▲Don’t be afraid to open up to your community of friends, and even family, about dating. Consider asking them what they value most in you, as it can help shape your view of yourself and what you can offer to the world romantically.

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No matter how long it’s been since you last went on a date, you should always maintain and share your boundaries and standards. Remind yourself that if someone, namely a date, doesn’t respect the rules you’ve put in place, it’s better to walk away earlier rather than later.

▲First and foremost, never give out sensitive personal information to a stranger online. Secondly, if you do end up planning to meet someone in person that you’ve met online, plan to do so in a public space, like a café or museum.

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Finding the ‘right’ partner can take time, and a lot of work! Though dates should be fun, they can also take a lot of mental and emotional labor as you open up to someone new. Show yourself and your date(s) kindness, compassion, and patience.

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The first action item on this list is to decide if you’re ready for dating. Whether you were previously in a relationship or not, taking time to assess your readiness and openness to dating is an important first step.

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Do you want something exclusive, or open? Do you want a partner who lives nearby, or can it be long distance? Consider also the longer term implications. For example, do you want to be married, or is something more casual what you’re hoping for?

▲It’s always best to be honest when dating, as this person could be in your life for a long time to come. Once you establish trust and know this is a safe person, be transparent about things like if you've been married before or if you have kids.

▲Dating is often portrayed as something that you do once in your life and it’s usually when you’re younger. This couldn’t be further from the truth! There isn’t necessarily a right time to date; the ‘right’ time is when it makes sense for you.

▲Casting a wide net when dating can be very useful. From dating sites and apps to meeting in person, there are a multitude of ways to connect with like-minded seniors.

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There are numerous ‘do’s’ to dating as a senior. The following slides will list eight of them.

▲The internet today has numerous uses, including helping seniors find dates. Whether it’s a website, app, or otherwise, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Being brave and creating a dating profile can open up new, exciting possibilities.

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While long-term relationships are worthwhile pursuits, they can add a lot of undue pressure. Try to consider shorter term relationships with someone you meet. As long as you both are honest and communicative of your needs and wants, short term can also work.

▲If you are dating and ‘on the dating scene,’ don’t shy away from being honest about it for fear of judgment. If you are pursuing a consensual, healthy relationship, be proud. Let friends and family know, and perhaps they will know someone to connect you with.

▲People who you previously met, who maybe weren’t right at the time, could be right now. Did you feel a spark once but never acted on it? Consider reaching out to that person if they are single.

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Now we'll explore the ‘don'ts’ of dating in retirement. Keep these in mind and be sure to steer clear.

▲Meeting a potential partner can happen at any time! It could be someone you know, like a neighbor or coworker even. If you come prepared with the right mindset and openness to being vulnerable and connecting, anything could happen!

▲Always be aware, especially when online dating. If someone is asking you for very personal information or even banking information, you should be immediately wary. Avoid people like this or ads asking for details you’re not comfortable sharing.

▲At times, dating can feel challenging or difficult even. Try your best to maintain a positive outlook. Your person is out there somewhere, and by being positive you’re more likely to try new things that will lead you to them.

▲Before you meet someone in person, consider a video call to verify who they are. It will also give you the opportunity to build some rapport and have an initial meeting to alleviate some of the pressure of a first date.

▲Everyone has a past and love is a beautiful thing that should bring people together. People who confide in you about past relationships and/or desires should be met with respect and understanding. It’s not uncommon as a senior to have been married before, even multiple times.

▲This question shows you care to get to know them better. What made a certain phase most memorable, how does it relate to their life now, what aspects do they want to continue, and so on.

▲There can often be taboos or social stigmas about dating someone older or younger than you. Try your best to get rid of these predispositions and find commonality.

▲It’s important to get to know someone before you commit yourself to a relationship with them. It’s okay to date around or date multiple people, just be sure to be communicative and safe if dating becomes physical.

▲Even though dates with a former partner may have been fun or exciting, focus on being present and appreciative of current dates.

▲You might be apprehensive about dating again because you think you’re “too old” or “too late” to find love. This is definitely not true! Love can, and does, happen at any age. Worrying about what others might think can deter you from finding your new person.

▲This question helps you understand how a person prioritizes people in their life. Ideally, they will work to prioritize you, their friends, and their family, not necessarily in that order. It can be a delicate balance, but seeing what someone tries to accomplish can say a lot about them.

▲This question is important to some people. Even though, in theory, age gaps for the most part shouldn’t matter for legal, consenting adults, some people only want to date or be with others near their age range. Asking can help set you up for success.

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If online dating isn’t your scene, consider going to senior events. Oftentimes, organizations will put on events or gatherings for retirees where you can go and mingle.

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Age-specific clubs or groups can be especially great places to meet new potential dates. If you share a common interest with someone, that’s a great way to break the ice and introduce yourself.

Sources: (MomJunction) (MeetCaregivers)

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Love is in the air—even as a retiree! Have you thought before that perhaps your dating days are long gone, or that you might be too old to date again? Neither is necessarily true though! Whether you’ve been married or partnered before or not, dating even when you’re older can be an exciting adventure. It's a new chance to find someone who you really connect with and can share time together with. With this in mind, this guide will take you through everything from the do’s and don'ts of dating as a senior to questions to ask on a potential date, and more!

Curious as to how you can reignite your love life starting today? Click through for more information.