Dating over 50

Just because you are over 50, it doesn't mean that you can't date!

Remember when you say "I wish I knew what I know now when I was 18..." Well, you do know now! So put it to good use and carry on living. Dating and flirting makes you feel younger, makes you feel alive.

Find new friends here.

http://www.datingover50uk.com

One Year Of Online Dating

Really good blog on Dating Over 50! http://1yearofonlinedatingat50.com/ Read it!

When your doorman thinks you are pathetic, you probably are.

“You’ve got to get out there while you’re still young enough to get a guy,” he said recently, and then added, “Your husband’s been gone a long time. What are you waiting for?”

“Good morning,” would’ve sufficed, but he certainly knew better than most the small life I was living. Borderline shut in I spent my days writing, took a few night classes, and occasionally went out with friends, but men? Hardly.

It was difficult to see myself in a new relationship while still in love with someone else. That was the dilemma. It was the biggest kind of love–one for the record books. Imagine if the perfect person, tailor-made, came into your life. That’s what happened to me. I knew it the moment I saw his face–like finding something I had forgotten I’d lost. After being alone for a decade, focused on raising my daughters, I finally had my fairy-tale ending.

Five years. That’s how long we were together, and then he died.

Today is an anniversary of sorts, and one I’ve dreaded. My husband has been gone longer than I knew him. I couldn’t fathom a life without him, but excruciatingly slowly I’ve learned to accept the reality of my situation. After five tough years, I’m open to the possibility of someone new in my life and ready to love again.

Two years ago I got in my car and drove from Las Vegas to Manhattan. I gave away most of my possessions and shipped only what would fit in my tiny apartment. Armed with a rough manuscript of a memoir I’d just complete (our story) and a newfound passion for writing, I thought I would immerse myself in the heart of the literary world and see if I could make something happen. Leaving all that was safe and familiar seemed crazy to many, but after losing the life I thought was mine I felt fearless.

Now that I was ready to love again, how would a 50-year-old widow living in New York City meet men? It’s hard for any single woman here where the ladies outnumber the guys but especially so when your life is spent alone hunched over a computer trying to be a writer. Gorgeous girls with Ivy educations and successful careers sit at home solo on Saturday nights in this city. What were my chances?

The answer was obvious. I’d have to jump into online dating where thousands of single men were a click away from my dance card.  My friend, an Internet dating expert, called it a numbers game. Most people go on a site, get disgusted after several bad dates and delete their profile. She said I must commit to a year and prepare to kiss a pond-full of amphibians.

Just the thought of my photos and profile on a dating website for 365 days made me jittery. I realized the stigma associated with online dating had diminished but there was something that felt, well, desperado.

BUT, the sooner I get started the quicker it might happen and this blog will document the process. If you’re considering online dating or just want to read about one middle-aged woman’s quest for love you can follow along. I’m in for a year, unless George Clooney calls or I meet my Cyber Prince Charming.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” Joseph Campbell

The Wedding Party

We're going to a friends wedding party tonight, so should be in for a great time!

But it does make me stop and think of all the single people out there this Bank Holiday weekend. These extended breaks can really drag on if you've no one special to share them with.

But it doesn't have to be this way you know. Online dating allows you to search locally for a new date, and gives you the chance to find out if they are likely to be compatible with you. All from the comfort of your own home! Once you see someone you like, you can start an online conversation and find out even more about them! If it feels right, arrange to meet up for a coffee - and you're dating again!

http://www.datingover50uk.com

The Do's And Dont's Of Online Dating

Here is what the experts had to say:

Kate Taylor, relationship expert at match.com

Do take the time to get your profile right. Spend some time making sure your profile is as good as it can be and that it accurately reflects your personality. 

Do concentrate on the written word. Make sure anything you publish on the net communicates the qualities you want to portray. 

Do make your first message count. Ensure it reads like a personal message by mentioning a few things from the person’s profile and interests that caught your eye and made you want to get in touch.

Don’t misrepresent yourself on your profile. It’s best not to use old photos for your profile picture and be completely honest about your hobbies and interests. 

Don't let a bad dating experience get you down. 

Don’t be afraid to make the first move.

Don't do this

Liz Marie, senior editor at WeLoveDates and HuffPost UK blogger

Do accept dates with people who aren't your “type”.

Do meet first dates in a public place and always let a friend or family member know where you'll be.

Do make online dating a priority.

Don't use a selfie as your profile photo! It looks like you don't have any friends!

Don't respond to every email that you receive-unless you really want to.

Don't wait for someone you're interested in to message you first!

Don't do this either

The Guyliner, HuffPost UK blogger and experienced online dater who is "taking on the internet one gay at a time"

Do be on time. Even slight lateness can set a miserable tone for the rest of the date.

Do be clean. You'd be surprised how often dates turn up without showering.

Do contribute to the conversation. It's great that you're "a good listener" but you're wrong if you think letting someone do all the talking makes for a great date.

Don't go for dinner on the first date. Once you're sitting at a table with this stranger, you're trapped until the bill comes – and they could be a very slow eater and dull to boot.

Don't arrive drunk or come from somewhere else where you've been drinking.

Don't lie on your dating profile. If you really want this to go somewhere, you'll have to be honest.

Don't do this, either

Laura Jane Williams, HuffPost UK blogger and new on the internet dating scene

Do a little research. Before you write your profile, see what people your similar age and gender are saying about themselves.

Do remember that this is a dating site, not a job interview. Use your profile as a trailer, not the full movie.

Do actually date. Get out and meet in real life!

Don't sit idle. Aim for about ten new messages a day in order to get noticed by other users, and the site's algorithm.

Don't cut and paste. It's pretty easy to spot a generic "I send this to all the girls" message, and it won't do you any favours. Personalised messages stand out much more. and get a real dialogue going.

Don't mention how you promise you won't ever tell anyone you met online. The stigma attached to online dating is long gone. Be proud that you're being proactive in your search for love.

You heard the experts - get dating online now! http://www.datingover50uk.com 

Online Dating Tips: Strengthening Communication

We’re in the digital age, which means online personals have become a mainstream mode to find a date. Perhaps you’ve taken the initiative to try out a site like Datingover50UK.com. Great! Now it’s time to relearn the rules of the manhunt.

Communication is key. For example, that dreaded first email. Let’s say you have a great profile, you’ve made initial contact, but now what? You wait, check your inbox a million times, and after getting no response, you make plans to join a convent.

Don’t be silly. You know the right guy is out there for you. Just follow these 5 tips that’ll put the odds of getting a response in your favor!

1. Read profiles before making contact: This is how you determine whether you’re compatible and have common interests. After you decide to send a message, include a line that shows you read the profile. People generally appreciate the effort and will reciprocate.

2. Be honest! Don’t exaggerate your qualities or misrepresent yourself. After all, if you plan on meeting singles face-to-face and you’re not that 5’11” Cindy Crawford lookalike you showcased on your profile, it will be awkward. Take your mom’s advice: honesty is the best policy.

3. Don’t abbreviate too many words: An abbreviation here and there is okay, but if a person needs a decoder ring to figure out what you’re trying to say, chances are they will just hit the delete button.

4. Sell yourself without sounding full of yourself: Your friends and family know you’re awesome, but continuous self-promotion is a turn off. Remember, you want to engage people with your message, not make them scoff and roll their eyes.

5. End with a question: Asking questions will prompt potential dates to respond. For example, if a person’s profile says they’re into hiking, ask them something like, “I see you’re into hiking! Me too. Do you have any favorite trails?” Easy, right?

Now single ladies, take this advice and find a love match!

Thanks to Lauren Conrad for this article

Going Out On A Date?

Remember to HAVE FUN! 

You aren't solving world peace or the Bermuda Triangle. 

You are going to meet someone that is quite possibly cute and charming, and someone you may just like, so just relax and let it happen. And, worst-case scenario, you can always write a fun blog about all of your dating adventures!

Worse things have happened!

http://www.datingover50uk.com