Terrence Kennedy
Being a single man in your forties has many advantages. You’re more confident than you’ve ever been, your few gray hairs make you look refined and stylish and your conversational skills with women are vastly better than they were fifteen years ago.
If, however, you want to put an end to this period of singlehood, you might consider giving online dating a try.
It’s easy and very convenient, as you don’t even need to move from your comfortable couch in order to find single women. Nevertheless, being older dating online is as simple as it can be. If you want to find interesting people you’ll have to follow certain rules.
Choice of profile picture, what to write in your biography or simply which site to choose, to begin with, are just some of the things that can improve or reduce your odds of finding interesting matches.
If you are looking for the woman of your dreams, discover how to master online dating when you’re a guy over 40.
Mastering Online Dating in Your Forties
Find a website that suits your search...
"Online dating is easy and very convenient, as you don’t even need to move from your comfortable couch in order to find single women..."
Online dating is definitely one of the top ways of finding a date in our modern society, and the large number of websites dedicated to exactly that purpose are proof of its popularity.
Therefore, your chances of finding an interesting match will depend on the website that you choose. Don’t register with a site for those looking for a one night stand if you want to find Mrs. Right and vice versa.
Additionally, at 40 +, you might not be in the mood for dating inexperienced twenty-year-olds.
To avoid being contacted by girls that don’t suit your criteria, register with a website that corresponds to what you’re looking for.
For instance, if you want to start a relationship with someone of your own age, choose a serious dating site for men and women over 40.
Stand out from the crowd
When registering on the dating website you've chosen, you’ll have to fill in your online profile.
You need to be as intriguing as possible using a maximum of 300 words. This will ensure that female users will be more inclined to contact you.
Talk about yourself, your hobbies, your opinions and the kind of relationship that you are looking for. Keep it short. Your potential matches won’t bother reading a long profile if they are contacted by loads of other guys.
Additionally, you need to stand out from the crowd. Don’t repeat the same things that everyone writes such as: “I love sport” or “I like traveling”. Instead, you need to demonstrate to them that you are unique and show them different aspects of your personality.
Talk about the countries you’ve visited, for instance. If you want, you can start with a quote that means something to you.
Choose the best picture of you...
First impressions matter. Therefore, you need to choose the best possible picture, as this is the first thing the other users will look at before clicking on your profile.
Your photo needs to show you at your best and at the same time, say a lot about you. In general, selfies are not very popular.
Also, avoid pictures with your pets, friends or family.
Upload several photos, for instance, ones that portrays you outdoors, doing an activity you like.
Make sure all of your profile pictures are recent and of good quality.
Send a unique first message...
However interesting your profile is, if your first message is dull, she might not be inspired to answer you.
So, take a little extra time when writing it. It needs to be casual, short, polite and capable of showing off your personality.
Forget all the “hey what’s up” or “hi's” that are not followed by anything else.
She will think that you’re not making any effort. “Your eyes are gorgeous” or “you’re charming” is another definite no-no. Most women are turned off by this kind of approach.
Instead, carefully read her profile and pick up on what she's written. She has been to Cambodia and so have you? That can be a great topic to lead with!
Talking about your common interests will give you a good starting point.
Contact several people...
This may seem quite obvious to most of you, but that’s not the case for everyone.
When you are dating online, one of the main rules to remember is make sure to contact several people at once.
This is essential in order to improve your chances of getting a date.
If it happens that you are contacted by too many people, good job, that’s great, but only reply to those you consider interesting.
Don’t worry, they won’t be offended!
Meet in the right place
Today, the traditional dinner in a restaurant + cinema is too old-fashioned.
Moreover, it’s kind of risky if your date doesn’t go that well.
Meet her instead, in a comfortable coffee shop or a cozy pub where you can have a nice conversation.
Places like concert bars might seem really fun, but when it comes to getting to know each other better, being heard above the noise is going to make things a little bit complicated.
If you’re bored of the classic coffee shop date, you can opt instead for a little stroll in the city or the park.
You could also consider doing something linked to your common interests: if you both love climbing, why not meet in a climbing gym (and then go to a coffee shop to continue the discussion)?
You’ll surely score some points for being original!
Contact her soon after your first date..
When you're 40 or more, you don’t really want to waste your time with people who don’t match.
You've had a great time with her? It’s perfectly fine to tell her that by sending her a short text message on the way home.
When to contact her again and ask for another date will depend on everyone’s personality and experiences. It's fine to contact her 24 hours later if you want to.
However, don’t bombard her with messages or calls if she doesn’t answer you.
If on the contrary, you didn’t have such a great time and you don’t fancy another date, you should tell her pretty soon after, at least within the following few days.
Don’t ignore her messages. Suck it up and reply to her, making sure to keep your message simple and polite.
Meet several potential dates...
When you date online and contact girls after reading their profile, it’s hard to know whether you’re going to match when you finally meet.
That’s why you need to date several people to make sure that you’ll eventually find someone who is interesting to you.
Obviously, avoid seeing two women on the same night, as this could easily make things complicated!