A partner, unlike the things you buy on Amazon, doesn’t come delivered to your door. Furthermore, because new experiences can be terrifying, you may prefer to stay at home rather than go out trying to find a date and face a potentially uncomfortable situation.
But there are ways to get around this! Regardless of age, you can always have the time of your life, especially when it comes to romance. While it is not always easy, you can actively seek to make yourself more accessible to others. To make things easier, here’s a quick guide to meeting new people at any age!
In Your 20s
A 2014 Pew Research Center report found that 74% of women between 18 and 32 are single. To put it simply, there are far too many 20-something singles who are in their top dating years but have yet to find someone noteworthy! This is a naturally very outgoing time for most people since free time is far more abundant.
However, in your twenties, you are often less confident in approaching complete strangers. So, when it comes to meeting a potential partner, it may be best to engage in activities related to your current social circles. This allows you to meet those who are only a few degrees removed from you, much like an alumni football gathering.
You can also find a date in your twenties through school or others connections. Does your mother’s closest pal have a cute daughter? Does your HR supervisor’s wife have a single friend who participates in their monthly poker game? You get the idea, right? Ask around and see what happens.
The many dating site options available also offer people in their 20s a lot of dating opportunities. When you still have a lot of energy and don’t have much to lose, there’s no better option than online dating. According to Statistic Brain, 49.3 million individuals have tried it, so the odds are pretty good for you.
In Your 30s
If you thought you had mastered the dating game in your twenties, don’t get too comfortable. Being single in your 30s can be an unusual experience. At times, it can feel like you’re caught between needing to settle down and still having the energy from your younger years.
People in their 30s are also more experienced in relationships, so they approach them with maturity and, in many cases, openness. Furthermore, they lack the baggage that many older singles carry. This can make your dating journey more straightforward and enjoyable.
So, where do you meet new people in your thirties? People will be more likely to meet partners through their jobs and social groups. Some of the most common examples include marathon clubs and ideological organizing. However, unlike 20-year-olds, these individuals will make every effort to remain open to meeting new people if the opportunity arises.
In your 30s, you’ll also notice that people have more profound relationships to lean on, and you’ll often be more confident approaching unknown individuals. This will result in several more introductions to your friends’ single friends. In fact, you might find your best friend’s wife recommending a few single girlfriends who are eager to meet you.
In Your 40s
By the time you reach your forties, you’ll probably be concerned about your single status. You can’t date in your 40s without first reflecting on how you got there. Whatever answer you give, it influences your perspective. Nonetheless, there are numerous ways to meet someone who piques your interest.
However, this does not mean you can go to any random place and expect someone to approach you. And, given that your partnership priorities shift in midlife and it may be difficult to find time for traditional dating, it’s safe to say that the best place to meet a romantic partner in your 40s is anywhere you have a good time.
It would be wise that you begin to explore travel opportunities related to your interests. So, if you’re a big tennis fan, you could start watching tournaments in a place you’ve wanted to visit for years. Just don’t worry too much because you usually have more resources in your toolbox and flexibility in time.
In Your 50s
The thing about dating in your 50s is that your social network is usually pretty established by then. Having said that, the best way to meet a potential partner during this time is to look for new activities to connect with new people. Hiking groups and other sports, for instance, provide opportunities to make valuable connections.
In general, people in these groups maintain an active lifestyle. You might also think about visiting a city that isn’t known for its nightlife. Seattle, for example, is known for attracting health-conscious singles in their 50s. They often meet at farmer’s markets while shopping for locally sourced fruits or doing something out in nature.
If you’re looking for other ways to stay intellectually and mentally sharp, taking a class or joining a mature dating site is an excellent option. Language and art classes offer a low-pressure environment that encourages natural conversation. Instead of going to bars, look for places and venues that reflect your interests and values.
The Takeaway
Putting yourself out there and being social takes a lot of courage, especially if you haven’t been in the soulmate-hunting game in a long time. But people will come your way through numerous pathways, even when you think it’s already too late. Overall, you will just never know how it goes until you finally try!
