, and some may still be playing the field at 50), I think you’ll find that my timeline of dating through each stage of your life is true for the majority. Just remember that there are new ways to find a date emerging all the time. You should embrace new opportunities, and act on your current situation rather than sit in one place waiting for a miracle to happen.
You don’t have to worry about being single anymore because you can meet new people looking for the same thing as you. Go out with them on a date and see if you get something beautiful out of the relationship. Good luck!
Louise x
