Happn’s global dating expert, Claire Certain, tells Now To Love that she’s regularly asked if people are “too old” to be on a dating apps.
“For me, the answer is always, NEVER,” she explains.
While you may think of Dating apps are too young, too cool, or even too much trouble, there is no reason why online and smartphone dating couldn’t work for you – at any age.
Whether you’re taking a second chance at love later in life, or have always enjoyed the dating scene, dating apps like Happn are perfect for branching out of your comfort zone and meeting new people. In fact, nearly 20% of Happn users are over the age of 40!
So, in the spirit of the upcoming Valentines Day, Claire has put together 5 tips for using dating apps later in life.
Be Honest
Whether it’s in your profile pictures and information, or on a first date, there is nothing more important than being true to yourself.
Let your dates know exactly what you’re looking for and what you expect from a relationship moving forward. What’s more, there is no need to compete with the all the other women on the app and try to act like someone you’re not; when starting with Happn, you can define your geographical radius, age and gender preferences, so those searching in your age bracket are already looking for you – they just haven’t met you yet!
Loves dogs? Swoon
List your hobbies
This is the time to be selfish, because let’s face it, you don’t have the time to mess around! Even better, by now you should know yourself a whole lot better than those who are only just figuring out WHO they are.
By listing your hobbies and passions in your profile, it’s going to be much easier for other users to identify a shared interest and build from that to form a connection.
If you can’t bond over interests or hobbies, at least you know earlier on, as opposed to weeks or even months down the track!
Don’t hide
If you’re using a dating app later in life, there is a good chance you’ve had a bit more life experience and perhaps even have past relationships or kids.
I always recommend you share this information with a new Crush on Happn or early on when dating. It doesn’t mean you have to post photos of your children, but it does mean your new love interest has an understanding of what your life involves and allows them the opportunity to establish if their life could fit into yours, should things progress further.
Don’t hide!
Give people a chance
If there’s one piece of advice that’s crucial to people of all ages on dating apps, it’s to give everyone a chance and not judge anyone too harshly. The best way to get to know someone is by taking the conversation from online and in-app, to In Real Life (IRL), so don’t dilly-dally.
There’s a likelihood that you’ll quickly forget any nagging questions or flaws, and see your crush as a unique whole.
Have fun!
Dating shouldn’t be a bore or a chore, and you’re never too tired, busy or old to flirt!
Whether it’s as simple as exchanging compliments in-app, or over a candlelit dinner, there’s nothing like those butterflies that result from a touch of witty banter or sensual flirting.
Women reach their sexual peak in their 40s, so if that’s you, why not embrace it and BE BOLD!?
