Dating for different age groups

Dating can be a challenge at any age group, but the issues vary according to which group you would pool yourself in.  For the purpose of this article let’s say there are three groups.  The first is if you are in the late teens to mid twenties; the second is if you are late twenties to mid forties and the last if you are around fifty and upwards.

The challenges in the first group involve that whole balance of keeping yourself safe vs. getting experience, learning and gaining confidence with the whole process of dating, approaching others, flirting, conversations and relationships.  It can be such a fun time but also once of angst and fear for you.

The second group is you if you ideally want to find someone special and often want to get married and have children.  With your friends and family partnered off, it is often harder to socialise and be in amongst single people so that you can pair off.  Often you can start thinking there is nobody decent left and feel like time is running out.  If you’ve been busy with a career up until now, it can be difficult finding the time and inclination to find someone special.

The third group of you may find yourself having to face dating again after a loss, separation or divorce.  Not only do you have to get over a loss but work out where you go to find a suitable partner, work out what you really want now but also how to best market and launch yourself onto the dating scene again.

So what can you do to help yourself, despite the different age groups that you are in?  Firstly work out what stage you are at and be okay about it.  Are you seeking more casual affairs or a long term relationship?  If you have just come out of a break up, it may be absolutely fine for you to not want anything long term for quite some time.  Secondly, get some help to work out any stumbling blocks you may have.  If you’re not having the success you want, what’s preventing you from doing so?  You usually have something to do with this and friends and family or ex-partners do not always tell you what this is.  Thirdly, get better at highlighting and marketing your best features and attributes.  Work out what they are and don’t be afraid to tell others!  Fourthly, work out what kind of person is going to be right for you and where that person is most likely to be.  Then get out there!  Last but not least, put on a positive attitude with an openness and readiness to dating and relationships.

Denise Corlett is the founder of datingadvice.co.nz and helps professional men and women find, attract and be in successful relationships.  For more personalised assistance go to www.datingadvice.co.nz