Dating in “later life” is often viewed with disdain and spoken about in hushed tones as if there’s some kind of implied failure for not already being in a committed relationship. However, there are many different reasons why you might be saying in your 40s; maybe a previous relationship didn’t work out as you expected, or perhaps your lifestyle meant that you had no time for romance. It doesn’t matter what the reason is; we’re here to tell you that finding love in your 40s can be FUN!
In many ways, dating in your 40s and beyond is very liberating because you won’t be burdened by some of your previous needs and desires. You’re unlikely to be looking for a partner to start a family with, which crosses off one very significant hurdle! You’ll also recognize that it’s unreasonable to expect a potential partner to be completely inexperienced; by the time you reach your 40s, everyone has a history of some kind. All of these things make it more relaxing when you’re on the dating scene, and together with the confidence that comes with age, you might actually find it easier this time around.
Of course, the one area which can be a bit trickier is finding compatible singles. There’s a far greater choice when you’re younger, and you can simply walk into the nearest bar or club. When you’re in your 40s, you might not want to hang out at the same kind of nightspots, and even if you do, the choice of singles may be limited. The solution is to join WantMatures instead, the online site where you’ll find oodles of singles to choose from.
Register for free with WantMatures today and discover how to find love after 40!
Although you might have a newfound confidence and swagger, there are some drawbacks to dating in your 40s. You or your partner may have children from a previous relationship, or you may need to try and organize your lives around two busy careers. Gone are the days when a woman sat at home waiting for her man; in the modern world, females are just as likely to have a successful career.
You may also be out of practice if you’re just returning to the singles game after a long-term relationship. Things have changed greatly in recent years, and if you haven’t been single for more than a decade, the new “rules” of dating will feel very unfamiliar!
But probably the most difficult thing is your coupled-up friends trying to find you a match. They mean well, but the other singles they set up for a blind date with you are usually a very long way from your perfect partner!
The solution is to register for free on our site. As well as expert advice such as over-40 dating tips, you’ll also find an abundance of men and women who are interested in meeting over 40 singles.
Our chat rooms are the easiest place to find love after 40. Friendships can easily blossom naturally, which in time can turn into deep feelings and a long-term relationship. Finding love in your fourth decade and beyond doesn’t need to be difficult. Register for a free account today and start connecting with others.
Knowing how to date after 40 means having insight into your past and what it’s taught you. Your previous romantic relationships should allow you to identify what works for you and what it is that you particularly enjoy. Some people like to involve their partner heavily in their lives, while others find greater satisfaction by retaining more independence. There’s no right or wrong answer; it’s just about finding someone who’s compatible with your needs.
It may sound trite, but you need to love yourself before getting someone to love you. Recognizing your own value and strengths will put you in the best mental space to flourish when you meet the right person.
It’s normal to compare new partners to romantic liaisons you may have had in the past but treat everyone as an individual. Don’t allow your baggage to taint what could be a wonderful new relationship.
If you’ve never had real success in relationships, maybe it’s time to try something new? Consider someone who wouldn’t be your usual “type” - it might be just what you need to break the cycle and find lasting happiness.
Before you start looking for a new relationship, figure out what’s important to you. No one is suggesting you should settle for less than you want, but ask yourself what matters and what things you might be able to let go of. For example, a vegetarian or vegan partner might be essential, but sharing a love of jazz music not so vital? Your partner should complement your lifestyle and share your views on the things that matter, but you can still enjoy hobbies and interests with friends, so don’t reject someone if they don’t tick every single box. Remember, variety is the spice of life!
