We read about it all of the time. We are told that we have to get out there and socialize or we are doomed to a life of isolation, depression and goodness knows that else. Tom Blake (Orange County Register: Santa Ana, California: January 15, 2011) gives some sage advice on dating and socializing for older people.
How do you meet someone? Whether looking for a date for the Saturday night Bingo Game or just looking for friends of either sex, the advice is same.
- Get off the couch and get out of the house.
- Get involved in activities where you can meet new people.
- Go alone to activities if you have to. In fact this is probably a good idea because when you travel with your own entourage you tend to shut others out.
- Look for ways to enrich your life and broaden your horizons. A class or an activity should be for own enjoyment, and not just for the sole purpose of meeting someone.
- Be assertive but not aggressive. Go ahead and make the first move. Read a newspaper and be up on current events. Introduce yourself and talk to people for heaven sake. Don’t always wait for others to approach you. Every conversational gambit isn’t going to result in instant bonding but you will never know if you don’t smile and say hello.
- Be flexible. Open your mind to new religions, new cultures and fresh thinking. Explore the Internet.
- Don’t waste time playing games. Either are people are interested in exploring a relationship or they are not. If they aren’t, move on.
- Be confident. Improve your appearance, exercise and take good care of yourself.
- Have a positive attitude. Negativity is a real relationship killer.
- If you have lost a spouse or partner, do your grieving before seeking our new relationships.
- Broaden your horizons by learning and enjoying new experiences. Go back to school, try a new hobby, travel, join a gym or take a trip.
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