Dating in Your 40s Expectations

Single in your 40s? Chances are, you’re not alone.

A 2019 Psychology Today report reveals that 4.3% of women worldwide reach their late 40s without getting hitched.

If you’re worried about feeling alone and lonely at this age, you can take some comfort in that statistic. Pay no mind to the nosy people offering unsolicited advice about your love life. You’re the one in charge of that anyway.

If you want to get back in the game, brace yourself.

What used to work for you in your 20s may not apply to your current age. Here’s what to expect as you start dating in your 40s.

The dating scene has changed.

Even the most flirtatious people have some trouble navigating the modern dating scene. Gone are the days when meet-cutes were the only option for spotting eye candy.

Dating apps currently rule the scene, so you may want to hop on one if you want to up your chances.

The usual setup for these apps is to browse through various profiles and swipe left or right based on who you like or want to connect with. Then you wait until you get a match – where you like someone who likes you back.

Talking to matches might be a challenge, so gather some courage and choose your words wisely.

There’s no time for games.

People in their 40s usually have their lives (or most of it) figured out. They have no time for people who like to beat around the bush.

Be clear with your agenda from the start. Regardless of whether you want something casual or serious, spare your match the misery by letting them know. This saves you from potentially disastrous situations you can’t erase.

Patience will be tested.

Whether you’re a serial dater or a recent divorcee, it’s normal to feel like it should be your turn to be lucky in the romance department.

Would it be great to meet the perfect match in an instant? Yes. However, dating in your 40s doesn’t work that way.

Don’t get too disappointed if the people you’ve encountered aren’t the best ones. Be patient and keep your hopes up because someone will come along.

Old-school rules won’t apply.

Nowadays, men don’t necessarily need to make the first move. In the age of the internet, it’s perfectly fine if women drop the initial hints.

With that said, don’t sit and wait for someone to approach you. If you’re up for it, get the ball rolling yourself and see how it goes from there.

Geographical limits are a thing of the past.

You don’t have to restrict yourself to locals in this day and age. If you want to, go global!

Dating apps make it easier to cast an even wider net than ever, so take that chance and expand your horizons. Who knows — your perfect match may be on the other side of the world.

There’s no rush!

Yes, you should make your intentions clear. However, that doesn’t mean you should jump at the first warm body you see.

Rushing things will just make the experience unpleasant for you and your match. If you still have wounds to nurse, sit them out and let them heal first.

You’re single — not worthless.

There are people that may view 40-year-old-singles as a social disease. That stigma leads to some feeling undesirable, losing their self-confidence as a result.

Don’t let that perception get you down. Remember: “single” is just a status and it doesn’t define you as a person.

So what if you’re exploring dating in your 40s? It shouldn’t be a big deal to anyone.

Have fun and may you find your perfect match!

This story was published on Medium: What to Expect When Dating in Your 40s