Dating 101: It's All About Age

By Penny Harmon

Most people complain about dating. They're tired of going out with people who just don't seem to get it. The problem with dating is that most people don't understand it. How do you meet up with people? How many times should you see somebody before making a decision? Where should you go for a first date? Are blind dates even worth going to? These are all questions the majority of active daters ask themselves. Well, it's time for class, girls and boys. So pull of a comfortable chair and listen in.

First of all, dating should be fun. It should not be something you feel you have to do and it should not be something you dread. The most important thing is to have fun. Meeting someone new can be hell on your nerves, so change your attitude. From now on, it's fun all the way.

When you're under the age of twenty, dating should be something you do completely for fun. Going out and hanging out with your friends should be something done frequently. You're young so enjoy yourself. Don't get hung up on having to find the right man or woman. Don't worry about getting married. You need to live your life for the moment. If the right one happens to come along great. If not, don't worry about it. This is your time to date more than one person at a time and not feel guilty.

Once you reach your twenties, you may be more prone to looking for that right one. However, you don't want to be too serious about it. There are women out there still that have a timeline for their lives. They want to be married by such-and-such a date. They want to have their first child by a certain date. My advice to you: Stop it. You should not have to plan out your love life. Things will happen when it is time. If the right guy comes along, you'll know it. Date frequently and often. You may find yourself with more friends than you know what to do with but you'll never be lacking for someone to go to dinner with.

The thirties is a little tougher for those never married and still dating. At this point, there are some women and men out there that are feeling desperate. I can honestly tell you it's not worth the stress. If you are that hung up on find Mr. or Mrs. Right, sit back and figure out exactly the type of person you are looking for. Do you want someone who will make you laugh or would you prefer the more serious type? Do you want a homebody or someone who is on the run all the time and very spontaneous? These things are important. Once you figure out the type of person you would like to end up with, go to the spots where these type of people hang out. If you're looking for an athlete, go to the sport's pub or a ballgame. Use your imagination. Another important piece of advice, is not to settle because of your feeling of desperation. Make sure that you do end up with someone who is compatible to what you're looking for and take the time to get to know someone really well before taking that final step.

Okay, forty-ish people. You're dating. The same advice applies to those of any age. Take your time and have fun. Just because you're forty or over, doesn't mean you can't date more than one person and have fun while doing it. Your life is not over because you are dating in the forties. It's just begun. There are many options out there for you and you need to learn to take advantage of them, whether it is internet dating or singles clubs. Go for it and learn to have fun and make new friends.

Once a person reaches their fifties or more, especially women, the majority hate dating and even the thought of it. Too bad, get out there and date. You still enjoy going out to dinner and perhaps a ballgame. It's even better to do these things with someone else. Just because you're dating doesn't mean you have to get married. Learn to take the time out for yourself doing things you enjoy and I'll guarantee you'll find someone who wants to them with you.

If you are the type of person that is dead serious about getting married by a certain age, you'll want to make sure that you let your friends, relatives, and co-workers know. Set-ups or blind dates are one of the biggest ways to get yourself "out there". If everyone around you knows you're looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right, they'll be on the lookout for you. After all, everyone likes to reminisce about the ones they set-up. So take charge of your dating life and get out there and have fun!