Your guide to dating and finding love for the second time.

If you think it is impossible to meet someone when you are over 50, think again. Remember you are not the only 50 something person out there, in fact thousands are just like you! Marriage over, children grown up it is the perfect time to get out there and start having fun. So dust yourself off and prepare yourself with our first date tips for a smooth sailing first date.

Your first date – your phone call.

It all starts with the call. Yes that is right, remember when your date calls you to arrange your meeting place be positive, upbeat and have a few suggestions just in case they are stuck for ideas. Never mention your ex, take off your judgemental hat, never jump the gun and make assumptions on the phone call as your date is more than likely extremely nervous. Have a few questions to ask your date ready to keep the conversation flowing, keep the time length short.

Your first date meeting face to face.

Meeting face to face is fun, ok so your nerves will likely to be at their peak, but this is your opportunity to shine. To have an exciting night out, get out of the house and try a new cuisine. I always recommend a first date at a nice restaurant, dinner works best, try a wine bar, do some research and discover a new place together. Be positive about everything, even if the food isn’t as great as you imagine, servings too small or restaurant a bit noisy, look at the bright side of things, believe me you will benefit from this in the end as you will appear incredibly fresh to your date.

What to wear on your first date.

What you wear is really important on your first date, the old saying first impressions do last! Dress in your old raggedy clothes and appear as though you haven’t made any effort. Wear clothes that flatter your body shape, invest in some new clothes, get some advice from a stylish friend, a professional stylist or the shop assistant. It’s also a great opportunity for you to get out there and get a new hairstyle, try a new colour or for the ladies some new makeup. Smell good! Clean hair, fresh fragrance.

Smile be friendly, ask questions about your date, take a real interest in them. Regardless of whether you can see yourself with them, simply enjoy the night with them, be warm friendly and kind.

The best thing you could do is to laugh a lot, treat them like an old friend and embrace the fact that you both have the courage to get back out there into the dating scene. You may fall in love with each other over time you may not, one thing’s for sure is you will have a story to tell!