Many Singles Over 50 Find Success in Internet Dating

By Tom Blake

Internet dating often gets a bad rap from singles age 50 and over. However, lots of seniors have had success using it.

In January 2009, Glen, a resident of Ventura County, hadn’t had a date with anyone other than his ex-wife for 25 years. He joined Chemistry.com, an Internet dating site, and eventually met Cheryl, who lived in Orange County.

Glen said, “The Internet serves as a valuable tool in that you can cast your net to a much wider audience. Without it, I doubt I would have ever found Cheryl. I was fortunate to have the freedom to move to OC, which allowed our relationship to continue to grow.

“I still pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming! We’ve been together for over two years and are the happiest we’ve ever been.”

Ruth said, “I am 76. My husband died in 2002. Last year, I met the man of my dreams on Match.com. Dating online isn’t easy, but if you work at it, and use common sense, you can be successful.

“If the one you are looking for is one in 100, you have to be in touch with 99 people before meeting that person. When one doesn’t work out, think of it as being one person closer to going through all 99. I kept a spreadsheet of everyone to whom I had written so I wouldn’t contact the same person twice.

“Put in a half hour a day if you can. Keep a positive attitude and maintain your sense of humor.”

Sandra, 51, emailed, “I was encouraged three years ago by my sister to try an Internet dating site. I wrote the bio and completed the personality tests. Then I got cold feet. I did not pay the fee so I forgot about it.

“Seven months ago, I received a notification from the dating site that I had an email. I figured it was a promotion. I went to the site and was able to log on(It was a free communication day unbeknownst to me). The email was a smiley face from Stephen.

“I read Stephen’s bio and we seemed to have common interests. We corresponded for a month prior to meeting for dinner. There were no fireworks. But we had enough working for us to go to a concert the following weekend.

“Seven months later, we have a relationship with a strong foundation built on love, laughter and patience. Internet dating enables you to find people you might never meet any other way—even if you don’t know you are participating.”

Charli shared, “September 9 was Richard’s and my first anniversary of meeting online. This adventure in our lives has been amazing; and me, the woman who decided I was going to be alone at 73! Women shouldn’t give up on being with someone special; hang in, it will happen.”

Jo stated, “Two months ago, I met Bob on Zoosk, an Internet dating site. He is a widower of six years, myself divorced for 10. We chatted a couple weeks, then, met for dinner. I had no expectations. Bob and I are extremely happy—and while it is still new, what seems to be developing between us made that ‘one more try’ worth it.

“It’s like that inspirational story, 212 Degrees. If you stop boiling water at 211 degrees, the water doesn’t boil. You may just miss something wonderful in life by giving up just a degree too soon.”

Tom Blake is a San Clemente resident and Dana Point business owner who has authored three books on middle-aged dating. For dating information: www.FindingLoveAfter50.com. To comment: email hidden; JavaScript is required.