How to Know if You're Ready for a Relationship After 50

Addressing Common Concerns of Dating After 50

Not surprisingly, singles over 50 share some of the same concerns as individuals under 50, with maybe a few other sources of apprehension to add to their dating anxiety. Here are some of the most common challenges that older singles face dating.

Fear of Dating Rejection

Most people are afraid of being turned down when they demonstrate their romantic interest in someone else. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you won’t be rejected. It’s part of dating. What will determine your success in dating over 50 is how you manage dating rejection.

Here are some things to consider:

• Rejection does not mean that you blew it. Not everyone is predisposed to dating.
• If you’re not exactly what the other person is looking for, it’s not necessarily a reflection of what you have to offer. People have their own types and preferences.
• You are the same person after a rejection as you were before. Your value doesn’t diminish just because another person declines your offer.

If you are terrified of being rejected, and the possibility it could happen is a complete non-starter, you may need to address these concerns before you enter the dating pool.

Health and Physical Appearance

Many people over 50 have insecurities about their physical appearance. Here’s the reality about aging: there are some things you can control and others you can’t. Many opt to improve their appearance with diet, exercise, and a better skincare regimen when they start dating again. Additionally, you may have greater concerns about your health. However, with very few exceptions, most people in their fifties and older are going through something similar. If you’re looking for a sympathetic partner, you’re likely to find one dating among your peers.

Technological Difficulties

It’s hard to avoid tech these days. According to a Pew Research poll, 20% of adults between ages 50 and 64 said they’ve used a dating app. While that’s far from a majority, most people communicate through some sort of phone-based tech: SMS texting, apps like WhatsApp, or social media DMs. Learning how to use these ubiquitous platforms can really up your chances in dating circles. If you’ve never used a dating app before, we highly recommend giving SilverSingles a try. It’s designated for people over 50 and the platform is designed for simplicity. If you use a smartphone, try our dating apps (App Store / Google Play). And our platform is loaded with single 50-plus people just like you.

Embracing the New You

If you’ve haven’t been in a relationship for a while, you may feel like you’re a completely different person than the last time you gave dating a shot. It might be tempting to try to become that person again, but don’t ignore who you’ve become; embrace it. Maturity is an attractive quality (ask anyone in their 20s and 30s who’s also trying to date). Here are some advantages of being in your fifties (or older) and single:

• You’re more comfortable with who you are. It comes with being yourself for a longer period of time.
• You know things, whether you realize it or not. You’re the recipient of over five decades of knowledge and learning.
• You’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t.
• You have half a life’s worth of interesting events and stories.
• You’ve achieved things.
• You know what you want in life and what you don’t want.

Overcoming Dating Insecurities

Most people who enter the dating pool are insecure about something. It’s part of being a human being, but insecurities are not insurmountable. Here’s how to deal with insecurities:

• Identify Your Insecurity – Are you feeling apprehensive about your age? Your physical appearance? Your finances? If it’s more than one, decide which one you would like to start to work on.
• Examine the Causes of Your Insecurity – You may be able to do this on your own, but it may also help to discuss it with friends or even a therapist.
• Work on the Issue – You may have to work on the source of the insecurity, or you may have to work on accepting it.
• Focus on Dating Compatible People – You shouldn’t have to change for someone else unless that’s what you really want to do. SilverSingles is a dating site that focuses on mutual compatibility. It’s a safe environment to explore possibilities in your area.

What To Look For in a Mature Partner

Have you thought about what you want to find in a dating partner? Is it security? Fun times? Someone to travel with? If you’re not sure, give this compatibility process a try:

• Assume that one of the major criteria for picking a partner is that they’re looking for someone like you.
• Decide what your “must haves” are in another partner: financial security, healthy lifestyle, religious, family-oriented, etc.
• Pick out a few things that you want, but are not necessarily “must-haves.”
• Prioritize your list from most important to least important.

Believe it or not, SilverSingles uses this exact logic when matching singles over 50. They match people who meet the requirements of one another. When members sign up, they fill out a matchmaking questionnaire, which allows our algorithm to find matches that you’re sure to like, but will also like you.

Using Online Dating Effectively

If you’re a little concerned about getting the most out of online dating, you can follow our recommendations and get the most out of your profile.

• Use recent, unfiltered pictures that show you in a good light.
• Write an honest profile. Use positive language. Saying that you are “looking for a non-smoker” sounds better than “no smokers.” Be honest about what you’re looking for.
• Keep your personal information private. Communicate within the app until you’re ready to meet.
• Chat on the phone first or have a virtual date over Google Meet, Zoom or Facetime.
• Meet in a public place. Short first dates are ideal. Suggest coffee or a drink so you can talk for a short time. If you like each other, set up a longer second date.
• Don’t apologize for who you are. If you aren’t compatible with your match, keep searching for your ideal match.

Start Your Journey with SilverSingles

SilverSingles is the world’s premier dating site for individuals over 50 years old. If you’re not sure you’re ready for a relationship, sign up for our free Basic program. You can fill out your bio and review member profiles. If you like how it works, you can upgrade to Premium on the app without having to re-enter your information. Join SilverSingles today!