Dating at Different Times in Life - The Rules Change

Over the years, dating takes on different meaning and importance. Sometimes we see those differences in a positive light and other times we are very disappointed. It is interesting to see the newbies dating at any age expecting the dating pool, the rules and life to be the same as it was 10 to 20 years earlier. Once we accept the changes that dating has evolved into; we can then have a better appreciation of the outcomes. Here are some examples of how I see the changes in decades:

In high school: Awkward, awesome, major experiences, scary. Some people date and eventually marry their high school sweetheart. There are times this strategy works and times it doesn't. There has to be an enormous bond between couples who stay together after high school because you continue to grow and change over the years and your relationship must evolve with you.

In your twenties: Peer pressure, rebellion, curiosity, sometimes wild behavior. People think once you are out of High School or College that you are no longer influenced by what peers are thinking of you. Most of the people in your age group are dating too, some will "settle down" and get married, but the dating pool is usually largest in your twenties.

In your thirties: Serious, looking for spouse or significant other, commitment. The dating pool is still large at this point. Most people are now thinking about marriage, children, futures, so dating someone takes on a new meaning of "are you the one". Blending two sets of families is now an art form and a major achievement.

In your forties: Back in the game, another round, curious again, smarter. The dating pool may have shrunk a bit and daters are much more articulate about their choices at this stage in the game. There is usually a lot more screening to go through before we even go on a date. Having to blend families is still an issue to be worked out. There are times when being back in the game at this stage can be very exciting and sometimes it can also be disappointing.

In your fifties: Humility, compassion, men/women are more on the same page, humor. The dating pool remains about the same in your 40's and 50"s. Now, because of health issues, property, jobs and families, dating differs here because there are more logistics to work out.

Over 60 dating: Equal partners, acceptance, sharing and caring, being real. The reason I grouped this decade list as one is because once you hit 60 and over mark, barring any health issues, the rules don't change as much from here. People that are dating at this age are usually looking for companionship and friendship first and all other issues including sex are next on the list. At this stage of the game the dating pool is smaller than before, but much easier to deal with. The individuals who are dating at this stage of the game already know what they want and don't want and are much less into the "me, me, me" attitude. Again, health issues, property and families play a large part in dating decision.

I didn't list sex as being a major factor because I truly believe it to be very individual discretion at any age. There are those who are virgins till marriage, or those who are senior citizens and have great sex as the number one requirement. So if you are new to the dating scene after being married for awhile, you should consider how many changes there are to adjust to.