Dating Tips for “Seniors”

According to a recent Newsweek article, more boomers are dating now than in any previous generation. And, one of the most popular ways that baby boomers are seeking dates is online.

With 78 million baby boomers (according to the AARP), there is surely an upswing in the "dating scene". Paul A. Falzone, CEO of online dating website eLove.com as well as bricks and mortar The Right One and Together Dating service, offer tips for boomers who are dating again:

Plan ahead. And, don’t feel you have to stick by the old dating standard of dinner and a movie. Be creative, if moderately so. View a gallery opening and reception for a local artist or take in a comedy production by a nearby repertory company before having cocktails or coffee at a café. Whatever you decide to do, plan on doing something you will both enjoy.

Dress appropriately. Dress with care and appropriately for the activity. You’re making a first impression, show that you possess decorum.

Be courteous. Courtesy transcends the generations. Confirm your date, be on time and conclude it comfortably. If you want to see each other again, great. If not, that’s okay too. Not every date leads to another. Go into it with no expectations, and be sure to end it on a polite note.

Meet in a public place by your own transportation. Depend upon your own transportation and arrange to meet your date at a public destination. Play it safe until you get to know the person.

In the modern world, men and women split the bill. Don’t commit the faux pas of expecting one person to foot the bill. Both parties should offer to pay their share and be prepared to do so. Be sure to have cash on hand in case plastic isn’t on the menu.

Play it straight. Acting or carrying on false pretenses will surely backfire with the person who is just getting to know you. Be yourself, be honest and be sincere.

Leave skeletons in the closet. Problems with your ex, your elderly parents or your children? A first date is not the time to air the skeletons in the closet. Conflicts with families or former partners are a natural part of life, there’s no need to share the burden early on.

Avoid the "takers". We all know this type of person. A "taker" wants every date to revolve around his/her schedule, interests and activities. Dating is and always will be, two-way, with plenty of listening and communication.

Be aware. Know that there are many people who are quick to take advantage of the loneliness of "senior citizens". Be aware that not everyone you meet may be a person of substance, ethically and morally. Protect your assets and guard your personal information.

Be safe. Tell a friend or someone else close to you, where and with whom you are going on your date. If you can’t reach anyone, call your own voicemail and leave a detailed message and any contact info you have about your date. Even though it seems a silly thing to do, in today’s world, it may just help to keep you safe.

"Dating doesn’t end at age 50 or 60, or older. These days, people are living much longer, healthier lives and are still out there enjoying themselves. Why not find a companion to share it with?" said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove, The Right One and Together dating services and the author of a book on the history of dating.



Help is on the way

Meeting that special someone can be daunting task even for the most suave and sophisticated. There is someone out there who would be a good match but finding your way through the clutter of the bar scene, internet dating and the blind date set up by your cousin’s friend’s sister is a difficult and demand chore. Dating should be fun, not something to dread.



Catering to more than 300,000 members at over 60 locations throughout North America, eLove, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest online as well as bricks and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region.



Celebrating More Than 30 Years

The merger of national offices of The Right One with North American branches of Together resulted in a partnership that has created the largest personal introduction service in the United States.



Now celebrating their 32nd anniversary, The Right One and Together Dating have an ambitious plan to open between 12/24 new offices a year. The Right One and Together have more than 300,000 members – many of whom have their memberships on hold while they take the time to explore a successful relationship. With more than 500 employees, The Right One and Together gross more than $45 million a year in revenue.



Romantic Locations

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include: California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Florida (Miami); Georgia (Atlanta); Kansas (Wichita and Overland Park); Kentucky (Lexington, Louisville); Illinois (Downers Grove, Rockford and Bloomington); New Jersey (Cherry Hill, Hackensack); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); Pennsylvania (King of Prussia, Pittsburgh and Monroeville); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas, Austin); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Brookfield).



North American locations and affiliates of Together are: California (Encino, Irvine, Los Angeles, Upland); Florida (Palm Beach, Vero Beach); Georgia (Savannah) Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend); Louisiana (New Orleans); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Minneapolis); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); New Jersey (Bridgewater, Clark, Colts Neck and Lawrenceville); Ohio (Cincinnati); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); South Carolina (Greenville); South Dakota (Sioux Falls); Texas (San Antonio, Beaumont and Houston) and Virginia (Falls Church).



For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.therightone.com and www.togetherdating.com, or call
(800) 818-DATE (3283).