Valentine's Day might be the holiday devoted to love, but for many people, the holidays create romantic atmospheres and longings. Whether you're binging Hallmark Christmas movies full of new couples or have had your eye on the senior dating scene a while, there's no time like the present to put yourself out there. Because you're never too old to get to know other people and find new love. And even if you don't find your next happily ever after, dating can be a great way to enjoy like-minded fellowship and remain active.
Here are some tips for dating as a senior.
Yes, the entire reason behind dating is to connect with and get to know someone else. But they don't need to know everything. Your bank account information is probably best left off the table completely, for example, and you may not want to divulge where you live or hang out until you've met someone and formed a comfortable and trustworthy connection.
While plenty of other seniors are out there looking for legitimate connections, there are, unfortunately, less reputable people who use senior dating as a way to scam older adults out of money. Trust your instincts and cut connection when you see red flags, such as immediate discussions of money or asking for money.
Seniors know that younger people often rush through things, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. Use your experience and wisdom to avoid making those same mistakes, and take the dating journey slow so you can enjoy it.
Starting small also takes the pressure off of meeting new people. If you say you're going to meet for coffee or spend half an hour walking the assisted living community grounds, you can evaluate how you feel about the other person, how conversation goes and whether you're comfortable spending more time with them. Then you can move on to bigger commitments, such as lunch or dinner.
One thing you might have decided because of your past experience is that you don't have the time to deal with people who don't want to treat you right. If someone can't be honest with you, doesn't respect you and doesn't seem committed to giving you the attention dating requires, they may not be the right romantic partner. The same goes in reverse, though. Be prepared to be honest about what you're looking for and commit to spending time with a person if you choose to further your relationship with them.
Finally, if you are interested in dating, don't let your loved ones derail you. They may be shocked that you're getting back out there, but sometimes it's none of their business. Don't feel compelled to tell them everything, and if you do want to talk about your dating life, take a confident approach and let people know that you've made up your mind and would enjoy their support.
