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If there is one thing that I’ve learnt in my thirty one years on this earth, it’s that age doesn’t mean anything, not really. Yes, when you’re younger, it can feel daunting, the thought of growing up, of getting ‘old’, but really, when it comes down to it, age is just a number. I’m in a marriage with a nine year age gap. Ed doesn’t feel nine years older than me, because what does that even mean?
My grandad passed away when I was just twelve years old. We were very close, and it was a big loss for me, but it was even more of a loss for my Nan, who had loved and been loved by my grandad for many years. Several years ago, my Nan met somebody through online dating, and they actually got engaged, before unfortunately the relationship ending. The reason for the break up was that the man’s family couldn’t handle him dating and subsequently finding love again, after the loss of his wife.
To me, that is incredibly sad, that those people wanted to prevent the happiness that two people, in the later stages of their lives, had found. I am a strong believer that anybody, no matter what their age, or their circumstances, should be able to date and find love, or companionship, and that nobody has the right to stand in the way of that.
I think a big barrier, when it comes to dating in your 60s, or above, is the assumption that technology will make things difficult. Yes, it’s true that dating has largely gone online in recent years, with apps available for a whole range of dating, some catered specifically to your needs. This isn’t a bad thing, and shouldn’t be a turn off when it comes to dating at an older age. If 2020 has shown us one thing, it’s that we took a lot for granted, even down to being able to meet people in real life.
If you’re a little tech phobic, there are resources that can help you to get used to being online. Online dating is nothing to be feared, as long as you stay safe, and it can save you a whole lot of hassle in the long run. Meeting somebody online first allows you to get to know them without the awkwardness which can come from meeting somebody in real life. You can build up a rapport before a date, allowing you both to assess whether you would like to take things further.
Dating sites which are tailored to your own generation, can help prevent issues with feeling out of your depth, which may feel like the case on traditional dating apps, for example, where the fast swipe right trend can leave you feeling disheartened before you’ve even begun. Using a site, which has been created with the wants and needs of people of a similar age, may make all the difference when it comes to finding that special person for you, whether you are looking for your soul mate, or just somebody to spend and enjoy time with.
The stigma behind online dating has largely been left behind in 2020, with many couples now meeting this way, rather than more ‘traditional’ methods. Gone are the days when you might feel ashamed to admit you found your partner on a dating website or app, as it has become commonplace. Whether you are twenty or seventy, you have just as much right to want to find somebody who makes you feel special.
The recent world events has highlighted the loneliness of people, especially those aged over sixty, when lockdowns were imposed. If you are an older person, and have avoided finding love, perhaps after losing your partner, you shouldn’t feel guilt about wanting to have somebody in your life again. Your age shouldn’t be a barrier for anything, let alone relationships. Online dating is something which can be easily done from the comfort of your own home – you don’t even have to get out of your loungewear to log in and find love.
I must admit, I struggled with self esteem a little when I was dating as a single mum, and I know that insecurities can build up around things like this, including your age, but honestly, I am so glad I kept searching for the right person for me, despite some setbacks along the road. Your age and the experiences you’ve had in your life doesn’t define you. I believe that everybody deserves the chance to be happy, to find somebody who makes them smile, and to experience true love in their life.
This is a sponsored post, however all words are my own.
