Loneliness and Dating - How to Date When Over 50

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Loneliness is one of the perils of senior living - and indeed for many people well under 50 as well.As a matchmaker of some ten years I have seen literally dozens of people come to our agency seeking a "companion". Some have advertised for someone, some have tried online dating, some have simply tried and hoped to meet someone with whom they can spend time and enjoy their life more fully.But are there any 'rules' that these people should follow to successful 'find someone'?Like anything to do with personal relationships and dating there is nothing hard and fast to advise, but there are some key things I would recommend that anyone in their senior years considers closely.First, make sure you know why you want someone. Many people are simply lonely without identifying quite why? Are they looking for dinner companions, for outings, for intimacy or for some other reason. Before you can successfully meet someone and generate a worthwhile relationship you need to really know what it is you're seeking for yourself.Second, really know what you want. By this I don't mean you must have very strong preconceived ideas, but rather you must try and clearly establish exactly what sort of person would best meet your needs. And that requires some serious self examination.Third, don't be overly critical or demanding in who you're seeking. People are all different and time and again at Matchcompany we have matched people successfully who did not "match up" on paper, as it were. Some have even married.Four, be flexible. This is part of the earlier point, but you really need to realise that you're not perfect and nor will any partner be. So 'go with the flow' if you think someone appears to be ideal but one or two things are bugging you. You'll remain on your own unless you are a little flexible in the sort of person you're seeking to meet.Five, be a bit creative and adventurous. If you're a stay-at-home type then join a club, go to the theatre, mix it up a bit more and have confidence in your own attractiveness and personality. Sitting at home won't get you the sort of person you might be wanting.Six, be clean and tidy. It really amazes us sometimes at the people who are looking for Mr or Miss Perfect and yet they've untidy, they're badly dressed, they need a good haircut or hair stylist. Spend some time making sure that you're presentable, too. After all, you're bound to want someone who's presentable and they will be wanting the same.

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