Month: February 2021

As we get older, we still have a need for intimacy and companionship and although the dating landscape has changed in recent decades, over 50s dating can be just as fun as it was in your 20s. Whether you are bereaved, divorced or been single for a while, finding yourself single in your 50s can be quite a daunting prospect – but it doesn’t have to be.

The first step in discovering that special someone for you is to make sure that you are ready. Past experiences can influence feelings about dating, and you may be worried about rejection or feel guilty at first – all of which are completely normal when you have been out of the dating scene for a while.

A new dating world brings new ways to meet people

While every dating journey is different there are commonalities and worries that most single people over 50 experience when they start looking for a new partner. Whether you have been married, in a relationship for a long time, or just not been looking for love until now, the dating landscape has changed considerably over the last 30 years. In the past, there was no such thing as online dating or mobile phones and people met naturally through family and friends, work colleagues or simply by bumping into each other when doing everyday things such as going shopping or heading to the pub with friends.

Although those avenues are still options when it comes to finding a partner, busier lifestyles and the growth of online dating has reduced the likelihood of people finding ‘the one’ through those natural methods and most people these days tend to meet online.

However, this can be daunting, especially at first, and if you are worried or confused about the safety of online dating or have tried it before with no luck, then matchmaking and introduction agencies may be a better option for you.

Understanding the difficulties that come with over 50s dating, a matchmaker can help you to navigate the new dating landscape and enjoy a dating journey that leaves you feeling confident, energised and safe. They are on hand to support and guide you through the process, discover what you are really looking for in a partner and hand-select the right matches for you to give you the best chance of success in achieving a long-term relationship.

The dating scene has changed but so has what you are looking for

If you think back to when you were dating in your 20s, you will remember looking for people who were young, lively and attractive – just like yourself back then! However, fast forward 30 years and it is more realistic that you will be seeking someone around your own age with similar interests to you. Physical attraction is still important, but a shared lifestyle often takes higher priority.

Long gone are the nights spent drinking and dancing the night away in nightclubs, but while you may still be young at heart it is likely that those pastimes have been replaced with travel, fine dining and maybe a spot of walking. Although you may still feel the same way you did when you first started dating and be looking forward to meeting that special someone in the future, it is important to be open-minded and realistic as to what you are looking for these days.

Enjoy the journey and the adventure of possibilities

As you get older, the pressure to get married or have children grows – particularly for women – making the search for that right person even more important. For this reason, the dating process can seem slower as the focus is more about finding the right person that you can spend the rest of your life with rather than someone you can date for a shorter period of time without being too concerned about the longer term.

This is where a matchmaker can be truly beneficial, as they will take the hard work out of the search for you. Through getting to know you and working with you closely, your matchmaker will search for that perfect partner for you and introduce you to like-minded individuals that share the same values, aspirations and goals as you – giving you that best chance of a lasting relationship.

Whether you find that special someone in your first introduction or it takes a while longer, enjoy the journey. If you are open-minded about what you are looking for, trust in the process and are honest with yourself and your matchmaker, you will find that the dating journey is just as fun as it was back when you were in your 20s – only this time you are smarter, more confident in yourself and understand what you really want from life and your relationships.

At Ignite Dating we understand that dating over 50s dating brings about challenges that are not as relevant for those dating in the 20s and 30s, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find love and a new relationship. If you would like to learn more about over 50s dating in the UK and what our service includes, then get in touch with our friendly team today who are ready and waiting to help you find that perfect partner for you.

Dating can be a scary prospect, for both men and women. But it does not have to be. Thankfully, the dating landscape has moved on in recent years and the historic expectations to make the first move, pick up the bill and plan everything down to the smallest detail are outdated and no longer necessary. The playing field has now levelled, and women are just as likely to share the responsibility and take control of their love lives as the men – but where do you start?

The common misconception that men should not ask for advice or discuss their feelings has led many men to struggle at times when it comes to flirting, dating, and even portraying their feelings when they are in a relationship. Despite the changes in the dating landscape and the growing equality of the sexes, men still seem to be bound by the archaic rules of the past when it comes to matters of the heart.

So, if you are a single gentleman who finds dating almost impossible, let us help you with our dating advice for men to help navigate this changing dating landscape.

Put yourself out there

Whether you have had your heart broken in the past or are overwhelmingly shy, burying your feelings and focusing on work or other interests is not going to help you find that special someone. Just like the lottery, you need to be in it to win it – finding that perfect partner for you is going to be impossible if you do not put yourself out there.

Remember nerves are natural

While dating can be a fun and exciting experience when you get into it, everybody experiences nerves and uncertainty when they first get back on the dating scene – especially if you have been out of it for a long time. Rather than running away from it or hiding behind other commitments, embrace the moment and remember that just like you any potential matches will be feeling nervous when they first meet you.

Find the right platform for you

With the evolution of technology, it is now easier than ever before to meet people outside of your work and social circles. At your fingertips you have access to hundreds of dating platforms – but with so many to choose from the search for the right one can be overwhelming. If you are looking to go down the online dating route, think about yourself and the type of person that you wish to attract. Online dating sites differ enormously, so it is important to consider whether you would like a platform that focuses on interests, lifestyles or even political or religious views, to find the right one for you.

However, if the thought of labour-intensive scrolling through profiles does not appeal to you or you have tried it before without much luck, there are other ways to meet people. Matchmakers and introduction agencies are fast becoming the option of choice for busy men across the UK. From writing your profile and arranging your photos to sourcing and selecting the right introductions for you, your dedicated matchmaker will do all the hard work so you can just sit back, relax, and wait for the matches to come rolling in.

First impressions count

It may seem obvious but just like a job interview, first impressions on a date are crucial to there being a second date. You do not want to be remembered as the guy that did not make an effort or show any interest. The easiest way to make a good first impression is to try with your appearance. Have a shower, do your hair, and pick an outfit that works for both smart and casual dates even if they are virtual meetings. We always think you can never go wrong with a shirt and smart jeans or trousers but do not forget the footwear! If you opt for shoes make sure they are polished and not scuffed, if your date is more casual then trainers are okay just be sure that they are clean and not too worn out.

Do not overthink those first conversations

If you are not a naturally bubbly person, the thought of talking to complete strangers may overwhelm you and as a default you may turn to cheesy one liners in a bid to impress – but don’t! Instead, talk to them like you are already friends and just be yourself. If you make good eye contact, smile, and show a genuine interest in what they are saying, you will find the conversation flows much more easily and you (and your date!) will feel more relaxed and at ease.

Remember to follow up after the date

Always send a message to your date afterwards to thank them for their time and let them know that you had a good date. And if that chemistry is not there for you, which it doesn’t have to be, just be honest and let them know that you had a good time but that you feel that the chemistry was not right. By letting them know it will allow them to move on rather than wondering what they did wrong.

If you enjoyed the date and would like to see them again, tell them. The age-old rule of playing hard to get does not work in the modern dating world, so let them know that you would like to see them again – just remember not to come on too strong.

Talk it through with someone you trust

One of the best things to do when the date is over is to talk it through with someone you trust, whether that is a friend or even a matchmaker. It is good to have a conversation with an impartial person about the date regardless of whether it went well or not as it will allow you to get an objective opinion on the way it panned out and how best to proceed next.

One of the greatest and most surprising benefits of using a matchmaker is that they can help you learn so much about yourself. They can give you more confidence and help you to relax, taking away the additional stress of worrying whether there is a common romantic interest. Using a matchmaker can help to make the dating journey much clearer and after a while, even though some dates may not always work out, you will come to feel better about the fact that they were not right for you so you can move on and begin meeting other potential partners with whom you have that spark.

At Ignite Dating, we know that everybody is different which is why a tailored dating advice for men is so important. By working with your very own matchmaker, they will be able to guide you on your very own dating journey and help you find that perfect match – asking all the right questions to get to know you almost as well as your friends and family do, and really focus on getting the best out of you. To find out more and start your journey to find that special someone, get in touch with our friendly team today.

Remember this time last year when the restaurants were decked out with fairy lights, floral arrangements and candles galore, ready for couples to celebrate Valentine’s weekend? Well fast-forward 12 months and due to lockdown and ongoing COVID restrictions Valentine’s Day in 2021 looks very different, but that doesn’t mean it’s over with these romantic date ideas.

Although the traditional Valentine’s date of a romantic meal and drinks is not possible, with a bit of creativity you can put the romance back into this global holiday and earn yourself some brownie points with your date. If you’re looking to take Valentine’s Day to the next level, we’ve rounded up the best virtual date ideas for you to celebrate – despite the restrictions of lockdown.

Bring your favourite restaurant home

Since the closure of restaurants last year, establishments across the country have come up with new ways for you to enjoy their exquisite cuisine from the comfort of your own home. Whether you order takeaway or try your hand at recreating their dishes with a lockdown food kit, simply add a video call, some ambience-setting music and you can enjoy your favourite restaurant together – until you get to do it again in person. Perfect for those self-confessed foodies amongst us!

Go for a romantic stroll

For many of us, going out for our daily walk and getting some fresh air is the highlight of our day, so why not share this with your date and take a romantic stroll together (virtually). You could simply put some headphones in and give them a call, or you might even want to video call them so they can see where you are, and you can feel more like they’re there in person. FaceTime is a great app for video chats as it provides a good, clear connection so you won’t lose each other mid-way through your conversation.

Escape into the past with a virtual museum tour

After almost a year of closures, a lot of museums and galleries are taking their business online and offering virtual tours of venues and exhibitions. Using online platforms, they are able to connect people worldwide via a video link, so would-be visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of earlier times. Why not tune in to a virtual tour together, then have a video call with coffee and cake afterwards to discuss the tour and your thoughts and opinions on the works of art that you saw and uncover each other’s artistic flair?

Watch a concert together

If you love nothing more than heading to a concert to catch your favourite artist, why not watch a gig at home? Some of the biggest artists and performers have turned to online platforms since music venues were forced to close last year. Using channels like YouTube, fans no longer have to miss out on their favourite performances but can experience a more low-key and intimate affair instead. With a multitude of decades to choose from, you can experience the artists of the past and present from the comfort of your own homes. Watch the concert together on video chat so you can experience the moment and feel like you are both there, and who knows what musical talents you may discover!

Test your teamwork with a virtual escape room

The best relationships are built on a strong foundation of understanding and teamwork. Why not see how well you can solve problems together with a virtual escape room? Taking the craze of the locked room filled with clues and the dreaded timer online, the virtual escape room follows the same immersive problem-solving scenario but rather than trying to escape a room you need to solve the clues to complete the puzzle. With a whole host of fictional situations to choose from, such as prison escapes, hackers and art robberies, you’re sure to find something that you’ll both enjoy and get to know how well you work together as a team. ⠀

Make cocktails together

Just like the lockdown food kits, cocktail making can be a fun alternative to a night out at your favourite cocktail bar. Simply gather a range of ingredients and cocktail recipes that you can find online, add a video call, some music and unleash your inner mixologist. Introduce your date to your favourite tipple and give them the challenge of making it, so next time you get together you know just what to order or even create yourself if you’re having a date night in.

Discover who is the general knowledge master with an online quiz

As a nation, we love the pub and we also love a good pub quiz. Trivia and a drink has been a date night favourite for years and the internet is refusing to let the lockdown change that. If you love a pub quiz, there are plenty of providers and groups out there that are putting them together and hosting on Google Hangouts for others to enjoy. You might even find that your local pub is hosting their regular quiz night but now online, or that one of you has a friend who has chosen to organise the event themselves. You and your date could team up (communicating via your phones) or play separately (but on the same quiz). There is plenty of quizzing going on across the nation right now, making this a great option for your virtual date.

Enjoy a movie marathon

Does your favourite date night include going to the cinema or getting cosy on the sofa and watching a movie? Well, you still can, thanks to Netflix Party. You can watch the same movie at the same time from different locations and there’s even a messaging option which allows you to discuss the film with one another (of course, you can always keep each other on the phone while watching too!). A great way of watching a movie together, even when you’re not, and the bonus is you get to keep the popcorn all to yourself!

Discover the treasures between you

If packing a bag and heading off on an adventure is your idea of a perfect date, why not start the process early and start planning for when lockdown eases. Grab a map and discover the places to explore between your two locations. Whether it is a walk around a local nature reserve or discovering tourist attractions and hidden gems, you will be amazed how many things you come across and all the future dates that you are able to plan to enjoy together in the coming months.

Simply, get to know each other While video chat might not be your first choice of date, particularly if you’ve never met before, it can be a good way to get to know somebody new. Once you get over the feeling of embarrassment thanks to the slightly grainy image of yourself and the way you sound on video, you’ll be surprised how at ease you feel. Put some time aside when you’re not distracted with work, TV or anything else to have a chat over video and find out more about one another and you’ll be surprised how quickly the time flies as you discover those commonalities between you. By spending time messaging and talking over video chat regularly you will build a strong foundation and understanding of each other, perfect for when the time comes, and you can finally meet in person.

At Ignite Dating, we know that the pandemic has caused a shift in the dating landscape but that doesn’t mean that finding somebody to spend your life with isn’t possible. During these uncertain times we are working closely with our clients to facilitate the introductions and open their eyes to the host of opportunities available to them to bring the fun and excitement back to their dating journey. If you are single and looking for help to navigate this new way of dating, then get in touch with our team today and one of our matchmakers can get you back on track with a dating journey that will leave you feeling confident, energised and safe.

From a very young age we start thinking about our perfect partner and while they may evolve and tweak slightly as we grow and our tastes and personalities change, they very rarely stray too far from the original. But how realistic are you about dating and your proposed match?

While basing your ideal partner on a swoon-worthy actor or glamorous supermodel may help you visualise the type of person that you are looking for, realistically your perfect partner is likely to be miles apart from what you initially thought. Think about it, if you were to take your celebrity crush how many of your previous partners looked or even acted like that person? Probably, none.

When it comes to dating you need to be realistic. If you have a long checklist of traits that a partner has to meet it is highly unlikely that you will ever find the one that you are looking for – simply because they do not exist. At some point we need to compromise and really think about the things that are important – the values, aspirations and lifestyle that are compatible to your own.

How many times have you ruled somebody out because they were a few inches shorter than your ideal or a few years older, even though the rest of their profile sounded great? By fixating on that one element, you could be shutting out the perfect partner for you all for the sake of a number on a page.

As we get older things change and the traits and qualities that are most important to us take on a more pivotal role in our decision making. While you may still be attracting younger matches, you have to consider where that relationship will lead long-term. As the age-old saying goes, beauty fades but personality is forever, so when you are next considering a match think about the compatibility as well as the attraction because ultimately you need to ensure that there is more to your relationship than the physical aspects of a person such as looks, age or height.

This is where a matchmaker can really help. Working with a matchmaker can push your boundaries and help change your mindset on what you are looking for. Of course, you need to find your partner attractive and share the same dreams and goals for the future, but you also need to be realistic and open-minded and not turn someone down simply because they don’t tick all the boxes on your checklist.

A matchmaker is able to help guide and support you through the journey and recommend potential introductions based on the characteristics that really matter. After all, how many times have you spoken to a friend who stated that they only find men over 6ft attractive only to find that the man they settle down with is only 5ft 9in. Or found yourself ruling somebody out because they are a few years outside your age range, only to find the perfect partner was a lot older but had the zest for life and get up and go that age subsequently became insignificant.

By being realistic when dating as to what is most important to you, you will find that your relationships are built on stronger foundations with values and aspirations that truly complement yourself and your lifestyle – giving you the best chance of success for that ultimate goal of a long-term committed relationship.

At Ignite Dating, our matchmakers use a unique mix of Myers Briggs personality profiling, intuition and expertise to match you with potential partners that have the values, aspirations and goals that you are looking for. We will introduce you to like-minded individuals that we believe will complement your lifestyle and open your eyes as to the most important aspects of your ideal partner – even if they’re not your usual type. If you’ve been chasing the same type of person for years now with no success and would like to try a new approach with experts to guide you throughout, then get in touch with our team today and let us help you find the right person for you.