Often entering a new stage in the dating lifespan 67% of British singles aged 50 to 65 years are looking for a relationship, seeking companionship and longing for intimacy. In response to the findings, the Match Group has launched OurTime, a brand-new dating service exclusively for those aged 50 years and over.
Who said everything slows down post 50? In a recent study, OurTime reveal that over three quarters (77 per cent) of those aged over 50 would be happy to have a first kiss within the first week of dating someone and over half (67 per cent) would hold hands, proving that whilst they may be older and wiser following past relationships, they still have the same excitement about dating and romance. Things may hit the ground running from the first date but actually finding somebody that you feel comfortable meeting is easier said than done.
To help mature daters find one another, the new tailored dating service exclusively for the over 50s allows singles to meet like-minded people. The phrase ‘online dating’ can set off warning alarms but the platform provides a safe environment, empowering singles to find companionship with people in their age range, and to help make the online dating scene more interactive, OurTime is also launching a series of dating activities, allowing singles over 50 to meet suitable daters in their region in a more interactive environment.
To help make the transition to online dating that little bit easier, OurTime have outlined a series of unwritten etiquette rules to get you started.
Be true to yourself
It may sound obvious, but honesty is crucial if you’re going to make a success of online dating. That means not posting photographs of yourself from five years ago and not embellishing your profile with half-truths about what you do for a living, how much you earn, how old you are etc. Lying will just get you into sticky situations further down the line, as anybody you start to spend a serious amount of time with, will eventually clock the discrepancies in your story. Don’t be afraid of being rejected for being yourself, a good degree of transparency is always in your best interest. After all, you don’t want to have to admit you weren’t telling the truth further into a relationship.
Take things at your own pace
Don’t be in too much of a hurry to meet-up after just one text. Take your time and get to know each other in the comfort of the online dating environment before taking your potential relationship offline. Exchanging a few messages to establish some common goals and interests will stand you in good stead for if and when you eventually meet, by providing some instant conversation topics.
Learn to handle rejection
One of the advantages of online dating is the sheer volume of potential matches. But this can also be a downside. With so many people to choose from, you need to be prepared for a few knock backs along the way. If you’re turned down or ignored by someone you had your eye on, don’t dwell on it. Put it behind you and move on.
Always be polite
It’s important not to lose your sense of decorum when interacting with others in an online dating environment. Keep things affable and avoid being too personal. Be respectful and polite in your responses even when turning someone down. Try to deal with your emails as quickly as possible. For example, if you know you’re going to be away for a while, drop those you’re in regular contact with a note to say you’re going away, but that you’re looking forward to chatting with them when you get back.
Don’t be demanding
Your online correspondence should be light and breezy, and you should allow time to ‘connect’ with that person before arranging the first date. There’s no need to be pushy when you’re trying to get hold of their phone numbers/address. Have faith that if they really like you, they’ll divulge them to you soon enough anyway.
Keep things positive
Online dating sites were created to emulate a warm, welcoming and friendly environment for you to meet fellow singles, as opposed to a bar full of unknowns. So, it follows that the key to enjoying a rewarding online dating experience all comes down to attitude. Be optimistic, give off a positive attitude and really enter into the whole experience with a hundred percent commitment; you’ll get a lot more out of your subscription and be well on your way to finding true love.
For more information and to sign up, visit OurTime.
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