In your late thirties and forties, you know yourself a bit better and are more sure about what you want. This can make dating seem a little more complicated. Here’s some help …

Being single when you’re young can be fun

Meeting new people is relatively easy and playing the field is great because you’re not yet sure what you want. Dating later in life, on the other hand, can be quite difficult.

In your late thirties and forties, you know yourself a bit better and are more sure about what you want. This can make dating seem a little more complicated. That and the fact that many people are already in long-term committed relationships.

However, there are a few ways to make dating later in life a little easier:

Be picky about who you date

When you’re young, dating many different people helps you figure out what you want (and don’t want) in a relationship. As you get older you’re more likely to already have those answers.

You’re a busy person and your time is valuable, so don’t waste it by going for drinks with people you’re sure you don’t want to be in a relationship with. Date people you haven’t made up your mind about yet, but keep things casual until you’re certain.

Just don’t go out for dinner with someone you’re definitely not interested in, just because you don’t know how to say “no”.

You’re a busy person and your time is valuable, so don’t waste it by going for drinks with people you’re sure you don’t want to be in a relationship with

Choose an interesting activity

Dinner and a movie is a tried and tested date template. And it does give you time to talk, which is always great. But if you want to know whether you’re compatible with someone from the beginning, do something a little different.

Pick an activity you’re interested in, like hiking or fishing, and see if they enjoy themselves. You don’t want to date someone who hates being at sea if you’re taking sailing courses in Cape Town

You’ve found your hobbies and you know what you enjoy, so don’t enter into a relationship with someone who’s going to have a problem with that.

Be honest and direct

Tell the person you’re dating what you’re looking for in a relationship from the very beginning (although maybe not on the first date).

If you’re looking for something long-term, you don’t want to date someone who’s interested in keeping it casual. And if you’re only interested in a part-time love affair, telling them up front is the right thing to do. You know what you want and you should make that clear.

Dating later in life may seem difficult, but it also has its perks. You’re more sure of who you are, you’ve established your career and you’re more emotionally stable. So get out there and enjoy it!