Tips for Dating over 50

It doesn’t matter what age you are or what generation you belong to—dating is a fun and exciting endeavor that can change your life if you meet the right person. But that's a big “if,” and dating doesn't always yield instant results.

For potential daters in their 50s, it's likely that they haven't been part of the dating game for some time. As if putting yourself out there wasn't hard enough, feeling rusty can lead some to have second thoughts, self-doubt and misgivings about dating again.

Don’t worry! You’ll find that it’s just like riding a bike. The only problem people seem to have is overcoming their fear and anxiety to take the first step. At times dating can feel like taking an icy plunge, but keep the following tips in mind if you are over 50 and find yourself back in the game in no time. Cute intro!

Overcome the Fear of Uncertainty

It is all too easy to fall into a routine that keeps you well protected within your comfort zone. We become so accustomed to our safe little social bubble that it can cause stress and anxiety to stick our necks out and meet new people. But that’s part of the fun of dating – you never really know what is going to happen. Instead of fearing the uncertain, acknowledge that you will grow as a person by having exciting new social experiences.

Take Action to Change Your Life

There’s an old adage that says, “If all you ever do is all you’ve ever done, all you’ll ever get is all you’ve ever got!” To put it more simply, a lifestyle change demands changes in your behavior as well as the actions you take and the choices you make. You can sit around your house dreaming of your perfect match all day or even register on a dating site, but do these choices make you an action taker or an action faker?

In the end, you’re eventually going to need to reach out to someone and take risks. If you find risk taking difficult, compare what you stand to gain with what you stand to lose. What’s really the worst case scenario? Rejection? The upside to your risk is infinitely more valuable – you could develop a relationship that lasts for the rest of your life! In short, you stand to gain a lot more than you stand to lose. Take a deep breath, calm your mind, and take action!

Stay Calm, Cool, Collected, and Confident

Mental calmness and confidence are two of the most important factors in dating. If you are so nervous you can barely speak, you will come off as anxious and untrustworthy. Plus, it will make it difficult for your date to get to know you. Just relax and don’t beat yourself up if you stutter or say the wrong thing. If your date is already attracted to you, they could find it cute and endearing – but if you have negative thoughts about your mistakes your self-esteem will crumble in the blink of an eye. Remember to remain confident throughout your date, as it can drastically affect the way your date perceives you subconsciously.