Dating Advice For Women Over 40

It's safe to say that the dating landscape changes substantially once you reach the age of 40. You are not dreaming. Finding love with less heartache, pain, and confusion requires sound counsel because the difficulties of dating for women over 40 are so unique. (Fact: More than 25 million unmarried women over the age of 40 live in the United States.)

The dating advice that works for 20-somethings may not always be the same counsel you need as a member of the over-40 dating demographic. This is why:

Your primary concern as a woman over 40 should not necessarily be getting married and starting a family. It doesn't matter whether you've already been married, if you have children, or if neither of those statements are accurate.

Since you were dating in your twenties, dating has undergone tremendous shift. Texting. Sexting. Online dating Speed dating. Even matchmaking in the twenty-first century, each is a real option. You can be seriously undermining your success if you don't know how to use these tools or think that only "losers" would use them.

When you're in your 40s, you're unsure about who to date. Is dating men in their 30s acceptable? What if you believe that you are not attracted to men in their sixties, who may be the men who are contacting you online the most? Is it essential to locate someone who is exactly your age and can quote from Gilligan's Island together with you?

What do you want out of a relationship? Are you interested in getting married? Do you desire to have children? Are you merely seeking Mr. Boyfriend Material for a committed relationship?

Whatever your concerns, here are the keys to our advice for women over 40 in three short but sweet tips!

1. Make appropriate use of your dating experience.

You probably have some (if not a lot) of dating experience, whether you just went through a difficult divorce or have had a number of long-term partnerships and are prepared for a relationship. Making sure you don't "leak" any of this energy or knowledge, whether it be bad or not, into any new relationships you enter as a dater over 40 is important.

While it's acceptable to recall lessons from previous relationships, it might be a good idea to consult a dating coach to make sure you're bringing the proper advice with you. If you don't have a clean slate when you enter the dating pool, it can affect all of your dates to avoid forming assumptions like "It occurred before and thus must happen again."

2. Get yourself out there.

Has anyone in your social circle urged you to sign up for that online dating site? So what do you know? Every fourth person who is either married or in a committed relationship says they met their partner online.

Just keep in mind that there are a tone of nice, relationship-ready men out there who will be interested in you—you just have to meet them first! Meetups, beginning a new fitness regimen, and setting up an online dating profile are all excellent methods to meet amazing men. Do you spend every Saturday night in a bar? Not good, thus engage in outside and online activity.

3. Be honest about what you're looking for.

You shouldn't be saying stuff like "There are no good men out there," I hope. However, if you catch yourself moving in that direction, turn around instantly. There ARE so many wonderful men in the world!

Do not compromise for someone you feel is "nearly good enough" given the abundance of beautiful men who are just waiting to meet you. When someone isn't providing for your requirements and you've been honest about what those healthy needs are, it's time to find someone else.

On the other hand, it's wonderful to have a list of qualities you value in a man. But be careful not to eliminate folks from your list of candidates because they don't always dress nicely or cook like a gourmet chef. In the end, maintaining a "lack" mentality will leave you feeling helpless and trapped.

Keep in mind that if you have self-assurance and believe you are deserving of a wonderful man, you will attract amazing men. Ironically, when you feel like you have to settle, you draw men who you consider to be "good enough." To acquire what you want out of love in your forties, break out of this vicious cycle and look deep inside to discover your "inner great."

The most crucial advice for women over 40 is to never forget to have fun. You are aware of your needs, wants, and ideal companion.