Member Article

Older Dating: Staying True to Yourself

The dating world moves rather quickly these days, and it is easy to lose yourself if you are not careful. Older dating, or mature dating, comes with some special considerations. If you are branching out into the world of online dating, you may not know where to start. Read on for tips regarding building your online profile and first dates!

Building Your Online Profile

Objectively describing oneself may be one of the most difficult tasks out there. When asked to describe a friend’s positive attributes and characteristics, most of us have no problem railing off an extensive and flattering list. However, when we are asked to describe ourselves, watch out! Many of us will find ourselves on one end of a staring contest with a blank text box for quite some time. Try a few of the following tips.

Just like you would graciously help a friend, do you have a friend that truly knows you that could help you put how great you are into words? Perhaps you could embark on this journey together. Approach your profile as an outsider. As yourself what you would like to know about a potential partner, and go from there. Be honest. It helps no one to create an online profile that does not reflect who you are as a person. Be upfront about the values that you hold in high regard, your appearance, your sense of humor, and your likes and dislikes - while keeping the balance on the positive side. This will only help to ensure that compatible matches are made, and that you do not waste your time. Have you been using the same profile pic for all social media sites for years? Enlist a helper to take some new, updated pictures that showcase you in a variety of lights settings.

Approaching the First Date

That first date with a potential match brings with it a whole new level of nervousness. What should you wear, how should you act, it can all feel very much like an audition. Don’t worry the person sitting across from you is likely feeling the same way you are. Just relax!

Remember to have fun! While you may be looking for a partner to spend eternity with, try to scale back and just enjoy your evening. A relaxed attitude will shine through. Avoid hot button topics on a first date. Religion, politics, financial trouble, and drama at work may be occupying your mental space much of the time, but they are often downers when it comes to first date conversation. Try to focus on things that make you happy and that you are passionate about. Remember to ask questions and to listen! Nothing shouts future life partner quite like someone who has the ability to truly listen when you are talking. It is a quality unlike any other. Show that you are interested in the other person by asking questions.

Getting back out there can be intimidating, but it can also be lots of fun. Remember, older dating can be an adventure!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sandra Baker .