Dating Suggestions for Women in Their Sixties
Graciousness, Sincerity, and Humor Work Best for This Age.
Aug 18, 2009
All too often, people (particularly women) find themselves suddenly single in their sixties. Some say sixty, however, is the new forty! There’s no reason for a person to live the next several decades of his/her life alone, or lonely, if they don’t want to. Yet many single sixty-somethings, after years of marriage, are reluctant to begin dating again.
In many ways, dating in one’s sixties is far easier than dating when one is actively looking for a life-long mate and somebody with whom to share parenthood. After years of laundry, household chores, and cooking, many sixty year olds are quite content to have long-term relationships that don’t culminate in marriage or live-ins. The idea, for many, is simply to have an active, healthy, social life.
Basic Rules for Dating in One's Sixties
There are simple, basic rules for having successful dating experiences when one is "older". For starters, don’t try to act like a twenty-something. Cute and sexy is just not in the cards and is extremely unattractive when practiced by a sixty year old. However, there are other attributes a mature woman may call upon that are every bit as appealing as sexual coyness. Women (and men) should consider drawing upon their years of experience. Sophistication is a definite plus for the sixty year old. Knowledge, graciousness, and a good sense of humor will impress a date far more than batting one’s lined eyes and cooing.
Sixty Demands a New Look
Besides behaving and dressing like a sophisticated, intelligent woman or man who has a sense of humor, it may be time to update the wardrobe and hair style, especially for those who've been out of the workplace for a long time. All too often people, women in particular, get in a rut of wearing their hair in the same style they did forty years ago. Avoid dark hair coloring, fire engine red lipstick, and brassy bleached blond hair. A good beautician can help with a new style, while a cosmetologist at any large department store can update one’s make-up.
Places for "Older Women" to Meet Men
So, new outfit, updated hair-do and make up, now where does one meet a man? Don’t go to bars with friends and hang out hoping to find Mr. Right! Decide in advance the interests that one wishes the other partner to have, and seek there. Don’t get discouraged by expecting to meet someone immediately.
Take up a new hobby, or register for a class where age appropriate people will be. This is a time to explore for oneself, as well as for a new partner. Pick out male dominated activities and try to participate. For example, learn to shoot a gun, take up archery, golf, sailing; attend rodeos, music festivals; go hiking or participate in local intramural activities. If one hasn't done so before, now more than ever it's essential that one get out and get active. Join organizations or clubs. Volunteer. The point is, when one does things for oneself, one will meet many others in a complimentary way that is comfortable and safe. Before one realizes it, friendships will forge, and dating will become old hat.
Dating Younger Men
Don’t eliminate a person simply because the is younger. Realize that all people have something to offer each other. Enjoy the person’s camaraderie and friendship. Don’t necessarily expect the relationship to last until “death do you part,” but don’t terminate a close and loving relationship because of age.
Dating in one's sixties and beyond may seem daunting and challenging, but it's not nearly as difficult or frightening as one might think. The key is not to revert to bygone years. Relish the years of experience and knowledge that one has accumulated, get involved in new interests and activities, and social opportunities will readily present themselves.
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