By the time you’re over 60, you’ve had at least one, maybe more, significant love relationships. If you’re reading this article, chances are good that you’re single now.
It’s a fact: Love brings both good and bad to our lives. Being in love is the most exciting feeling in the world and being out of love is just flat-out depressing. A broken relationship often leaves scars on your heart.
It’s just a fact that when you’ve loved and lost, sadness and regret might have taken love’s place in your heart. Healing heart boo-boos takes time.
We remember the regrets longer, and with more intensity, than the joys in our lives. This bias can make you afraid to explore a new relationship. Though natural, this negative bias keeps you focused on what went wrong, instead of all the things that went right.
Negative bias makes sure of that. He always left the toilet seat up, he never brought you flowers, and he criticized you for gaining weight while ignoring his extra 10. Maybe he had difficulty admitting he was wrong, or the words “I’m sorry” got stuck in his throat.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing all new possible partners as “damaged” or new relationships as “broken” when any old patterns arise. While it’s wise to be aware of real danger signals, it’s also important to let a new relationship have some breathing room.
It’s okay to let a little hope into your heart. I’ll bet you’ve grown since your last relationship. I’m willing to bet that a wisely chosen new partner has grown from their past relationships, too!
Quick test: Name 3 ways you’ve grown as a person in the last five years.
You’re either growing or dying. Nature designs us to be driven toward growth.
Can you trust that many men who are single have grown as people, too?
It’s easy to remember the things that hurt you: the harsh words, the stony silence, or the illness that took their life.
Can you remember the good things?
Can you remember the sweetness of your first kiss or the warmth of your hand in his? Was there a magical dinner or walk on the beach that made your heart beat in utter joy?
Take a deep breath and remember two times when a relationship made you happy.
See? Those memories are there, too. Your mind uses negative bias to keep you safe. The irony is that the happy memories are the ones that are encouraging you to try dating again, right?
If you’re exploring the world of online dating, try remembering the joys of love before swiping past those pictures. This internal exercise not only brings positive energy to your search, it also makes it more likely that you’ll notice someone whose profile shows promise.
Try smiling when you meet men at the grocery. Smile when you talk to a man on the phone. Joy has its own energy, and it feels really nice to receive it. Who would you rather date: The one who is smiling or the one wearing a frown? (Yes, I thought that’s what you’d say!)
At our age, there is very little left to be afraid of. Seriously! If he’s mean and wears a frown, chances are good that you won’t want that second date. If he’s kind and handsome but too poor to buy you dinner out, you’re old enough to decide if you want to be the one who pays.
Franklin D. Roosevelt famously concluded that we should only be afraid of fear. You can trust your intuition and your hard-won wisdom. All the life experiences you have had are at your disposal as you dip your toes into the dating world. Don’t let regrets steal your dreams.
Men your age have those, too! We’re all a little worn around the edges at this point in life. It’s who we are inside that shows on our faces now.
Work your love muscles as you explore dating again. First thing in the morning and first thing at night remember something that brought you joy and smile. Smile a big, toothy smile and pull the edges of your lips up as close to your ears as you can. Cool science fact: smiling releases happy hormones called endorphins into your body!
Do you have your health? What about wonderful kids and grandkids? Do you have fabulous girlfriends that believe in you and think you’re awesome no matter what?
Are you a great friend? Have you been a caring mother? Do you want the best for the people you love?
When you remember who you are, you’ll see how beautiful you are.
What man wouldn’t want a loving, kind, caring person in their life?
You have a right to be happy. Sure, there are some cads out there, but there are lots of nice guys looking for love, too. Just remember that it’s completely okay to think that he might just be as wonderful as you.
What suggestions do you have for other women who are looking for love? What has worked best for you in the dating game of life? Please share with the community!
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