Are you newly single and considering dating after 50? It might seem like a daunting prospect at first, but know you’re not alone. There are 7.5 million single, widowed or divorced men and women looking to meet new friends and partners in the UK, many of them online.
Relationships on Female First
With all the experience of age comes a knowledge of what you love about yourself, and you will have also met enough people in your life to know what you’re looking for in a partner. But how do you get started?
Online dating is becoming increasingly popular, many parents are turning to their tech-native children for guidance. From setting up an online profile to writing a description and choosing photos that show you in your best light, your children know you best and can be a great asset!
Take Karen, 53, and her daughter Molly, 22, for example. Twice-divorced Karen signed up to Lumen 12 months ago, and believes that having Molly by her side is a huge advantage. Karen is a busy individual, who finds dating thrilling yet somewhat scary. That’s where Molly steps in, through approving outfits that Karen regularly sends and giving her constructive advice. While Molly is always on- hand for fashion advice, she also isn’t afraid to tell her mum what she thinks of her dating partners, and voices her opinion when she feels they need to slow things down. It’s this honest, yet constructive advice that allows Karen to make decisions on how to progress within a relationship, and Molly only has her mother’s best interest at heart.
If you’re ready to re-enter the dating world, here are some tips on making it work for you, and your family:
Be honest: whilst keeping your dating life a secret may seem like the easy option, it will not help when things start to become a little more serious. Talk to your children and see if you feel comfortable- if you do, this is a good indication that you’re ready to date.
Ask for help: your family and friends really are your best asset when it comes to creating the perfect profile. It may be hard to think of a description of yourself, so ask for honest feedback to help you develop your online profile- remember, your children know you better than anyone!
Understand that it may be difficult at first: your children will have experienced your relationship history with you, and therefore may be concerned when it comes to moving on. It’s important to understand their worries and may be useful to set a dating goal that everyone is comfortable with.
Control is key: being in control within a relationship is crucial, however having control outside of that relationship is equally as important. Show your children that you are confident and positive about entering the dating world. This will allow them to relax as they understand you are in control of your situation.
It’s your journey: if you are considering online dating, it suggests that you are ready to focus on yourself and find happiness. Whilst having your children’s support will really help you feel more open and reassured, it's important to remember that you need to make time for yourself as an individual, and enjoy the journey.
Charly Lester is co-founder and CMO of Lumen, the number one dating app for over 50s. Lumen provides a secure environment for you to explore the exciting world of online relationships and discover what works best for you!
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