Navigating the Dating Game with Dignity

Hello Everyone!

What an eye opening discussion we had today about Dating. Being over 40 myself I found it to be very interesting, inspiring and to be honest.. quite comical.  We had three wonderful guests talk about different aspects of dating including the Dating Goddess who has penned 13 books on dating over 40.

Here are some of her answers to questions about dating.

OT:  What makes dating different now than when we were in our 20s? 

DG:            Pros

·         Often more freedom if kids are out of the house, so more time to date

·         More income to spend because you’re further along in your career

       Cons

·         My be balancing raising teenagers and caring for elderly parents, so not much time to date

·         Not usually concerned about having more kids, although adoption is an option for those interested

·         May have put on extra pounds, have sags and bags. Not feel as attractive as when younger

·         May have been financially wiped out by tuition and divorce payments so no funds to date.

OT: Let’s say I think I want a special man in my life again. What are some things I need to know?

DG:  Need to examine your espectations (Is Bradd Pitt ruining your love life?)

·         Need to be ready to open your heart (Have you built a fortress around your heart?)

·         Need to have courage (Courage and dating  -rejection stings)

·         Be willing to examine your own actions and try to understand your date’

OT: What are some of the hardest things for women re-entering the dating pool after a long absence?

DG:

·         (Don’t think you are damaged goods)

·         Don’t assume the man you’re with is like others, both bad and good

·         Are you set in your ways?)

OT:  How does a woman know what she’s looking for in her next mate?

DG:

·         (What’s your “perfect boyfriend’s” job description?)

·         Practice dates

·         Be present to how you feel, both with him and between dates

OT:      What has surprised you about men’s dating behavior?

DG:

·         (Chivalry isn’t dead —but it seems to be hibernating)

·         (Midlife men have forgotten how to date)

·         With few exceptions, a man has to initiate the first contact

·         Most of the men I’ve met have been sweet, caring and dear.

OT:  We’re now prepped and ready to get into the dating pool. What do we need to do?

DG:

·         Be strategic about your attire and presentation (Do you have the right datewear?)

·         (Are you making bad decisions out of loneliness?)

·         (Being “in wonder” about your date’s behavior)

OT:  Let’s say we’ve gotten some interest from a guy. Should we immediately try to meet him?

DG:  Vet him. Even if he profile isn’t that appealing, respond to his email. Ask him some questions.

·         Once you have his last name, Google him

·         Move from email to phone.

·         If he’s not odious on the phone, only agree to coffee


Thank you, Dating Goddess. If you want to purchase her books go to www.DatingGoddess.com.

Thanks for listening to Outreach Today!