Dating in Your 40s: Ten Great Things about

For those of you in your 40s who are recently divorced, widowed, or just eager to re-partner, dating again can be daunting. Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve been “on the market”. You may want to think and act like a 25-year-old, but your seasoning tells another tale and may actually improve the chances for success when experimenting mature dating .The truth is that dating does change when you get older…and, in many ways, for the better. The paradox is that your maturity offers you many advantages over the youthful daters. Here’s why.

1. There is no ticking of the biological clock

Without the pressures of getting married and having children, you can enter into relationships for the “right” reasons, not because you are running out of fertile years.

2. Men and women in their 40s and 50s are generally more self-assured

They know what they want out of a relationship, what they are looking for in a mate and are not afraid to ask for it.

3. Your identity is more clearly defined

You are, therefore, more likely to depend on yourself, not your partner, to solve your own dilemmas.

4. You have learned from your previous relationship experiences

You can take inventory of what time has taught you so that you do not fall into old traps. Knowing yourself better and being able to size up others more skillfully gives you a big advantage.

5. You likely have greater financial freedom to enjoy fancy dinners and getaways

The days of scraping together enough money for a movie are over!

6. Romance is more enjoyable

You are more sexually confident and liberated than you were in your youth.

7. You have figured out what is important

You can put away the “list” of perfect characteristics that you are seeking in your date. Physical appearance, the type of car one drives and other status symbols take a back seat to more important personal attributes.

8. You have gained perspective

Not every aspect of your romantic life feels critical.

9. Your personal power is solid and secure

You have won and you have lost. You have made friends and let them go when they were not supportive. You can handle life’s ups and downs with grace.

10. As two independent people with separate lives,

You are probably more capable than your younger counterparts to nurture the three entities needed for a healthy partnership; “I,” “You,” and “We.”