60 and Dating - new series

I'm sixty and dating! Who knew?!  I never imagined that I'd be starting a whole new life again. It's true and I am.  I've decided to chronicle and be open about the ups, downs, and curves of entering and participating in the dating realm as a sixty year old.

Some tips I've discovered so far:

First, dating is not for the faint of heart I'm discovering. Though I've got 40 more years of experience (and we're talking some "very" interesting experiences)since I last "dated", I feel like a rookie again. The field is much bigger than I expected...everyone from 20 somethings to 80 somethings can be in this game. And the field can be world-wide given the internet ...so as one fun okcupid.com friend told me...."have patience and take your time."

Second, on-going support on this journey is important. Pick a few friends of all ages that can be cheer-leaders, sounding boards, or just plain safe harbors to return to after venturing into the dating waters. Some of my 30 something friends have given me the best feedback and course correction.

Third, it's a constant learning. If you're not open to growing and learning about yourself and others, don't go there. However, if you're courageous and like being vital, there is also fun and delight awaiting.

Fourth, and maybe the most important, always remember that you are lovable and worthwhile, every step of this journey. Each day, do what you need to do to connect with that knowing and appreciation of who you are either through meditation, talking to yourself in the mirror, prayer, inspirational reading. Doing acts of simple unconditional service or giving can also bring you back to that essential part of you if you start getting caught up and lost in "out there", otherwise known as rejection, disappointment, hurt.

My ultimate goal is to be in a long-term loving relationship with a fun, thoughtful, reliable, good man who loves me and I love him-for the highest good.

In upcoming blogs I'll be sharing about helpful books, on-line dating discoveries, and other tips for making ourselves more comfortable and joyful daters and ultimately happy and fulfilled partners.
Stay tuned.