Five Perks Of Dating When You’re Older

When you’re young and you start to date, the world of romance seems shiny and new. But as you get older, into your 30s, 40s and 50s, you’ll soon realise that the dating scene is very different from your younger years. If staying at home on the sofa with a glass of wine and a great book is more your thing than heading out for an evening on the tiles, we hear you. Here is our Muddy Matches guide to help you realise why dating when you’re a little older is win-win.

1. You know what you want

Perhaps you have spent years or months in the wrong relationship for you. Rather than regretting ‘wasting’ time, celebrate the fact that you are in a much better place now. And you can learn from the experience; having been with the wrong person or in the situation for you means that you know what you are looking for, and what you definitely don’t want.

2. You value yourself

Many people see their 20s as formative years, where you’re rounding out as a person and learning who you are and what makes you unique. The great news is that when you’re a bit older you may be happier in your own skin and fulfilled as you are. Older daters also tend to be more settled in terms of their personal and professional lives. This all bodes well in the dating world; you’ll properly appreciate your own worth and value and won’t ‘settle’ for anything less than you deserve. What a wonderful starting block for a healthy, happy, long-lasting relationship.

3. You’ll be able to read your relationship

With a dating history of good and maybe not so good relationships, you’re now in a great place to view your relationships with perspective and, if necessary, pick up on any warning signals. You know the ones – the red signs that indicate this person is not for you are as plain as can be. This time around you’ll be much more savvy and know for sure when you’re being treated well.

4. Dating is not the be-all and end-all

As you get older, life gets fuller; family, friends, jobs, hobbies, responsibilities…. It may well be that dating is not there to fill a void, rather to complement your lifestyle. Viewing it from this perspective is a great way to take the pressure off dating, and allow you to enjoy the experience.

5. Your dating life isn’t taken over my rules

Who says you have to wait three days before texting? Later in life you realise what’s important and, if you like someone, you tell them. How liberating! You can date on your own terms and trust your own instincts rather than what the mythical ‘dating rules’ dictate.