True love never gets old
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Love isn’t just for the under-30 crowd.
This can come with both pros and cons.
On the plus side, it means greater wisdom and experience.
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On the downside, it can mean adapting to a changing dating culture.
Kids, marriage, and changing life circumstancesyou’ve dealt with it all.
Youre at a different point in your life, so the stakes have changed.
Youve got an established career, family, friends, and interests.
You dont want to start over.
What you really want is someone who complements your life.
The basics of dating over 50 aren’t really all that different from when you’re younger.
Plus, the dating pool has shifted, which may lead to varied experiences for men and women.
What worked well and what didn’t?
Your strengths are worth feeling confident about.
There are also steps you could take to boost your self-image.
It doesn’t mean giving yourself a complete makeover (unless you want to!
It’s also important toavoid comparing yourselfto others on the dating scene, including younger folks.
Unfortunately, research has shown that many dating sites promote a youthful idealeven those geared toward older daters.
Not only is the dating pool often smaller, but it might feel like all the rules have changed.
The need to adapt to a forever-evolving dating culture is one of the biggest challenges, according to Holton.
Swipe culture,love bombing,breadcrumbing, andcuffing seasonare just a few examples.
“Become the person within yourself that you desire in a partner.
Become the match you’re seeking,” she says.
It’s natural to feel this way, as we all want to feel included and accepted.
While websites and apps are great tools, don’t discount the appeal of in-person connections.
That includes online apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or video calls, she says.
Once youve chosen a dating site, its time tocreate a dating profilethat reflects the real, authentic you.
Choose a photo that accurately shows who you are today.
Pick a well-lit, relaxed image where you are smiling in a natural setting.
As you start interacting with potential matches, remember it can take time!
You may not click with the first (or second, or third) person you interact with.
Remember,always use cautionwhen meeting people you’ve met online.
Watch forred flags, including people who push for too much personal information and details right off the bat.
“If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Trust your instincts and pay attention to red flags.
You have the right to maintain your boundaries,” Holton says.
Focus on taking amindful approachto online dating.
Talking about expectations and goals early on can help minimize misunderstandings.
Relationships without boundaries tend to lead towards codependency, miscommunication, or even feeling like youve lost yourself.
But when boundaries ARE in place, both partners feel seen, heard, and considered.
You’ve got a life full of work, family, relationships, and other interests.
Don’t feel pressured to rush into something or put your own needs second.
Yes, you may be getting older, but there’s no expiration date on love.
Setting boundaries and taking things slow can help ensure you meet the right person at the right time.
Older daters often know themselves better and are more sure of themselves.
That means they are often quicker to spot when something isn’t working.
It’s all aboutcompatibility.
If something isnt working, consider it a learning experience and let yourself move on.
2020;8(1):22. doi:10.1186/s40359-020-0373-1
