Dating Advice for Singles Over 50

Ensure Your Online Success

Congratulations for taking the leap back into dating! Yes, we know while dating in your 20s may have been difficult, it's a vastly different landscape now. And, we mean that in a GREAT way. Think about it: What you bring to the table now as a mature adult is pretty significant. The fact of the matter is now, you've got wisdom, experience, and street smarts to help you identify exactly what you're looking for in a relationship. With those thoughts in mind, here're our tips for creating a profile which will help ensure your online dating success:

Make a List. Your expectations of what you desire in a relationship and a future mate should be accurately reflected in your on-line profile. Write down what type of person you are looking for, your expectation (i.e., companionship or marriage), your values and personal interests.

Be Honest. Create and write an online profile which honestly represents you. Remember, it's not about attracting quantity; it's about finding someone of quality.

Create an Amazing Headline. It's the first item someone reads about you. Two things to remember about creating a headline: Be brief; and be imaginative. If you're having trouble thinking about what to say, look at other headlines you thought were creative. It'll help stimulate your thoughts for your headline.

Out with the Negative. At some point in life, we've all been hurt or handed some disappointments in life. It's hard, but don't dwell on the past. A positive and forward-focused profile is much more approachable and will encourage other members to respond. Remember, anyone can be in a bad mood; you have to have something on the ball to be in a good mood!

"Look" Smart. Poor grammar and spelling errors give the reader a bad first impression. Show you care by avoiding abbreviations, and pay attention to incomplete or run-on sentences.

Don't Be Too Picky. When detailing what you want in a prospective mate, be careful not to get so specific you've painted yourself in a corner before you've even started. When you limit yourself on things like height, weight, hair color, etc., you may have just missed out on meeting your new life partner!

Include a Photo. Your on-line profile, along with a recent, clear photo, will receive up to 10 times more responses than a profile without a photo. Your main photo should be a nice headshot of you smiling tells others you took the time to put forth your best effort and you're proud of who you are. Skip the sunglasses, hats, costumes and other attire. Use the other seven photo opportunities to show your interests; i.e., boating, walking on the beach, square dancing, etc.

Respectful Communication: On-line and In-Person. Each of us loves to receive an e-mail well-thought out, warm and generous. After you've exchanged several e-mails with someone, it's good to pick up the phone and talk (and hopefully talk and talk!). Once you're both comfortable meeting in-person, set up a time and location convenient for both of you. Be on time, and of course, meet in a public place. Carry your cell phone and ensure several of your friends know where you are and whom you're with. Respectful communication will create a comfortable environment for you both and will make all the difference in the world as you move forward with your budding friendship!