It might be your first time online dating, your first time dating in a while or you might be (excuse the expression) an old hand at the dating game, but whatever you’re looking for Match is here to help you find someone really special.
Getting back into the dating loop after a break that has lasted years or even decades is bound to pose its challenges. Bring age into the mix and starting to date again over 40 can feel like a whole different kettle of fish. Modern society encourages us to believe that past 40 we have to be a celebrity with millions in the bank to be attractive and that, otherwise, we are somehow going to struggle to find companionship. This just isn’t the case! Match is here to give some dating advice for men and women over 40 who are looking to get back in the game and find their special someone – and what’s better? Match is free to download as an app or use our online dating site for over 40s to find someone you’ll want to get to know better.
What is it like to date over 40?
There’s something unique about dating when you’re over 40. You know yourself and what you’re looking for, the insecurities and back and forth that came with dating in your 20s is (thankfully) over and you can really look for someone who suits you as a person.
It can be intimidating though, if you’re unsure what you want or what you’re looking for, but luckily Match is on side to help you through the dating marathon – and it is a marathon, there’s no need to rush it!
These days, a lot of singles over 40 meet online and it’s probably the most popular way of meeting new dates and even just new friends. Online dating has taken off (a side effect of the pandemic) and it’s certainly not going away anytime soon. Match has the benefit of a wealth of experience and we are here to help. Other dating sites can feel empty and juvenile, but here at Match we match people based on how compatible they really are via their profile, wants and location.
How does Match work exactly?
If dating apps and websites are new to you then welcome and get ready to learn a bit about Match and what we can do for you and your dating life. Remember, dating is an experience, you can’t go into it expecting the world right away. Good things take time and there’s plenty of it, so relax, get a glass of wine and we’ll take you through how Match works.
If you’ve used dating sites before but you want to know about Match, we’ll help with that too, don’t worry. We have plenty of free dating advice on our site to help you navigate your dating journey, whether you’re looking for a relationship or want to just explore the range of the single life in a new way, Match can support you whatever you’re looking for.
A few quick tips for online dating over 40
- Create your profile
Start by creating a profile that lets people get to know a bit about you. Think about what you like to do, what values are important to you and what you’re looking for in a relationship. The best profiles are honest and authentic – just be yourself! Profiles with photos get the most interest. Add a recent photo of yourself where you’re smiling and open. And remember, dating is fun, so a sprinkling of humour goes a long way!
- Search for like-minded singles over 40
Now it’s time to start browsing the site! Now that you’ve set up your profile, you can search for people with similar hobbies, values and life experiences – whatever it is that you’re looking for in your special someone! There are lots of interesting men and women on Match who just might brighten up your days (maybe your nights too 😉). Just swipe the profile of any single that takes your fancy on the app, or like it on our site and watch the matches happen right before your eyes.
- Send your first message
Once you’ve made matches you’d like to talk to, you’re ready to reach out. Take your time and respect your potential date’s pace too. Our top tip for composing your first message is to ask them about something on their profile that drew you to them. Open-ended questions work best in leading to natural, flowing conversation. It’s important to get to know each other a little before you decide to have a phone call, video conversation (one of the Match features) or decide to meet in person. Life doesn’t move have to move a million miles a minute, and enjoy being single whilst you can! Exploring is the most fun bit of dating.
- Arrange a date!
Once you’ve got to know someone, you may decide it’s time to meet in person. What you do is totally up to you! Is there a restaurant you particularly like or an exhibition you’ve been dying to see? Ask your new match if they’d like to join you! It could be the beginning of a wonderful dating journey. If you’re capital based, check out our free London dating advice, or wherever you are dating from, have a look at our detailed location-based dating tips.
- Stay safe
Match members tend to be very trustworthy, but it’s still important you think about your personal safety when connecting with people online. No matter which dating site or app you use out there, be careful with what information you share, especially personal details early on, and never send money to anyone you’ve met online. If you decide to meet in person, a first date in a public place is always a good idea too!
If you need some help finding someone special
Now that we’ve given you a taster of our advice on how to start your dating journey, check out some more of our tips by using our dating advice page. Whether you’re feeling nervous before a first date or if you’re not quite sure how to flirt online yet, we’ve got plenty of advice to help you along the way and find your dating path.
We’ve found that the most important thing about dating is sharing your joy with someone special – and we would know, we’ve helped over 1.3 million people find partners in the UK alone. With great experience comes great advice (or so we’d like to think), so at Match we’re on hand to help with any dating queries, questions or maybe just a few quips. Remember though, the journey towards love always starts at home, so finding self love before you look for a relationship outside yourself is the first advice to take. Figure out what you like, what you want and what your expectations are for dating before you take the first step on your dating journey. Try meeting other singles at our Match events, which take place once a month all over the UK, just use your Match membership to find the details of one near you soon.
Match is here to help
First of all, we all have our insecurities, regardless of age, gender or location. Even though we’re not teenagers anymore, it would be a lie to say we don’t have those things we would rather change about how we look, act or behave. In some ways, the anxieties and insecurities you are feeling now are just as valid as the ones you experienced in your teens in the sense that most people won’t even be thinking of them but they manifest in our own minds and thus feel like huge hurdles to get over.
Dating over 40 is better because most people share these insecurities since most singles over 40 have gone through multiple difficult breakups, a divorce or have recently become widowed. Authenticity and openness are crucial here, and when we show our vulnerable side, it often makes us appear more lovable. Some of our best dating advice for women and men over 40 is that if you are worried about your marital status and other things, talk about them with your special someone and ask if they have ever felt the same. Sharing in this vulnerability is bound to build a deep connection in the form of friendship and maybe more.
If you feel ready to start your dating journey, set up your free account now with Match to meet like-minded singles over 40.