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Unsure how to start dating again? We’ve compiled our best dating tips and advice for over 50s. Dating tips for over 50s.
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Want to meet someone but not quite sure where to start? Dating can be a daunting prospect but if you're looking to get back out there, we've compiled the best tips from gransnetters on how to date successfully - and safely. Get our top threads, competitions and more straight to your inbox. 11 tips for dating over 50. 1. Manage expectations and know what you want. Before you start dating, it's worth asking yourself what kind of relationship you're looking for. Are you wanting something casual? More long-term? A companion rather than a love interest? It's also important to be aware that dating and meeting someone you share a connection with takes time - don't expect immediate results or feel upset if that first conversation online doesn't happen overnight. It can be a long process, but it's better to wait and find a great match rather than rushing into something that isn't right for you. I had a lot of contact from younger men, which was very flattering until it dawned on me what they had in mind!" 2. Pick the right site for you. With so many dating sites out there, finding the appropriate one for you might feel like a bit of a minefield. It's trial and error at the end of the day, so there's no harm in taking the plunge and signing up even if you're not 100% sure. Many sites offer free registration initially, but you will often have to upgrade in order to use any premium features. Unsure where to start? Our guide to the best dating sites for over 50s has information on what different services offer. "I'd recommend joining a dating site affiliated with the newspaper you read. The people I met through Telegraph Dating were all of a similar background, level of education and had the same outlook as me." 3. Build up a great online profile. It might seem obvious, but considering the increased popularity of dating sites, it's good to stand out from the crowd. Not only should you write about your interests and what you're looking for on your preferred dating site, including age range, but you should try to create a unique description of yourself, perhaps with a fun and intriguing headline that grabs the reader's attention. It's really important that you are honest though - don't write that you're interested in something you're not to appear more impressive. Finish your online profile off with a lovely, recent photo that makes you feel confident and you're good to go. "Be clear and upfront about what you want. I was clear about what my family set-up was and said that I wasn't prepared to be messed about!" 4. Look for shared interests, but don't be put off by differences. One of the benefits of online dating is that you can learn a lot about someone by just browsing through their profile. Take a look at their hobbies, interests and how they describe themselves. Having a common ground is a great place to start when striking up a virtual conversation, but don't discard someone straight away if your interests don't align. Remember, opposites attract, as they say. "Look for meet-ups where people looking for friendship post events they want to go to. A friend made lots of contacts and a large social circle this way. Maybe dating could follow." "I have met a caring, affectionate and understanding person. We have known each other for six months and it is working out really well. On paper our interests are very different so do not dismiss anyone because of this." 5. Are they who they say they are? While there are many positives to online dating, there are also a few things to look out for, one of which is catfishing. While this may sound harmless (it isn't literally fishing for catfish unsurprisingly!), the term is actually used to describe someone who creates a fake identity on a social networking site for dishonest purposes. It might take a little time for you to figure out that a person isn't who they say they are, but trusting your gut instinct usually works. as does a little detective work on Google. "I recommend Googling anyone you intend to meet. If they have told you they are a school governor/on the parish council/captain of a golf club they will have a digital footprint." 6. Don't rush into anything. It's important that you don't feel rushed or pressured into anything, especially if you're concerned that the person you've been chatting to isn't genuine or might only be interested in sex. Be clear about what you want, and if you find yourself feeling anxious, pressured or ill at ease, then consider pulling away from the exchange altogether. This is especially important when virtual relationships evolve, particularly if you're thinking about giving out your phone number or looking to go on a first date. "I actually put in my profile that I only wanted to hear from people who were interested in developing a relationship over time. I think it paid to be frank and, as a result, I have met someone very genuine." 7. Stay safe at all times. What else should you look out for? As with anything, approach online dating with some level of caution so that you are always safe online. Online safety is of paramount importance at any age, but older people are particularly vulnerable when it comes to online scams , many of which are conducted on dating sites. When using a dating site, only share as much information as you're comfortable with. Don't part with identifying information such as your address or bank details. Take things at your own pace, only share your phone number if you feel safe doing so, and be sure to pick meeting spots carefully when going on a first date - a public spot during the day in a familiar area is crucial according to our gransnetters. "Just be careful and make sure someone knows when and where you are meeting any intended 'date' and don't give too much personal information on those first few meetings." "You just have to be on your guard. The advantage is that you can 'block' anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable. When or if you decide to meet someone, remember that even if you've been talking to this person for a while they're still technically a stranger." "I would never discuss my finances. In the past I have told 'boyfriends' that I rent my house, or that it belongs to my ex-husband, not that I'm cynical but I am very wary of the phrase "this is a nice big house, do you own it?" I would also trust my gut instincts." 8. Be honest if you're not interested.