One recent overexposure of senior dating has been the popularity of cougars.  The phenomena of cougars is quite interesting as it is the modern feminist movement in dating.  Society has accepted sugar daddies, older men who date younger women, but society is still unsure of the public opinion regarding cougars.  On the one hand, cougars make older women feel good even if they are not a cougar while on the other, it seems that women who like younger men have some sort of Oedipus complex.

Courtney Cox is the latest actress to show off her cougarness in her television show Cougar Town.  It is definitely a subject that many women (and men) are interested in.  Women who know how to take care of themselves and who do not give into the thought of age as a factor to slow down their libido are the perfect Cougar candidates.  Why date George Clooney when you can date Robert Pattison?  It is a legitimate question since younger in Cougar-land is always better and if you can get it, why not flaunt it?

Of course there are the arguments that everyone should date people that are in and around their age yet it seems that many people’s ages do not reflect their inner person.  You may be 21 but act like a 50 year old and there are 60 year olds that act like 16 year old boys and girls.  As an older woman, you may not want to be with an older man simply because he makes you feel old while inside you feel like you are in your twenties.  There is definitely a psychological element that factors into becoming a cougar.

To cash in on the craze more and more Cougar websites are popping up that encourage women senior dating with younger men.  basically, young men looking for older women create a profile where the two can get together.  There are even Cougar cruises where tickets are sold to young men and older women who are looking for love.  Is there anything wrong with being a cougar?  Absolutely not.  It is rather empowering for older women.  Plus, if marrying a younger man will make a woman look like Demi Moore, I think more women will start signing up for cougar websites and cruises.

Photo via Harlequeen

Going out on your first date is nerve wrecking but what is more frightening is if you are going to clinch that second date.  Many men take out all of their charm and lay it out to make a wonderful first impression.  As the first date comes to a close, you have made up your mind whether or not you are going to want to go out with this person again.  In the case that you do, there comes the moment of insecurity where you may not know exactly what your date is thinking.  However, you should have no fear.  With these dating tips, you will be able to achieve that second date.

• Show interest in your date.  Ask her questions, comment on what she says and create a lively conversation.  She does not want to feel like she is talking to the wall nor does she want you to steal away the spotlight.  Listen to what she has to say and show interest in her.  If you do not or cannot, then this may not be a person that you should go on a second date with.  But if you do, show her you care as this will be a deciding factor for her to go back out with you again.
• Steer clear of topics that make people feel uncomfortable such as politics, finance, religion or any other polemic topic.  Talk about your common points of interest and ask her questions if you do not know anything about what she is interested in.
• Calm yourself when it comes to compliments.  You do not want to be too overbearing when it comes to saying you’re so sweet, you’re so nice, I’d really to see you again, you’re so beautiful and so on.
• Women want to feel secure all of the time, so when the first date winds down, relieve her and say that you would like to see her again.  Once she knows that you want to, she is most likely going to say that she would as well.

In addition to these tips there are a few common courtesies that often turn into pet peeves that you should avoid.  Do not talk with your mouth full, speak very loud in quiet places and shut off your cell phone.  Women find it extremely rude to take calls during a date when all the focus should be on her.  Bringing people on your first date is a total buzz kill even if they are just coming to drop you off.  As long as the body language is positive, then you can be assured that you will achieve that second date.

After being married for a long period of time, you may think dating is over.  Then, you get stuck in a messy divorce and you wind up alone.  You know you don’t want to be alone and you are still young so it is time to get back onto the dating scene.  You may have some issues because of self confidence, children or just not being sure if you are ready to go back to dating.  Having such insecurities is normal.  The best thing to have in mind is not to pressure yourself.  Just because you go on a few dates, it does not mean that you are obligated to stay with this person.  Take the time to play the field and really have fun.

You are not in your 20s where you are looking for someone to build a life with.  You are in your 40s looking for someone to share your life with.  You do not need anyone to support you financially or change your way of life.  You are simply looking for companionship that one day may turn into something long lasting and beautiful.  Your children may already be out of the house so they will not interrupt your dating life as younger children may.  You may also find that your children are rather supportive of your desire to meet someone new.  Remember dating after divorce is about your happiness.

Where to Start Dating?

You have made the decision to start dating again but you may be discouraged because you are not quite sure as to where to start.  The first place to start is with yourself.  Is there anyone who you are interested in?  Is there anyone interested in you who you may like to go out with?  Chemistry will never steer you wrong.  If you feel strongly about someone, you have a better probability of hitting it off with this person than with a stranger.

Blind Dating Gone Easy

Nevertheless, the infamous blind dating can be quite dreadful or surprisingly rewarding.  Your friends are an excellent resource.  They know you, what you like, your interests and they know other single people and what they are in to.  Therefore, your friends could be the perfect matchmakers for those who are dating over the age of 40.  This will also avoid having to go to bars and singles parties which may make one feel a little out of place.  This is also a very safe connection as you know someone who knows the person you will be going out with.  To take the pressure off, you can go out with the friends that are introducing you.

Online Dating

Online dating is another wonderful resource.  You will be able to put up a profile of what you are interested in and browse through the profiles of others.  Some companies even make matches for you of the people who may make a wonderful couple based on hobbies, likes and dislikes.  You will be able to connect with this person through email, messenger and even video calling before going out together.

There are many ways to meet someone but it is up to you to make that step.  Many people go through a divorce and you may even meet people who have been through exactly what you went through which can be a relief for many who are coming back to the dating scene.