Dating in Midlife: 5 Things to Celebrate

I've heard a few midlifers say that they dread entering the dating scene again, but there are several things to celebrate about meeting new people when you're older. Here are five.

More Ways to Meet Someone New

Now, more than at any other time in history, there are more ways to meet someone new. Speed dating, online dating, lunch dating, and more. If you really want to connect with someone, the numerous outlets make it easier to do.

You Know What You Want

You aren't the same person you were in your 20s or 30s, and yay for that. In midlife, you know what you want in a mate or romantic partner, and as a result you make better choices. No need to cringe about those mistakes you made when you were younger, because they have given you the knowledge to make you a better dater today.

You're More Patient

Finding the right person, not just any old somebody, takes time. Even if you don't want to get married, you're not about to waste your time on someone who doesn't treat you well, is boring, or for whatever reason just isn't quite right. You're patient enough to hold out for something good, rather than a relationship that just fills your time.

You Know What You Don't Want

Knowing what you don't want means that when you recognize the traits that are a turn off, you acknowledge that and run the other way. This is different than merely knowing what you want. For example, you might want someone with a sense of humor, but if that person also smokes like a chimney, can't get along with people, or still hasn't figured out how to balance their checkbook, you'll take a pass. When you know what your absolute deal breakers are, you also know what isn't so bad in a relationship.

Midlife Isn't the Same Anymore

Do you ever look at pictures of your parents when they were your age and wonder at the differences? Midlifers today seem to look and act younger than our parents did. Some of us have had children later in life, others are empty nesters, and still others have chosen to remain single. All of this variety makes for a better dating experience, because regardless of what you've experienced, you're more likely to find someone who shares your worldview now more than ever before.

More on Dating:

• 5 Life Lessons from Kirstie Alley
• Are You Too Old to Speed Date?
• Online Dating Profile Tips for Midlife Daters