In today's world, romance can take many different roads.
There is the traditional road where you meet someone, begin to talk, start to date, then either break it off, remain friends, or take it to the next romantic level.
Then there is the virtual romance, where you begin to chat and then talk on phone, then video chat on FaceBook, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype or another video program, and then you must decide whether to meet in real life, stay virtually romantic, break it off, or just be friends.
There are many levels and options between these two polar ends of the relationship spectrum.
If you an over 50 person, it can be hard to meet someone as a companion or as a romantic interest. Often we are limited as to places to go to meet others like us or do not have the computer skills to venture into the online romantic arena. There are lots of things to consider before entering any of these relationship roads.
Here are few things to think about and I am assuming that you are either single, divorced or widowed, in other words - eligible and available:
1. First thing to consider is what do you need at this point in your life?
Are you looking for a traveling companion, a friend, a lover, a possible future spouse, someone to chat with from time to time, or some kind of combination? What need you trying to fill with this person? There are many many reasons people look for another person. Loneliness ranks among the highest in reasons. Are you just lonely and what type of loneliness are you trying to satisfy?
2. The next thing to consider is do you want a physical companion or is a virtual companion good enough?
If you want someone to take you to dinner, then you want an actual physical person. If you want someone to talk or chat with now and then, a virtual companion would be good enough. If you are seeking romance, either way can be made to work.
3. What kind of person are you looking for?
What criteria do you have?
Older than you, younger than you, or the same age as you?
Male? Female?
A professional, a farmer, retired, etc.
A single parent, childless?
A Christian, Catholic, Jewish,
etc.
A smoker? Non-smoker?
Drinks alcohol? Does not drink alcohol?
4. Then, how do you find this person? What is available to you to provide a companion to fill your type of loneliness or companionship?
a. There are dating services that put actual physical people together. They match interests and other factors to help make good matches. Dates are organized to introduce each to the other and then if it works, you are on your own.
Some dating services are:
It's Just Lunch;
Match.com;
FarmersOnly.com;
eHarmony.com;
zoosk.com;
ChristianMingle.com;
OurTime.com;
SeniorPeopleMeet.com;
EliteSingles.com.
b. There are places to go to meet companions on your own, such as churches, bowling alleys, walking parks, dance groups, book clubs, continuing education classes at community colleges, travel clubs, any place where people go.
c. Online there are tons of options for a virtual companion. A real person, but one that you only see online or talk/chat with online. No physical contact, until you purposefully arrange for it.
Some online options are:
Facebook;
LinkedIN;
Instagram;
And all of the options
in a. above.
There are rules to online dating services and some security concerns. I have known several couples who met online and are now happily married. When they first met, they met in public places and with caution. You never know who you will meet online and then when you meet them in person, sometimes they are what you expect and sometimes they are not.
In today's world it can be hard to meet new people who are in your age range or have similar values. Bars and dance halls are not good places to meet people. While it is possible to meet a nice person there, the odds are against you. You are better off going to places where you have a higher likelihood of meeting people of similar interests, values, and beliefs. Using an online dating service or meeting in a class where you have an interest is much better.
Whatever you do, don't be afraid to try, but be safe.
Have you started a romance after the age of 50? How did you meet this person? What tips or ideas do you have that might help someone else? If you are alone by choice, why? Romantic relationships are not for everyone and not just for the young. If you have decided to not pursue a romantic relationship later in life, please share your thoughts. Any comments might help someone else who is struggling with whether to start a romantic relationship or not.
XOXO
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