Let’s face it. Dating is hard at any age, but as we get older, the dating pool seems to get smaller and smaller and the thought of dating when you’re older is daunting.
We’re here to be your wing woman and give you dating advice to help give you the confidence you need to start dating again.
Date yourself before dating someone else
Before you jump into the dating pools, date yourself first. Dating yourself will help build your confidence for when you are ready to put yourself back out there.
Dating yourself gives you time to discover what you want in a partner. What you are looking for in a partner now is probably different than what you wanted when you started dating.
Quality time for one
Choose activities you enjoy doing whether they are at home or out and about. Go to your favorite lunch spot; treat yourself to a museum date; have a movie marathon with all your favorite films. Spending quality time with yourself can help you rediscover the things you love you might have forgotten about.
Prioritize self-pleasure
Connect with your sexuality and prioritize self-pleasure. As we age, our body changes. Reconnect with your body and appreciate it! Don’t forget to show yourself extra love and use a high-quality lubricant.
Do something special for yourself
Set time aside and plan a date night for you. Make a reservation at the new restaurant that just opened. Spoil yourself with that big-ticket item you’ve been eyeing for months now. Think of treating yourself as an act of self-care.
Navigating online dating
The dating landscape is far different than what it used to be… A lot of us might have settled down with our high school or college sweetheart and the ease of finding a hottie at the bar or bumping into them supermarket seems next to impossible. This is where online dating apps come to help us!
Online dating apps are easier to use than ever now; the key is to find a dating service that best suits you. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:
- What are you looking for? Whether you are looking to keep things casual or jump into something serious, make sure the dating app you choose fits just that.
- Look out for popularity. Niche dating apps are popping up more and more, and they might sound tempting. However, start off with a dating app that’s popular. This will make finding matches easier.
- See what other people are saying. If the app has gotten some unsavory reviews, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Look for higher rated apps. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family to get their opinion on some dating apps.
- Security. When you are dating online, look for the option for photo verification and the ability to block unfriendly users. This will help ensure that your matches are real people who are not trying to target and take advantage of you.
Find group activities
Dating apps might not be your cup of tea and that’s okay! Try a new hobby or find places to volunteer. Now is a great time to try something new and meet new people! Taking up a hobby or finding local volunteer opportunities is a great way to find like-minded people.
Dating when you’re older is about putting yourself out there safely.
Date Ideas
So, you’ve landed a date. (Just know we are cheering for you!) But now what? Picking the first date can be just as nerve-wracking as trying to find someone with whom to go on a date. As your wing woman, we came up with a few ideas for you.
Restaurant
Picking out the right restaurant is like an art form. Do you want to keep it casual? Do you want to go all out on something fancy? The atmosphere of a restaurant can influence the direction of the date.
If you and your date are looking to start slow opt for a more casual place. A diner makes a great first date for being casual, light-hearted, and bringing out nostalgic fun.
Maybe dressing to the nines and enjoying a meal that is also an experience will better suit you and your date. Find the closest restaurant with a dress code and splurge.
Museum date for two
Sitting across from one another might bring out the nerves so think about doing something that requires you to be up and moving. Museums are great for being a fun interactive date. Admiring the paintings, sculptures, and history in a museum aid in plenty of conversational topics.
Take a cooking or art class
Learn something new together or put your skills to the test. Taking up a class together is a fun interactive way to get to know one another and bond.
Above all, make sure you are safe. For the first few dates, a great rule of thumb is to always meet in a public setting with plenty of other people around. When you are getting intimate, remember to communicate and be safe. You might be in a position where you no longer must worry about a pregnancy scare; however, you should still use protection. Condoms are 98% effective at preventing STDs and STIs.
FemmePharma has been helping women navigate menopause for over two decades. No matter where you are in your journey, you deserve to have knowledgeable, intimate healthcare partners to help you feel your best. Explore our other articles, podcast episodes with women’s health experts, and products to ease your transition into menopause.