It is Springtime and your thoughts may turn to “love”, especially if you are a single person and wanting, hoping for something or someone new to enliven you.
Many boomers and those beyond are looking for, maybe for the second or third time, a mate or at least someone to date. But now, in this more evolved phase of our lives, dating may feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable. It’s not like the old days when you could ask your friends to “fix you up”. Back then your life probably revolved around others your own age who were equally single and wanting to hook up. When we move up in age and experiences, when many of our friends are already in marriages, it can be much more challenging and even hard work to find someone new.
My friend Camille, typical of many women I know, tells me, “I’ve given up on ever finding a man I could fall in love with. I’ve left that part of my life behind; I’d rather devote my time to friends and children and grand kids.”
I respond to this by saying, “So, no more romance in your life? No more experiencing that fluttery, exalted feeling when you do meet someone you like a lot and want to be close with. Is that possibility over and done with?”
I could see her wavering a little at this suggestion. I took a risk and added. And what about physical intimacy, loving touch and you know, sex?”
“What about it? I just don’t care all that much to get involved and close to anyone, again. I can live without it.”
Yes, we probably can live without it, however the medical experts tell us staying sexual is an important ingredient in keeping the body healthy and thus promoting longevity. There seems to be an agreement that being sexually active, no matter what the age, is a really good thing for body, mind and spirit.
Aside from the possibility of renewing physical touch, there are other reasons to put yourself out there, hoping to meet a mate, or at least try a date. Companionship seems to be a strong argument for conducting an active mate search.
Of course many find substitutes for company by developing important relationships with their beloved animals. While it is true there are far few complications and little drama with an affectiionate cat or a loyal dog, still there is a definite advantage in having a good friend who is human and available to accompany you, sharing time and interests, someone you can lean on little. Having a partner can bring more emotional (and sometimes financial) security. Being intimately connected to another may give a sense of belonging, knowing you are of primary importance to them and therefore they are in your corner as a support, and more.
Is it idealistic to have these desires at our advancing age? Like any other game you want to win, dating has its perils and sometimes bad, regrettable choices you made. But it is best to have a good attitude and don’t take things personally.
So how do you find a soul mate?
Set the intention of what you are hoping for, write it down and think about it, but don’t let your desire consume you. If fate is on your side you could meet your future mate anywhere, like at the super market, especially if you are an extrovert and can easily strike up a conversation with someone you find attractive. Or you can meet someone of worth at a bar, a place where many available singles can be found. You can definitely meet someone on line, but be wary of the “game players” who are in it for unsavory reasons.
Internet “meet-ups” are a great way to be introduced to new people. You can easily join one or more established groups, sharing your interests. When you follow your ardor, you are more than likely to meet others with things in common. There are “meet-ups” specifically for singles and still others for dining out, hiking, dog play groups ...just about anything. Or, you have the option to start a new “meet-up” yourself.
One thing you can pretty much count on, no new and potential mate will be walking uninvited through your door looking for you. Therefore, you might ask yourself, are you someone who wants to end their single status? If so, are you willing to take some risks and go outside of yourself and your comfort level?
It is finally Springtime; may be the time has come for you to unfold, open, bloom.
I respond to this by saying, “So, no more romance in your life? No more experiencing that fluttery, exalted feeling when you do meet someone you like a lot and want to be close with. Is that possibility over and done with?”
I could see her wavering a little at this suggestion. I took a risk and added. And what about physical intimacy, loving touch and you know, sex?”
“What about it? I just don’t care all that much to get involved and close to anyone, again. I can live without it.”
Yes, we probably can live without it, however the medical experts tell us staying sexual is an important ingredient in keeping the body healthy and thus promoting longevity. There seems to be an agreement that being sexually active, no matter what the age, is a really good thing for body, mind and spirit.
Aside from the possibility of renewing physical touch, there are other reasons to put yourself out there, hoping to meet a mate, or at least try a date. Companionship seems to be a strong argument for conducting an active mate search.
Of course many find substitutes for company by developing important relationships with their beloved animals. While it is true there are far few complications and little drama with an affectiionate cat or a loyal dog, still there is a definite advantage in having a good friend who is human and available to accompany you, sharing time and interests, someone you can lean on little. Having a partner can bring more emotional (and sometimes financial) security. Being intimately connected to another may give a sense of belonging, knowing you are of primary importance to them and therefore they are in your corner as a support, and more.
Is it idealistic to have these desires at our advancing age? Like any other game you want to win, dating has its perils and sometimes bad, regrettable choices you made. But it is best to have a good attitude and don’t take things personally.
So how do you find a soul mate?
Set the intention of what you are hoping for, write it down and think about it, but don’t let your desire consume you. If fate is on your side you could meet your future mate anywhere, like at the super market, especially if you are an extrovert and can easily strike up a conversation with someone you find attractive. Or you can meet someone of worth at a bar, a place where many available singles can be found. You can definitely meet someone on line, but be wary of the “game players” who are in it for unsavory reasons.
Internet “meet-ups” are a great way to be introduced to new people. You can easily join one or more established groups, sharing your interests. When you follow your ardor, you are more than likely to meet others with things in common. There are “meet-ups” specifically for singles and still others for dining out, hiking, dog play groups ...just about anything. Or, you have the option to start a new “meet-up” yourself.
One thing you can pretty much count on, no new and potential mate will be walking uninvited through your door looking for you. Therefore, you might ask yourself, are you someone who wants to end their single status? If so, are you willing to take some risks and go outside of yourself and your comfort level?
It is finally Springtime; may be the time has come for you to unfold, open, bloom.