How to Start Dating After 40

Dating any age can be challenging, but finding love after 40 may seem impossible. Millions of people are looking to find their match. If you're getting back into the dating game after a divorce, looking for love after a loss, or still searching for the love of your life follow these tips and you just might find your soul mate.

Online dating services are a great place to start looking for love especially if you're a little shy or have trouble meeting people at a bar or restaurant. Sites like Match.com, AffluentSingle.com match people by interests, location, age and more. Help yourself find more potential matches by including a picture in your profile. For more online dating networks see the Resource Section below.

Dating takes work and courage so get out of your comfort zone. Think about your typical day: work, gym, church, neighborhood coffee shop, take out for dinner. If you follow a routine you probably see the same people all the time. Changing your habits will help you meet new people. Try switching gyms or work out at your gym after work instead of in the morning, go to a new coffee shop and sip your drink at a table instead of taking it in the car, check out an out-of-the-way restaurant and eat there instead of getting take out.

Go on a singles vacation and meet as many other singles as possible. People go on these vacations to meet a partner so don't be shy. You could go on a singles cruise, stay at a singles resort, or travel with a large group of other singles. If you don't want to travel totally alone, convince a single friend to go along too. If you take a friend, just remember why you're on the SINGLES vacation...you want to meet your long lost love, so don't spend all your time with your friend. Check out the Resources Section below for singles vacation ideas.

A good place to look for love is in your past. Think about a long lost flame, a high school crush or a college boyfriend that moved away and you lost touch. Attend high school or college reunions and homecomings and you could reconnect (as long as they're single too!) with a long lost love. You might even meet someone at a reunion that you didn't know in school, but now year's later, you're a perfect match!

Market yourself to everyone you know. Let friends, family, co-workers and neighbors know you're looking for love. Ask them if they know anyone they could set you up with or introduce you to. If you're not up for meeting a stranger alone you could always go on a double date with your mutual friend.

The most important thing about dating after 40 is to keep an open mind. Try not to be cynical when it comes to finding love. Be as positive about the experience as you can, no matter how much you dislike being single or dating. Remember, you need to be happy with yourself first, before you can be happy with someone else!

Don't force a relationship. If the spark's not there after 2 or 3 dates, move on. There's no use wasting your time or the other person's if there's no attraction. The sooner you realize it's not going to work, the sooner you can get to finding another date who might just be your perfect match.