Valentine's Day 2023: Dating Tips For Single Seniors With Young Hearts Who Are Ready To Mingle

Valentines Day: Dating Tips For Seniors

Is dating believed to be only young people's game? Should age be a factor when finding love or companionship in later life? Absolutely not! It is also for people who are young at heart even in their 70s, 80s, 90s or more.

Negative stereotypes and pessimistic cultures may have persuaded you that finding love in the second innings of your life is so impossible that a person should give up their dreams or every hope for a partner.

Qualitative data collected through a study by Kris Bulcroft and Margaret O Corner revealed that 35 people aged 60 years or more who were currently dating placed greater emphasis on the companionate nature of the relationships rather than accentuating the passionate aspects of later life dating and that the dating partner typically provides the emotional and sexual outlet which cannot be attributed to other members in the social members in the social networks of the older people.

This concludes that dating or having companionship in the later stages can act as a barrier while dealing with loneliness in life. Also, dating in the latter stages of life can be beneficial because it can increase the chances of getting a partner who is truly right for you.

Also, finding love at any age can be daunting in itself and no it doesn't happen every day and with everyone. What makes it difficult? Overwhelming commitments, nagging family members, and our ticking clocks always leave us in splits. The worse is when children fear that finding love in old age in the case of their parents will leave them ostracized by societies and bring inheritance issues to the forefront as well.

While most of us have grown with the idea that marriage is not for one life but seven lifetimes to come, especially in India and therefore, finding a partner or looking for a partner after either one of them has passed away is never the norm and doesn't fit well with the society.

Well, thankfully time is changing and so is the idea of finding love. Be it online or traditional dating, when it comes to forging a romantic connection there are some rules you need to abide by. We have curated tips that will help you to succeed in love.

1. Know Each Other First

Dating is flexible when it comes to age and numbers and therefore, this is not a thing for just millennials. Staying in the shallow end of the pool can appear to be too safe and so take a plunge and ask the right questions. Know the strengths and understand the weaknesses. Do not ask for a number on your first date if you both were into online dating. Trust cannot develop in a jiffy so just go with the flow.

2. Work On Yourself To Look Best

When interests or activities get aligned, physical features take a back seat. But, why stop yourself from looking your best when it comes to dating? Keeping yourself healthy should not stop with age and taking care of yourself must not diminish either. Wear clothes that accentuate your curve or fit your body type, and get yourself a facial or a hair makeover. You can even go shopping together with your date and ask them about their style and preferences.

3. Be Authentic And Do Not Lie About Your Age

Do not create a foundation of dishonesty when it comes to commitment. Trust will only build over time and therefore, betrayal in the initial stages of a relationship can be a deal breaker. If you are going for online dating, then choose an image that will reveal or give an idea about your current age. Avoid adding older photos to your profile simply to appear younger. This will not help when you meet them in person.

4. Put Realistic Expectations Before Relationship Goals

Do not get inspired by movies or tv shows where words like 'forever', 'never', or 'eternal' are used to describe a relationship. Be realistic if you are going for a long-term relationship then it is better to focus on the pros and cons than to paint a rosy picture. Even perfect relationships need work and effort to grow. Underline the risks involved and if you feel someone is too good to be true, then go with your instinct.

5. Avoid Red Flags, Beige Ones Too

While some red flags are very obvious, others can be subtle and can be difficult to recognize. If you are looking for a serious relationship then anyone who is unsure, or casual is not a good fit. Also, if you come across someone who is treating you as an option and not as a priority or questioning your interests, well, shut the door in that direction immediately. In short, if someone is not giving clear answers, detach yourself from that person.

6. Do Not Engage In Small Talks And Make Meaningful Connections

While small talks are easy and simple, it will never help you make meaningful conversations. Sharing information that will reveal your or your partner's weaknesses, vulnerabilities and strengths will help you both to bond better. You should be able to behave silly or become serious in front of them. You can share more by refreshing your profile when it comes to online dating, or communicating better when meeting your date in person.

7. Be Patient, Take Things Slowly

Learn to be patient and sometimes slow burn is more useful in the long run than an instant spark. Let your relationship develop organically, do not rush things. In real life, falling in love can take longer time than expected and just one date is not enough to understand whether the person is right for you or not. You may not be attracted to each other initially, but with time you can be fond of each other, who knows?

8. Learn To Politely Say No Without Ruffling Feathers
Not all dates are fruitful, some are lessons and you need to tackle them well. If you feel that something is not right or it will not work out, be polite and direct. People appreciate it when you are honest. You do not need to remember every line before ending things with an individual. You can write a text and customise it and send it to them when the time is right for you.