Dating can be a funny thing, regardless of what age you are. In our teens, we imagine we’ll be in love by our twenties. By our twenties, we imagine we’ll find that special somebody by our thirties and by our thirties, well, many of us are dreading the thought of being single in our forties.

Now that we’re in our forties, however, things change a little bit. Many of us have been in love in the past, but it hasn’t worked out. Some of us even got married! However, for whatever reason, we’re back where we started. It becomes clear that rather than the foregone conclusion we assumed it to be, love is something we have to work on and at if we’re to have any chance at it.

To our advantage is the fact that we’re still young, both in mind, spirit and body. We hit our peaks around our forties and we’re in a place in our lives where we can enjoy some financial and mental stability. In short, we’re at the perfect age in which to enter a serious and committed relationship.

Nevertheless, many of us feel like we’ve somehow ‘failed’ by not being where we imaged we would be in our twenties.

We think back on the mistakes we’ve made, the paths we chose to take and the fights we wish we’d never picked, but the truth of the matter is that we can’t change the past – we can only alter our future.

Here’s how to date in your 40s.

Learn to Broaden your Horizons

By the time we hit our forties, we’re all guilty of closing our minds just a little bit. We’ve explored the culinary world, met countless people, experienced countless events and, ultimately, decided what we do and don’t like.

It’s the same for our partners, we grow to have a fixed vision of what we want and exclude everyone who doesn’t fit that mould exactly. Needless to say, it’s a horrendously misguided way to approach the dating scene. So, take our advice – learn to keep an open mind.

Ultimately, people aren’t the way they dress, or the music they listen to – they’re what’s in their hearts and the joy they can bring to your life. Go on that date, meet that person you normally wouldn’t and find true love.

Try to Find Love in New Places

Our busy lives often make meeting new people a real struggle, which is why so many of us are going on fewer dates than we’d like to. It’s a rut, but how do you get out of it?

Well, you could follow the example laid down by hundreds of millions of people around the world and give online dating a go.

Far from the stigmatised, shunned practice it once was, online dating is now exceptionally mainstream, safe and fun, especially for the over 40 dating scene, which boasts one of the most active and vibrant communities around! It’s the perfect way to fit dating around your busy life.

Don’t Jump in too Quickly

Although not exactly desperate, we’re all keen to find that special somebody sooner rather than later.

Nevertheless, be prepared to keep it cool for a little while first. You may be having a great time, but take things slow and let events unfold naturally – you’ll be glad you did it in the end.

Join the over 40 dating site today!