While you may think of dating apps are too young, too cool, or even too much trouble, there is no reason why online and smartphone dating couldn’t work for you – at any age.
Whether you’re taking a second chance at love later in life, or have always enjoyed the dating scene, dating apps are perfect for branching out of your comfort zone and meeting new people.
So, in the spirit of love, here are some tips for using dating apps later no matter what your age:
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Whether it’s in your profile pictures and information, or on a first date, there is nothing more important than being true to yourself.
Let your dates know exactly what you’re looking for and what you expect from a relationship moving forward.
This is the time to be selfish, because let’s face it, you don’t have the time to mess around! Even better, by now you should know yourself a whole lot better than those who are only just figuring out WHO they are.
By listing your hobbies and passions in your profile, it’s going to be much easier for other users to identify a shared interest and build from that to form a connection.
If you’re using a dating app a bit later in life, there is a good chance you’ve had a bit more life experience and perhaps even have past relationships or kids.
It’s important to share this information so your new love interest has an understanding of what your life involves and allows them the opportunity to establish if their life could fit into yours, should things progress further.
If there’s one piece of advice that’s crucial to people of all ages on dating apps, it’s to give everyone a chance and not judge anyone too harshly. The best way to get to know someone is by taking the conversation from online and in-app, to real life, so don’t dilly-dally.
There’s a likelihood that you’ll quickly forget any nagging questions or flaws, and see your crush as a unique whole.
Dating shouldn’t be a bore or a chore, and you’re never too tired, busy or old to flirt!
Whether it’s as simple as exchanging compliments in-app, or over a candlelit dinner, there’s nothing like those butterflies that result from a touch of witty banter or sensual flirting.
If you’ve never really thought about what you want in a partner, it’s better to figure it out soon. Sit down with a pad and pen, and write down the names of the last couple of people you’ve dated.
The top qualities that you liked about these people are what you should look for in your next relationship.
When you’ve been in a lot of unsuccessful relationships, a natural defense mechanism is to put your guard up. If you don’t let anyone in, then you won’t get hurt, right?
However, if you don’t let anyone in, you probably won’t end up finding the one. When the time is right and you’ve met someone you’re into and who is also into you, try to be vulnerable
The divorce rate in Singapore hit a 10-year-high in 2016, so when you’re dating in your 30s, you are going to date people who are divorced. Don’t fight it, embrace it.
But when it comes to discussing their marriage, don’t pry. If they want to talk about what happened, they will when the time is right. The great thing about divorced people is that they aren’t afraid of commitment.
Good communication is crucial to any relationship. When you’re dating, you should be able to talk to the person openly and honestly. Likewise, they should be able to talk to you openly and honestly.
Got into your first fight? Talk it out maturely. If you’re not communicating early on in the relationship, you probably won’t get better at it as things move forward.
Nobody should settle for a partner who they are only sort of into. The relationship won’t be healthy, nor will it last. If you don’t think the person is right for you, don’t be afraid to move on.
Listen to your intuition. If something is telling you the prospect’s not right, they probably are not.
(Text by Holly Royce, bauersyndication.com.au / Additional reporting by Natalya Molok)