Best Dating Advice For Women Over 40
Dating in your 40’s is different from dating in your 20’s in many ways. For starters, you are stronger, smarter, and more courageous than you’ve ever been before. You’re also busier, have more responsibilities, and are likely not savvy to the nuances of dating at this stage in your life.
Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best dating advice for women over 40 to help you make the most of this exhilarating time in your life. By the time you’ve finished reading, you will be ready to navigate the dating world in stride. Let’s get into it!
1: Break Out Of Your Comfort Zone.
If you’re newly single in your 40’s, then there has never been a better time to break out of your shell and explore what makes you happy. Use this precious time to get to know yourself, to learn, and to grow.
Get comfortable with being on your own and the rest will come naturally. Take yourself out on dates, visit a new city, try a new hobby, and set new short-term goals. When you give yourself the space to grow, you will become happier and more confident. And that, my friends, is magnetic.
2: Remember That Patience Is Key.
Most people don’t expect to be hitting the dating scene in their 40’s. Many of us get nervous and think that the clock is ticking, so we’ve got to find someone —anyone — as quickly as possible. Right? Wrong.
In an age when almost anything we want arrives at our doorstep within 24 hours, the concept of patience can be a difficult one to grasp. Sadly, true love cannot be delivered through Amazon Prime. Rushing the process will only result in frustration and potential heartbreak. Practice patience and allow things to happen as they were meant to.
3: Don’t Introduce Them To Your Kids Just Yet.
Regardless of how much time has passed since you split with your ex, the adjustment of seeing a parent with someone new can be tough for many kids to swallow. When it comes to dating in adulthood, it’s essential to put your children first and keep in mind that you’re a package deal. Be thoughtful about who you introduce to them.
Once you’ve gotten past the beginning stages of dating and are confident that things are getting serious with your new partner, it’s time to talk to the kids. Hearing what they have to say will give you a better sense of when will be the right time to make those ultra-important first introductions.
4: Keep A Positive Mindset.
If you enter the dating world with the false idea that all the good ones are taken and there’s no one decent left for you, then your experience likely won’t be a good one. Think of your age not as a hindrance, but as an advantage. Ten years ago, you may not have truly known your worth, strengths, and values the way that you do now.
You are better suited now to find the right person than ever before, so keep that in mind and don’t doubt yourself. Dating in your 40’s can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Embrace this liberating shift in your life as the beautiful thing that it is.
5: Understand that scheduling conflicts are normal.
You’re a grown adult dating another grown adult. Because this is an exciting and nerve-wracking shift in your life, it can lead to overthinking things. When you were in your 20’s and someone canceled a date last minute, it often meant that you wouldn’t be seeing them again. In your 40’s, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
We all have far more responsibilities now than we once did, so scheduling conflicts are 100% normal and to be expected from time to time. If the person you’re seeing has to reschedule or end the night early here and there, try not to overthink it. Be understanding because at some point, you’ll be in their shoes.
6: Stay True To Yourself.
When it comes to dating in your 40’s, people often think that putting their best foot forward means altering parts of themselves. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Don’t hide your baggage, embrace it. After all, it’s made you into the strong, resilient, and beautiful person you are today.
Don’t try to change parts of yourself to fit into what you think a potential partner is looking for. You are exactly who you are and you are that person for a reason. When you meet the right one, they will love and accept everything about you—flaws and all.
7: Avoid Diving Too Deep On The First Date.
It’s absolutely essential to wait until you’re ready to start dating again. Make sure you are in a place where you feel mentally strong and comfortable with yourself before diving in. Otherwise, those insecurities and “TMI” tendencies are likely to pour out when you finally embark on your first date.
First dates should be fun and light. You’re there to get to know someone, find some common ground, and get a better idea of whether or not you two are compatible. Avoid oversharing with stories of past dating woes or insecurities. Smile, have fun, and try your best to relax. Also, keep in mind that they’re probably as nervous as you are.
8: Use Technology, But Don’t Rely Solely On It.
In recent years, social media and dating sites have become more and more prevalent. According to a Stanford University study, roughly 40 percent of couples meet online nowadays. Utilizing dating websites to meet people is absolutely nothing to feel weird about. In fact, it just might be the way you meet the love of your life.
That being said, it’s important not to rely solely on the interwebs to connect you with “the one.” Get out there and start hitting up dating events in your area! For many of us, online dating can feel intimidating, artificial, and unsafe. Attending local dating events is a great way to surround yourself with like-minded people, but in a safe environment.