There are a lot of misconceptions about men and women dating over 50 and what they do and don’t want in a relationship. Many assume they’re more committed, mature, and ready for a relationship, or that they’re possibly looking for someone younger. But are they really? To help you get the most of your time, we talked to dating coaches who specialize in midlife relationships to learn the 11 myths (and the truths they’re hiding) about dating over 50.
Myth: Men in midlife want younger women. Therefore, older women are at a disadvantage because there are more, younger options for older men. The Truth: There are plenty of men who want to date someone their own age or older! The reality is that in that deal-breaker list that most people who date have, age is a sliding number. What people really look for is attraction, and that can be a mystique, a spark, a great sense of humor or a compatibility63668based on feeling really good when you’re with that person,” says April Masini, a relationship and etiquette expert. Myth #8: Men and women in midlife don’t need love. They’re fine on their own. The Truth: The need to love and be loved remains strong throughout our lives. Palmer points to a study by AARP that showed 70% of 50-64 year-olds and 63% of people 65+ reported being currently in love. Of those over 65, 46% reported being passionately in love. “Don’t underestimate the intensity with which we can both give and receive love later in life” says Palmer.
Ladies:
1. Your bodies should be lavished with praise. If a guy criticizes your body, point him toward a mirror and move on.
2. Your Faces Are Perfect, Too. Women’s faces are THE most miraculous creations on earth. With makeup, and particularly without makeup. There’s truth to the maxim that older faces reflect character and wisdom. I’ve never understood the myths fostered by the makeup industry, but if you want to wear it, okay. Just know that you look great to many of us older guys with it or without it.
3. You Probably Want to Have It All and Are Not Willing to Settle. Those may or may not be admirable goals. I’ll leave that for another time. But keep that to yourself. I had pointed out previously to men that some of things they say on dates aren’t particularly wise. When women say they don’t want to settle, it never comes across sounding good.
4. Dating can be both overwhelming and exhausting. It’s important to take a break whenever you need to. Get back in touch with what lights you up. Once you do, you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to date again.
5. Have fun and enjoy yourself on a date meeting someone new and interesting. Everyone has a story … your job is to find out what his is. Definitely makes a date a lot more fun