As we grow older and may be thinking about retirement, the need to feel that special closeness and love with a partner can be just as strong as ever. For those of us who are single later in life, it is perfectly normal to reflect on what the future may hold, and to wonder whether that future ahead of us in our retirement years could be more fulfilling if it was to be shared with someone very special, a new love for later life.
Some of us have been lucky enough to have found love earlier in life, but either things did not work out over the years or sadly, we have lost that loved one through bereavement, and it can seem daunting to start over with dating at this stage of life. So, here are some practical pointers in what to do if looking for love around the time of retirement.
Probably the best approach to finding a new partner later in life is to first ask ourselves if we are ready and if we are in the right frame of mind for this new adventure. If separated or bereaved, it is important to consider if we have given ourselves time to adjust to being single again. Have we reminded ourselves who we are as an individual, rather than just as one of a couple, and have we thought through what really matters in that future life partner, verses what we might put down in a long list of all sorts of things that are just, ‘nice to have’s’? Taking the time to think through who would really suit us as we embark on this life project, will be time well spent.
Probably the single most important thing to keep in mind when looking for lasting love later in life, or indeed at any age, is to look for real compatibility. This can often mean the sharing of values and respecting what both of you will bring to the relationship – this doesn’t necessarily mean you should have everything in common, it means seeing whether you would really complement each other as a loving couple.
Finding a future partner who is at around the same stage in life, about to retire or recently retired, can help with finding that all important compatibility, as both you and your future partner are likely to have a similar amount of time and energy for sharing activities together as a couple, and you will be likely to have a good understanding of the needs of each other too.
Once you have decided you are ready, then do seize the day! There is no time like the present to start taking steps to meet some new people and a dating service with a personal matchmaker helping you to meet others is a supportive and friendly way in which you can take those first steps in dating again.
Retirement can be a bit of a shock to the system but having someone by your side as you retire can be a great support. When that other person is also adjusting to retirement alongside you, it is something the two of you will share and can be a very positive experience. The time to retire could also be the right time for finding a new partner and for looking forward to new and exciting things to enjoy with someone very special.
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