We get it, you’re busy. Busy getting everything in order except your love life right? But dating is hard! We know, we’ve heard it before and so have the best in the business.
A recent survey has revealed that many singles still find dating a daunting experience, and many are still finding it a challenge to even get a first date, even in our age of heightened social connectivity.
Let go of your inhibitions and delve straight into the dating world with these handy tips on how to navigate love when your in your thirties and above:
With a plethora of dating apps to choose from these days, users are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding Mr or Miss Right. Dawoon Kang, one of the founders of Coffee Meets Bagel, says apps these days don’t so much focus on quick hook-ups. Meaningful, long-lasting relationships can be built over a screen as well. Don’t believe her? Try it for yourself here!
Sure, the dating pool gets smaller as we grow older but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any fish in the sea. The fish have just been through a lot more that’s all. Be open to dating a divorcee or a widower. Just because they couldn’t make it work with their previous partner, it doesn’t mean that they can be your soulmate.
(Related: 10 Things All Successful Marriages Have In Common)
One of the mistakes that younger people make when dating in their 20s, is that they look for adventure and excitement so they tend to pair up with people who are their polar opposites. Sure, we’ve heard that opposites attract but do they last? Try to seek out someone who has the same morals as you or same life goals and this way it’ll be easier to navigate through the obstacles of love together.
People who haven’t yet found love in their thirties tend to be jaded and skeptical but this is the wrong attitude to have when seeking a partner. Adopt a positive attitude and don’t be so guarded. Your future partner wants to see the you that they’ll spend the next 5, 10, 15 and 20 years with so let them in a little and have some fun!
(Related: 10 Secrets Of Happy Couples You Need To Know)
Communication is key in any relationship but especially if you’re looking for new love. Be open with the person you’re getting to know, talk about your hopes and your fears. The more you communicate the easier it will be to deepen the connection between two people. According to Dawoon, once you get the ball rolling on the Coffee Meets Bagel chat service, you’ve got to keep up that momentum so the initial meet-cute actually goes somewhere.
You can’t just expect Mr or Miss Right to fall into your lap. In the words of Rihanna you gotta “work, work, work, work, work.” Dawoon advises new users to her app to perfect their profiles to attract suitors. To build a meaningful connection, don’t just leave your name and age. Let others know a little bit more about yourself, like your weekend hobbies or travel wishlist. It’ll leave them intrigued and dying to find out more!
When your young, it’s easy to think ‘Oh, I want my future husband to be tall, dark and handsome’ but reality bites when you’re a little older. It’s time to take a seat and really think about what you’re looking for in a partner that way you won’t waste your time meeting unsuitable candidates who may not be the right person to settle down with in the long term.
Don’t give up! It’s easy to just throw in the towel and say enough to the dating scene. So, you had one or two bad dates…who hasn’t? That doesn’t mean you should just jump into a quickie relationship with the next regular joe. Take your time, screen through potential suitors with a fine comb and choose someone you really connect with not just someone who will sort of do for now.
(Related: 6 Ways To Reignite The Spark In Your Relationship)