Dating in laterlife 

  Going on a first date  

• Arrange to meet somewhere where you will feel comfortable such as hotel lobby or a cafe for a drink or maybe a country pub for lunch. If it goes well, you can continue… 

• If there is no mutual attraction, then think of it as having a one-off lunch or a drink with a nice person - nothing more.

• Wear clothes that make you feel good, but make sure you're comfortable too.

• Of course you will be keen to make a good impression, but don't get all worked up about a date. You will be far more confident and approachable if you go along thinking that it really does not matter if you don't find your ideal partner straight away.

• If your date goes well and you end up together, great and if it doesn't, we have many more potential matches for you to meet.

• Keep an open mind - Don't refuse to meet someone because they don't exactly match your criteria for a perfect partner. Making a relationship work is all about compromise.

• Even if you don't fall in love on the first date, sometimes an attraction can grow or you could become firm friends and find your perfect partner through that friend.

• Do your research - Make an effort to find out about your date. Ask them questions about themselves. Try to find things that you have in common, such as past times or holidays.

• Don't talk about ex-partners and don't tell them about all of your bad points on the first date.

Security - If you are planning to meet someone on your own, make sure that you arrange to meet in a reasonably busy public place and go straight there. Never give your address to someone until you get to know them. Tell a friend or family member where you are going, who you are meeting and when you expect to arrive home.

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