What are the biggest mistakes women over 60 make when dating? What should the woman over 60 expect from today’s dating scene? Margaret Manning of Sixty and Me and Love Coach Lisa Copeland talk about what can go wrong when you’re looking for Mr. Right how to avoid these dating faux pas.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Who’s the Fairest of Them All

Have you ever looked at your high-school classmates on Facebook? Did they look like grandmas and grandpas to you? For many women over 60, it’s tough not to be too critical when it comes to how older men should look.

While you certainly want to be attracted to your date, it’s self-defeating to hold him to the standards you may have had in your 20’s. As Lisa points out, “It’s not easy, but you need to be realistic about how they look and about how you look as well”. It’s more important to be with someone who makes you feel good than with someone who just looks good.

It’s Called the “Playing Field” – Look in Lots of Places

Online dating is such a fantastic way to sort through hundreds of men without leaving the comfort of your living room. You can even do it in your bathrobe and slippers – what could be more convenient? Lisa warns us, “Online dating can be both wonderful and frustrating. It’s also not real life.”

It’s important for women over 60 to learn to flirt again and become comfortable talking to new acquaintances face to face. This is a skill that can only be learned by doing, so get out there and talk to people. You are also much more likely to find someone who your shares values and interests when you meet men during your usual activities.

“It’s Raining Men” – Is Just a Song

Having a positive attitude will get you a long way, but to get what you want you need to take action as well. If you want to start dating just for fun, or if you are looking for your soul mate, it’s up to you to get out there and get busy! After all, the early bird gets the worm.

Sometimes women over 60 have a tendency to focus more on what’s wrong than on what’s going great. They worry so much about their wrinkles and grey hair, or their date’s flaws that they miss out on a great time. As Margaret points out, “You need to be a little strong skinned so the possibility of rejection doesn’t keep you from trying”.

Relax – One Date Does Not a Relationship Make

You’ve had one date and he hasn’t texted you for twelve hours. Do you panic and send him a text to see if something is wrong? Most definitely not!

Mature women can expect too much contact after the first date. There is often a real sense of urgency in building a relationship since you may feel you are running out of time or that you’ll never look for feel this good again. Insisting that a man take on the responsibilities of a relationship too quickly can drive an otherwise great guy away.

What’s the cure for this? Lisa suggests you date more than one man at a time until you agree to be exclusive. This will take the pressure off so you can concentrate on just having a good time together.

Remember – Dating is Supposed to be Fun

As a woman over 60, you have so many advantages when it comes to dating. You know who you are and what you like. You have a lifetime of experience to draw from and share with others.

It’s easy to focus so much on “finding that special someone” that you forget WHY you want to date in the first place. Dating shouldn’t be the focus of your existence. It should be just another sparkle in the jewel that is your life.

You can be the heroine of your own fairytale and find your Prince Charming.

What was the most fun you ever had on a date? How soon after a first date do you expect a man to contact you? How many places can you name where you might find a potential date? Share your thoughts!