Dating advice & tips3 minutes

How to overcome the fears of dating over 50

Laura, 14 November 2022
How to overcome the fears of dating over 50

The idea of taking the leap to start dating again when you’re over 50 can be intimidating, particularly if you feel out of practice or have been hurt in the past. While conquering our fears is never easy, if you’re serious about meeting someone then facing up to them is the first step in your dating journey.

I don’t want to get hurt again

One of the biggest fears around dating at any age is the fear of making yourself vulnerable and getting hurt, which can be particularly difficult if you’ve been hurt in the past. However, one of the benefits of dating when you’re older is having plenty of experience in knowing who you want to surround yourself with. With years of learning what to look for in a person you trust, you can identify red flags and avoid situations that you feel may put you at risk.

With mature dating, there will be times you’ll need to make yourself vulnerable again but the key is to take your time and learn to trust someone gradually. If they’re truly interested in you they’ll respect you, and you’ll have a much stronger foundation to build your relationship upon.

They’ll never compare to a previous partner

If you’re dating later in life, chances are you have already had experience with one or more long term partners. Perhaps you’re divorced or widowed, and finding someone that compares to a past love might seem impossible. However an important part about finding someone to share your life with is finding shared experiences, and many other people on the mature dating scene will be in the same position.

Our past helps make us who we are in the present, so use your experiences to make a connection with your date; it might help you find more common ground and a deeper understanding for each other.

It’s also important to remember that no two relationships are ever the same, so making comparisons to a previous partner is only going to make it more difficult to move on. Don’t write off a prospective date because your previous partner loved boating and your date hates water. Go with an open mind and prepare to be surprised.

I haven’t dated in years, how do I know what to do?

Despite the introduction of online dating profiles and apps, dating is, and always will be, about 2 people making a connection. However you choose to do this can be entirely on your terms, so it doesn’t have to be all that different to what you’re used to. If you’re going on a first date, opt for something that will make you feel totally relaxed, so you can focus on getting to know your date. After a few dates, if you’ve met someone you share a connection with, then you can embrace all the opportunities dating today offers; from virtual Skype dates to mini golf!

Is an online dating profile safe?

If you’ve made the decision to start dating again, you’ll have enough to consider without worrying about your safety online. At Ourtime we know how important your privacy is, which is why we make sure our site has maximum security to keep your private details, private. We’re also dedicated to making sure 100% of our profiles online are authentic, so you can have peace of mind that the members you meet online, are like minded singles looking for love.

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