So, you find yourself needing some tips on dating after retirement. Whether your partner has passed away, your relationship has ended, or you just never quite settled down, dating after retirement doesn’t need to be a drag! It’s never too late to fall in love. Let’s explore some ways to navigate dating in this stage of life.
How To Meet Someone
You might be a little stumped on how to meet someone now that you’re out of the work and social scene. Luckily, you have lots of options!
- Try online! There are even special websites for people in your same stage of life, like seniormatch.com. Online dating can be a less scary way to dip your toe back into the pool.
- Attend social activities. Church, golf clubs, aerobics classes, yoga, walking groups, bingo…whatever you enjoy, try to attend activities where you might find like-minded people!
- Be a part of a senior living community. There’s no better place to meet people like you than right in your own community!
When You’re On A Date
Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve dated. There’s no shame in that, but here are a few things to remember if you’re feeling rusty.
- Be authentic. Life’s too short to pretend to be someone you’re not!
- Don’t rush it. Dating now will probably be a little more challenging than it was when you were 20, and that’s okay. You have also learned so much more than you knew when you were 20! Give it time.
- Keep an open mind. Dating people from other religious, cultural, and racial backgrounds can be incredibly enlightening and eye-opening. Get to know someone before making a snap decision about them.
If Your Partner Has Passed Away
Losing your partner to death is one of life’s cruelest experiences. You have every right to grieve your partner’s passing, and there’s no need to rush into a new relationship. Your feelings and your grief matter. Take as long as you need. If you’ve processed your loss, and you feel ready to start dating again, that’s okay too! You deserve love and happiness, and losing a partner can be incredibly lonely, especially after a long relationship. Just keep these tips in mind as you embark on this new chapter of your life.
- Realize that you have probably gotten used to a certain way of doing things with your partner. In a new relationship, your new partner will also have a certain way of doing things, and they may not match up! Have patience with your differences.
- Recognize feelings of guilt or betrayal. While you might be ready to move on, it’s normal to experience some guilt as you begin dating again. You might even feel as though you’re betraying your partner. Keep in mind that you loved your partner with all your heart, and you’re also capable of loving again. Your loved ones want you to be happy! Make sure to share the things you’re feeling to your new partner, and give yourself some grace as you work through these emotions.
- It’s okay to feel a little awkward or “rusty if it’s been awhile since you’ve dated. Your date will understand, and you’ll get back into the swing of things sooner than you think.
- Take things slow. You might find you need a little more time before you’re ready to move forward in a relationship, and that’s okay. However you’re feeling, it’s okay to feel this way. There’s no one right way to do this.
Whatever stage of life you’re in, you deserve a full social life. Check out Stellar Living Communities for beautiful places to meet new people.
