You are 50 or older and you still haven't found the perfect mate that you can call your true love? You're not alone. Don't just watch and let life pass you by. No, you should indulge yourself in senior dating. Don't be ashamed. There are many more like you. Many of them will not have the courage to even consider dating someone. It's as if they have given up.

Has it been years or possibly even decades since your last date? In as much as you would like to test the waters of the dating scene again, you're scared you have lost your touch or any edge you may have had. Surely, if you think about it, some things have changed over the years since you dated or courted anyone. Has dating etiquette evolved into something quite different from what you remember? Try to relax. Regain your dating prowess you may have had in your younger years. Here are a few tips on how to take some of the fright from the thought of senior dating and lessen the pressure at the same time. The idea is to make it more of an enjoyable activity as it should be.

1. What makes the both of tick? It is imperative to consider activities you think will be of interest to you both. Hobbies or activities you are both used to on your first date will not only relieve pressure on both of you but will help bring out the best in you. In senior dating, no matter how long you've abandoned it, do your homework first. Whether

you ask your date what she likes to do beforehand or find out through common friends or by other ways, it will help. You could surprise her with such an activity. If you're really into it, there may be no stopping you in making that first date something really special for both of you.

2. Don't stop with a single date. Deciding if you want another date with that same person is the one of the goals in getting into a first date. You will need to plan a date that ensures good conversation. This is the opportunity to get to know each other. Senior dating is not much different from younger dating. The guidelines aren't too different. On a first date, it is usually wise to avoid activities that will leave you sitting quietly in the dark, like watching a movie or play. You want to have conversation and keep active to some extent. Just that will lead to more conversation and that is good. Senior dating, like younger dating, can become a quiet untalkative disaster if there is little conversation. That is definitely a turn-off toward having a second date and is to be avoided at any cost.



3. If the idea of senior dating just puts you in a nerve-wracking mood, consider a group date with friends. This will not only lessen the pressure of coming up with the right conversation but will also be more of an opportunity to see how you two interact with others. An interesting group activity or playing a sport that you and your group both agree to should work out fine.

4. A lunch date may do wonders. Choosing lunch over dinner, just like in younger dating, will be more fun if done during daytime when more activities are available for the both of you to enjoy. It does not have that intimate ambience that a dinner date might have, but reduces anxiety and uneasiness you may both feel if out late at night on a first date.

5. Senior dating doesn't mean that you have to be pressured to doing everything to the extent of straining yourself just to make a good impression. You can still try to be yourself. Trying to be someone you're not doesn't work too well and usually the other person can recognize that.

How to reduce the strain or pressure? Try to work in some of the things you might normally do and not try to make that big first impression that is not your normal style. You might also go to markets or malls or some other common activity. That will not only give you time to gauge whether you're on the same wavelength as your date but can give you an excuse if any other activities didn't go so well.

6. Be graceful or leave. First dates often mean not necessarily knowing the person that much. If ever something comes up or you simply feel you're not comfortable with your date, it might be best to leave. Sometimes things just don't go right or there is too much incompatibility between two people. In such cases it's better to be safe than sorry. Also in some cases the situation is just not right, but yet the two persons are really compatible and cutting off the date earlier is sometimes better, and leaves a possible opening for a second date and another chance. That may not be the normal situation, but it does happen.

Don't just tell yourself that you've already done that, been there before. This new first date is with a new person and is different. Also you may be doing some things you have done many times before, but maybe it's not the same for your date. Keep an open mind and remember that you're involving yourself with senior dating to have a good time. The first date is not an exception. Who knows, it could ultimately lead to much better things. If not with your first date, then with another, gaining from the courage you showed in going on that first senior date.