How to Meet Someone in Your 50s

Finding that special someone and starting a new relationship can be a daunting task at any stage of life. But as we get older it can seem as though opportunities to meet like-minded people decrease and dating becomes more challenging.

In the last two decades, the widespread acceptance of dating sites has dramatically changed how people of all ages find and engage with people around them. At Ourtime, we believe that meeting new people should be easy and stress-free.

If you’re over 50 and wondering how to bring someone new into your life, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover just how straightforward and fun it can be.

Why your 50s can be the best time to meet someone new

We all remember what dating was like in the pre-internet era. It involved networking through friends or colleagues, going on dubious nights out, and hoping that you would hit it off with a complete stranger.

Although people still do these things today, most rely on the internet and dating apps. We believe there is a better way for the over-50s than casual apps, blind dates, or nights out.

Far from being a disadvantage, a little maturity actually makes this the best time in life to find that special someone.

Here are our top 5 reasons to embrace online dating when you’re over 50:

• Maturity: In our younger years we’re still learning about ourselves, as well as other people. By the time we hit 50, we know who we are. You will be meeting others who already have a fully formed sense of self.
• Appreciation of life:  Our appreciation of the world and the people around us tends to deepen over time. So much passes us by when we are younger and more focused on ourselves. Meeting like-minded people over 50 allows us to share experiences at a deeper level.
• Financial stability: Regardless of our financial circumstances, most of us have developed a stable attitude to money and have learned both its value and shortcomings. Finding someone with shared views can remove a lot of the stress related to finances that may impact a relationship.
• Family stability: If you are coming from another relationship with children, they will most likely be independent by now. At the very least, those exciting but tumultuous years of early childhood are firmly behind you. Your new relationship will be all about you and the special someone you meet without the responsibilities of raising a family.
• Relationship experience: By the time we enter our 50s, most of us have gathered a wealth of experience in this tricky field! Both you and the people you meet will have clear ideas about what makes a relationship work and may be more open about getting your likes, dislikes, and dealbreakers across with regard to sex, living arrangements, and marriage.

If you’re curious about what to expect as an over-50 in the modern dating world, you can read more in the linked article.

How to meet someone in your 50s

Thanks to the internet, how we meet new people has evolved hugely over the past two decades and the basic ground rules are pretty simple. Here are the top four steps to take to ensure your journey is as stress-free and successful as possible.

Commit to your decision:

Every journey begins with a commitment—you have to be confident it’s the right thing to do. Take the time to think through why you wish to start a relationship and ask yourself if you are ready for this new adventure.

Define what you are looking for:

Think honestly about what you are seeking. Is it something casual, or do you want a long-term relationship? Do you want to travel the world or settle down and enjoy simple pleasures together? Be clear in your desires, but also open to change.

Define who you are looking for:

Try to define as clearly as you can the personal characteristics of your ideal match. This step requires some self-examination, so be prepared to do a little soul-searching. Investing time here will yield great returns later on.

Take decisive action:

At this point, you will be more than ready to start your journey. It’s time to reach out and contact someone who can help you take that all-important first step. With Ourtime, it’s as easy as following the step-by-step instructions on our website.

How to get ready for your date

Complete your profile, contact some prospective matches, and before you know it, you’ll be preparing for that exciting first date. There’s no need to feel any nerves other than the excitement of getting to know someone new.

You will already know a lot about the person you are going to meet and they will know a lot about you. With this in mind, you can feel more relaxed and ready to enjoy the moment than you would on a blind date or chance encounter.

If you find yourself becoming overly apprehensive, check out our tips on how to effectively chase those butterflies away.

Here are some simple things you can do to make your first in-person meeting as safe, fun, and easy as possible.

• Discuss the details of your date: Don’t guess what kind of place it is if you’re not the one who suggested it. If it was your idea, let them know what kind of food, ambiance, and dress code they can expect. Make sure you know in advance exactly where you are meeting and what the arrangements are.
• Know how to get there: Check out the location on Google Maps to be sure you can get there and that you can arrive on time.
• Dress appropriately: Think about what fits the situation. If you are going to be outdoors, maybe you need a coat or scarf so you won’t get cold. Consider your footwear too and avoid getting caught out with any climate or activity surprises.
• Relax in advance: This is different for everyone, but a few basic pointers include grooming well in advance, getting a good night’s sleep the day before, a relaxing shower/bath before you head out, or any other routine that makes you feel relaxed and ensures you look your best.
• Conversation points: Even when you hit it off right away there can still be lulls in conversation when you’re getting to know someone. Of course, over time these things won’t matter, but for those first few dates, you should be armed with some topics. Talk about life, work, hobbies, anything—just make sure you have something to discuss.
• Basic safety: Online dating has been mainstream for a long time and is extremely safe. While you are still getting to know each other, tell someone your whereabouts during the time you will be with your date and then check in with them afterward to let them know how things went.

Why online dating is a great way to meet someone in your 50s

Dating in your 50s can be the best time of all to meet new people. Nevertheless, it can still be a daunting prospect, especially if you are a little out of practice. The greatest hurdle for most is the challenge of finding and meeting new people.

With the rise of online dating and its acceptance into the mainstream, that challenge has been all but eliminated. By registering with an experienced relationship-finding service like Ourtime, all you need to think about is what to wear to that next meeting.

As soon as your profile is complete, you can begin finding like-minded matches with people who share your interests and values.

Unlike blind dates organised by friends and family or attempting to play the singles scene in your area, you will know in advance the most important things about your date before you meet up. For many, online dating is the best way of all to meet new and like-minded people.

If you’re wondering whether it will work for you, all you need to do is register right here. It’s a quick and easy process and before you know it you’ll be browsing your matches and wondering what to wear on your next date!

Other ways to meet someone in your 50s

Finding new companions when you’re over 50 can seem challenging, but there are many options for meeting like-minded individuals. Meeting places depend on your personal preferences and interests. Here are some other suggestions for meeting new people in your 50s:

Clubs and associations

Club and associations are great places to meet people who share your interests. Whether you enjoy playing golf, petanque, dancing, or photography, there are clubs and associations for all sorts of activities. Joining a group will allow you to meet people who share your passions, and you might even meet someone special.

Local events

Events in your area are also an excellent opportunity to meet new people. Attend events such as concerts, art exhibitions, craft fairs, and festivals in your area. These events provide an opportunity to meet people with similar interests and strike up a conversation.

Activities and sports

Participating in activities and sports can also be a great way to meet new people in your 50s. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, yoga, or swimming, there are many group activities that cater to different interests and fitness levels. Joining a group that shares your passion for a particular activity or sport can help you meet like-minded individuals who enjoy staying active and healthy.

Volunteering

Additionally, volunteering for a cause that you care about can also be a rewarding way to meet new people. Many nonprofit organizations rely on volunteers to help with their mission, and this can be a great opportunity to connect with others who share your values and interests. You can also consider taking classes or workshops in subjects that interest you, such as cooking, gardening, or art, as this can provide another avenue for meeting people with similar interests.

Family & Friends

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking through friends and family. Let your friends and family know that you’re interested in meeting someone new. They may be able to introduce you to someone who they think would be a good match.

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