Love, Lust and Laughter - 03.01.22

<p style="font-weight:400;">THE ONLINE DATING SCENE for THOSE OVER 50</p> <p style="font-weight:400;"> </p> <p style="font-weight:400;">Dr. Diana and Dr. Linda De Villers (<a href='http://www.drlindadevillers.com/'>www.DrLindaDeVillers.com</a>), longtime friends and colleagues, brought different perspectives to the conversation. Dr. Linda is recently single and has just begun online dating. Dr. Diana was widowed in 2000 and was on and off dating sites until 2010 when she met her man, now her husband! As sex therapists, both docs have single clients wanting guidance around online dating.  With patience and persistence, you can find a wonderful partner – and enjoy the search in the meantime!</p> <p style="font-weight:400;"> </p> <p style="font-weight:400;">For setting your online expectations, it can help to run the numbers: MEET 9 PEOPLE. Our brains are best equipped to handle five to nine options – or there may be cognitive overload. Pick nine, meet in person, then take a break while you get to know at least one. GIVE IT THREE DATES, even if you don’t feel the chemistry. Attraction is important, but if someone meets your needs, you may find the attraction follows.</p> <p style="font-weight:400;"> </p> <p style="font-weight:400;">Writing your Profile. This is the place where potential dates get a sense of what kind of personality you have. Show your heart – people are looking for authenticity. What do you really want out of life? What’s truly important to you? But don’t give your life story. Focus on what you’re looking for in a partner, in a relationship, and what you enjoy doing. Give interesting examples of where you like to go and what you like to read. You want to give off an air of confidence and positive energy.</p> <p style="font-weight:400;"> </p> <p style="font-weight:400;">Protecting yourself both online and offline. Do your due diligence, perhaps with some online searches. Set up meetings during the day in a public place. Do try to smile, laugh, and be pleasant. You can talk about why y