Is it difficult to date after 40?

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Getting back into dating after 40

Are you thinking about getting back into dating but are a little worried that your age might make things complicated? Dating over 40 can have its own unique set of challenges but rest assured that many over 40 men and women find more success now then they did when younger with dating!

But if you are wondering, “Where do singles over 40 meet?”, then look no further than online dating! Online dating has become a hotbed of activity for people of all age groups and is now one of the most popular ways for a couple to meet. This is especially true for the over 40 crowd.

In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to do in order to start successfully dating after 40, some of the difficulties you might face as you try online dating and how you can overcome them, and some of the benefits that you will have going in your favor as you start your over 40 online dating adventure!

Over 40s dating recommendations

Here are our top recommendations for over 40s dating services. Check them out today!

Most Popular Choice
9.8
eharmony
  • Made by people who believe in the one true love
  • High change to find a life partner in their forties
  • A service tailored to your needs
9.7
iDates
  • Meet men and women with similar interests
  • Decide for the relationship you want: serious or casual
  • You'll love your dating experience on here!
9.4
FriendswithBenefits
  • No strings attached arrangements
  • Not ready to settle down yet? FWB might be the right option for you
  • Large userbase of singles over 40
9.1
Adult Friend Finder
  • Sex chats and quickie dates for mature singles
  • Balanced gender ratio
  • Find the right partner for every kink
8.8
Ashley Madison
  • Best for: Singles looking for no strings attached fun
  • Free membership: Free registration, limited
  • Users: 54 million
8.4
AskMe4Date
  • local dating
  • chat rooms
  • available for mobile too
8.0
GoChatty
  • Help people to find love
  • Bring emotions
  • Make new friends
7.8
CupiDates
  • Large database of verified & attractive Asian and European singles
  • Efficient communication tools for real relationships
  • Top-level safety and professional support
7.2
DateYourGirl
  • A dating site that allows you to meet beautiful Asian, European and Latino singles
  • Real-time communication with efficient tools
  • Professional dating services
6.8
localswithdreams

Explore meaningful connections in the Great White North with Locals with Dreams, the ultimate casual dating platform tailored for Canadians. Find like-minded locals and turn your romantic dreams into reality.

  • Canadian Connections: Connect with singles in your local Canadian community, ensuring culturally relevant and geographically proximate matches.
  • Dream-Centric Matching: Experience personalized matchmaking that aligns with your desires, making each connection on Locals with Dreams uniquely fulfilling.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Navigate seamlessly through profiles and conversations with an intuitive interface, fostering easy and enjoyable interactions.
  • Privacy and Security: Prioritize your privacy with advanced security features, creating a secure environment for genuine and discreet interactions.
  • Local Events and Adventures: Immerse yourself in local events and shared experiences, adding excitement and depth to your casual dating journey with Locals with Dreams in Canada.

What you need to know to successfully date after 40

Here are some tips for you to keep in mind when you start to date again after 40. One of the most important things to remember is that things may be different for you and your date than when you were younger, so it is important to take things slow and to be flexible and open.

If you’re a woman looking for tips to date a man after 50, we’ve got the best guide for you!


  • When you are on your first date, try to make sure that conversation is focused on helping the both of you get to know one another. Find common ground and see if you’re a match. Don’t be tempted to bring up negative past dating experiences! It’s much to focus on positives.

  • Don’t let yourself get bogged down by any of your own experiences with dating that didn’t work out. It’s vital that you move on and look ahead. Be confident in who you are and your accomplishments!

  • However, if you are feeling unhappy with yourself for any reason, or if you are lacking self-esteem, then you might run the risk of seeming unattractive. Try to present yourself as the person you would like to be. Smile and remain positive, as this is always more attractive.

  • Try not to build an image of what your date is going to be like before you meet him or her. Doing so will only set you up to be disappointed, so it is best to keep yourself open to whoever it is you might be meeting, giving yourself the best chance at a positive start.

  • Remember that you are a person who has lived a life full of stories and unique experiences. You may have made mistakes in the past or have flaws but own those and view them as life lessons. A good date can appreciate that you about you while listening without judgment or unsolicited advice.

man in his mid-fourties gives his attractive girlfriend a forehead kiss

Some difficulties you can expect and how to tackle them

There are, of course, some unique problems that people over 40 can face when they are looking to start online dating. Here are some of those problems, and what you can do to overcome them:

  1. Getting hung up on old flames, flings, and romances

    This is a difficult thing to overcome as it is such an intricately personal issue for a lot of people, especially anyone that has recently gone through a separation or loss. It is important that you feel personally ready to move forward in your life before you start dating again.

    You may never be entirely over a relationship from the past, but you need to have processed those relationships and be ready to move forward if dating is to work.

    You should be ready to love again when you start dating. It can be hard, but look to moral support to help you get through this so you can move forward.
  2. Dating as a single parent

    As a parent, you will always need to prioritize the emotional needs of your children over your own desire to find true love. Whoever you date has to be understanding of that and accepting of the fact that they won’t just be in a relationship with you but will be potentially joining your family.
  3. Urge to rush into sex

    Don’t let something like lust overwhelm your sensibility here. Sex can easily derail your communication and turn what might have been a long-lived romance into a fling. Make sure you are compatible with this person and wait before becoming physically intimate.

Why dating in your 40’s may even be better that when you were younger

If you haven’t realized it yet, then you will be happy to hear that dating in your 40’s can actually be better than dating when you are younger. There are a lot of advantages to dating at this age that you were missing back then. Case in point, you are smarter, more experienced, and more discerning.

You are also sexier and more courageous as well. To top it off, you have more confidence, financial stability, a greater social standing, and you have a clear idea in mind with what you are looking for in a partner.

Online dating in your 40’s can and should be fun. There are difficulties to overcome for everyone, but if you trust in yourself and approach it with confidence, you’ll see more success than you could have imagined!