Do you think that online dating is only for young singles in their twenties and thirties? If so, think again. The over-40 age group is progressively sweeping the online-dating world, and successfully at that. But some over 40 individuals may be slightly overwhelmed by the prospect of entering this new and unknown territory.
Luckily, there are tips and tools that can be utilized to make the transition into online dating as smooth as can be. Here are the
Top 10 Tips For Dating Over 40
1. Own Your Experience
Being a more seasoned individual actually gives you an advantage over the younger crowd of online-daters. You know yourself a lot better than you did twenty years ago, and you also probably have a better idea of what you want in your life.
Another plus, is with ages comes less inhibition, and you’ll be more willing to express these things. Make a list of them, and don’t be afraid to put them in your profile. It will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
2. Keep it short and sweet
You may be looking for a lot of different qualities in a partner, but when you’re describing your ideal partner, keep it short and sweet. If your list of expectations gets too long, your expectations can start to look like demands which may turn potential candidates off. It’s great to be aware of all of your dealbreakers, but you don’t need to include ALL of them in your profile.
3. Know the Competition
Spend some time researching, and familiarizing yourself with your competition on the dating site. Draw inspiration from other profiles, notice what you like and would like to add to yours. Moreover, notice what appears in all profiles and is boring, and avoid implementing it in yours. This way, you can ensure that your profile will stand out.
heart out of mouses small4. Present the Best You
Your online dating profile is essentially your main marketing tool. Make sure you complete your profile, and post a picture. Your photo will determine 90% of your online dating success. Make sure the photo is a good representation of yourself, is clear, is recent, and that you’re the only one in it.
5. Be Positive, and Open
Deciding to venture into online dating is a great step, but you need to make sure you do so with a proper attitude. If you venture into online dating with a negative attitude from the get-go, you will not only have a negative experience, but also will most likely not get good results. If you want to have a successful online dating experience, be open to it and keep a positive attitude at all times.
6. Align Expectations With Values
People often have an initial laundry list of must-haves when it comes to a potential partner. If these people examined their list, they could eliminate some of the demands and determine what’s really important to them. At the end of the day, it’s about finding someone who will love and cherish you. You may find that in order to attain someone like that, you can put some of your minor requests aside.
7. Dive In
To be really successful in online dating, you can’t dabble in it. You have to take the time to make online dating a priority. Your success is going to be a direct result of how committed you are to the process. Once you’ve created a profile, log on every day and check your matches and emails. Make sure to respond within a reasonable time-frame. If you don’t, people may not take you seriously.
8. Reach Out!
Once you have your profile up and running, start looking for a date. Look for people who interest you, and then write to them. This goes for men and women alike. Having a dating profile won’t do you any good if you’re too bashful to make the first move. This can be as simple as starting a conversation.
9. Don’t Take it Too Slow…
Always remember why you joined the dating site in the first place. You’re not looking for a pen-pal, you’re looking for a potential partner. Exchange a few e-mails and perhaps a quick chat on the phone, but get to the face-to-face meet as soon as possible. You’ll only be able to tell if you have true chemistry when you’re interacting in person. Get to that step as quickly as possible so you don’t waste your time.
10. Don’t Get Discouraged
The basic goal of online dating is to provide you with opportunity. Like in daily life, at certain points, people who you do not view as a match may contact you, and vice versa. Don’t take it personally, and don’t let it discourage you. Embrace it as part of the online dating experience, and move on.
Don’t let your fear of the unknown get in the way of finding true love. The love of your life may be waiting for you, just a click away. When you’re ready to dip your feet in the online dating pool, head over to one of the top dating sites. It just might be the ticket to the love of your life.