If your long term relationship came to an end some time ago and you are finally feeling like you want to meet someone new but how do you go about doing it?  It may be a long time since you have been anywhere without a partner and the mere thought of having to go out to meet people may be enough to send you back inside to the comfort of the TV and a cup of cocoa but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Despite what you might think, dating hasn’t really changed all that much over the years.  The basics are still the same, first dates are generally awkward no matter how successful you are in your life or career and first kisses can be as exciting at 60 as they were at 16!

You still need to go to places where you are likely to meet a prospective date it’s just the places have changed. 

How to Meet Someone New

You should let your friends know that you are interested in starting again. You never know they may have a string of eligible partners just waiting to introduce you to but they were waiting for you to be ready. 

Start going out more with your friends.  You never know, you may have a chance meeting in a bar or restaurant that could lead to much more. Start practicising your pickup lines, or at least your conversation starters. 

You might also want to consider joining the local U3A. If you choose a course that you are interested in and happen to meet someone with the same interest you already have a subject in common – a reason to talk to each other, perhaps over a coffee after class. 

The First Date

Don’t think of it as a first date.  After all you have already met him/her and you both liked what you saw enough to agree to meet again. Try to relax and have a good time, there is no commitment to spend a lifetime together just get to know each other.

How to Continue
So you have been out together and decided that it is worth getting a bit more serious but what if your lives are busy with other commitments like family or pets? Don’t forget to exchange email addresses, you can always communicate from your laptop when you don’t have time to meet in person. Perhaps you could even take up that teenage pastime of “texting” each other through your mobile ‘phones.

The main priority is to have fun.  If it isn't fun in the early days it certainly won't get any better as time goes on.  Don't be afraid to walk away if he/she is not right for you, there are plenty more fish in the sea.