Are you looking to start dating again?

Dating after 50 can be just as exciting and fulfilling as it was in your 20s – minus all the drama. However, senior dating does come with its own unique challenges. But you can always work on building the confidence you need to get back in the game with a little help from midlife relationship experts.

Lisa Copeland, founder of Find a Quality Man, and Ken Solin, author, columnist, and dating coach, have teamed up with Margaret to give you the best dating advice you don’t want to hear.

Ask About Their Thoughts on Physical Intimacy

Initiating a conversation about physical intimacy isn’t the easiest thing to do – but it’s important if you desire a healthy and lasting relationship. Hence, muster the courage to ask questions about their needs and wants, and don’t hesitate to share your side as well.

Talking about physical intimacy, as well as the state of your relationship after intimacy, will help you find out if you’re both on the same page. It’s better if you know before you decide to get involved with them. This saves you a lot of time, effort, and heartache.

Keep the Romance Alive

So many changes occur as people get older. Intimacy is no exception. However, that doesn’t mean that intimacy becomes less important once you reach your 50s. Along with everything else in your life, the nature of intimacy can evolve with it.

As you grow older, simple acts of affection go a long way. A hug, a kiss, or even holding your partner’s hand can help them feel appreciated and needed. There are different ways to express your sensual side and enhance intimacy. You’ve just got to be a little more creative.

Looks Aren’t Everything

Even if you meet someone attractive, who seems to fulfill your Prince Charming or George Clooney fantasies, you should still ask them all of the important questions to get to know them more. If you want a long-term relationship to go a certain way, you have to be upfront about your needs and interests.

Of course, you should tread carefully when you ask the questions you want to know about from a potential partner. Instead of making it an intense interview, be more conversational. For instance, share something about yourself before dropping important questions.

Don’t Be Too Judgmental and Critical

Avoid being too judgmental of your partner. To build a lasting relationship, you need to support your partner’s interests, even if it’s something you don’t necessarily like doing. If riding motorcycles or scuba diving excites them even after 50, the least you could do is show interest.

Have you had a terrible dating experience? What tough-love advice have you learned from these past experiences that other women need to know? Tell us your story in the comments below. Share this article to help a fellow woman forge a relationship that will go the distance.