7 Tips for dating over 50
Dating over 50 is just as exciting as dating in your 20s, 30s, and 40s, but it can be hard to take the leap into the unknown if you haven’t dated for a while. However, by using a personalised dating service, you can banish some of your dating concerns by putting your trust in matchmaking professionals.
Here, we share our tips for dating over 50 and hope to inspire you to embark on an exciting dating adventure with us to find your perfect match.
1. Use a personalised matchmaking service
Avoid tricky dating apps, technology-led dating, and swiping left or right, with a bespoke matchmaking service. Relationships are supposed to be personal and the introduction of technology to dating may work for some, but it takes the heart and personality out of something that’s supposed to be fun and significant.
When you choose to use our personalised matchmaking service to find a potential spark, you can be confident that the people you’re matched with are serious about finding a meaningful connection and won’t waste your valuable time.
2. Consider what you’re looking for
Making the decision to start dating again over 50 is an important one, and you owe it to yourself to spend time considering exactly what you’re looking for, what you’d like to find in a potential match, what you know won’t work for you, and what your relationship values are.
When you have your first conversation with us, we’ll ask you these important questions, so we get a full understanding of the type of match we need to find for you. It’s ok if you’re not 100% sure about what you’re looking for, but any information you can provide will help us find matches that could have great potential.
3. Find the perfect first date outfit
Getting ready for a first date can be daunting, and ensuring you feel good in what you’re wearing will mean you can head off to meet your match with confidence. Your first date outfit should be something you feel comfortable in, fits well, and is appropriate for the restaurant, bar, or activity you’ve chosen. For example, you’ll want to wear something dressy for a gourmet dining experience or casual for a walk around a picturesque garden.
It can be useful to ask a trusted friend for advice when choosing your first date outfit, especially if the idea of deciding what to wear is causing anxiety. A friend can provide an honest opinion on what suits you, or even accompany you on a fun pre-date shopping trip to find something new.
4. Share with family and friends
On the topic of friends, sharing that you’re going to start dating with loved ones can provide a confidence boost. Plus, they’ll be able to support you if you’re feeling nervous. It’s fun to discuss dates with friends, and this can help you to work out your own feelings about the matches you meet too.
If you have children from a previous relationship, the thought of letting them know you’re dating can be a concern, especially if they’re older and might have a strong opinion on the matter. Be honest, share the reasons why you’d like to start dating again, and let them know you’re happy to answer any questions they have or address any worries.
5. Try something new
When dating over 50, one of the most difficult hurdles can be simply trying something new and taking yourself out of your comfort zone. If you’re settled into a routine and have concerns about disrupting this with dating, it’s often hard to take the leap into the unknown.
It can be helpful to do a few other adventurous things before joining our matchmaking agency to get you used to the idea of doing something that isn’t part of your usual routine. For example, you could host a dinner party, join an exercise class, attend a book club, or arrange a day out to somewhere you haven’t been before. By doing something that scares you a little bit (in a good way), you can prepare yourself for the completely natural anxiety dating over 50 can bring.
6. Take your time
When rejoining the dating game, it can be easy to put too much pressure on yourself to get on with the first person you’re matched with. Although we put unparalleled amounts of time and effort into creating matches that we believe have great potential, there won’t always be the spark you’re looking for – and that’s ok.
Of course, it’s disappointing when a first date you’ve been excited about doesn’t work out, but there will be other matches and opportunities that will be just as exciting. With this in mind, take the time to get to know your date, don’t put pressure on yourself, and have fun.
7. Be honest
When you go on a date and you don’t feel the spark you were hoping for, it’s important to be honest and tell your date this in a kind way. It may be that they feel the same way, but they may be disappointed if they were hoping for a second date.
Disappointing someone is never a nice feeling, but it’s important that you don’t waste their time – or your own – by letting them believe you’re interested in pursuing things when you’re not. People are often nervous on a first date which can mean you don’t see their true self and a second date may be a good idea. However, if you’re sure there’s no potential, let them down gently and move on.
If you’re over 50 and would like to start dating, we can help you find amazing potential matches with our award-winning bespoke matchmaking service. Become a Select Personal Introductions member and you can enjoy a huge range of benefits, from a dedicated matchmaker to dating support and advice.
Find out more about our personalised matchmaking service or simply sign up online today to start your dating journey.