I just read an article by another dating coach telling singles over 60 that age isn't an obstacle in dating unless you believe it is. Very true!
Many of my 60+ clients, especially the women, believe their age is a detriment in finding men to date, and that belief winds up being the main thing blocking them from dating success--sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy. They think nobody will want to date someone their age, and--lo and behold--they have trouble meeting people.
That's because, in dating as in any life pursuit, ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING. If you start off with a negative attitude about your chances of finding love after 60, that in itself reduces your chances of success. In other words, you receive what you believe.
In her book 60 on Up: The Truth About Aging in America, psychologist Lillian Rubin says that most single men over 65 have very little trouble finding women to date, whereas women the same age struggle. One of the reasons is that women don't adapt as well to the aging process. They have trouble accepting their fading looks, expanding waistlines, and waning sex drive. They don't feel sensual and attractive, and so they assume they're not.
Older women who DO feel attractive are the ones who are totally comfortable in their own skin (even if it's not young and taut!), and they've grown and evolved enough that they can love themselves as they are. It's a growth process that takes time, intentionality, focus, and patience, but it's possible for every woman. This growth--and the wisdom that comes with aging--are, as I've discovered, two of the positive aspects of getting older.
As I've learned in my 60s, loving yourself by treating yourself well, feeding your soul, and following your own bliss is the key to helping you let go of negativity and self-judgment so you can see yourself as lovable and, in turn, be more loving toward other people. And, of course, a loving, kind person is someone others want to spend time with--and even ask out on a date!
I invite you to get really honest with yourself and do an attitude check:
How well are you accepting the aging process and yourself as an older person? I know it's not easy, but it's a journey toward self-love that has many benefits. If you're like me and many other "seniors," you care far less about what other people think of you than you did when you were younger. You've figured out that it's what you think about yourself that counts. That's one benefit of aging right there.
If you can get to a place where you think more highly of yourself and then can make a list of all the endearing qualities that make you a "great catch", you're on your way to the attitude shift that will make dating success more likely. Hint: many of the things on that list will be the same character and personality traits you had in your 20s. They're just contained in a different "package" now.
The inner qualities that made you desirable and fun to be with when you were young haven't changed. You're the same on the inside; only the outside has changed. Your wrinkles are "smile lines"--the result of years of smiling and enjoying life during the last 60+ years. And you'll have a lot more to smile about when you look at age as a badge of honor rather than an obstacle--and you have a great partner to share smiles with.
OK, are you ready to get out into the dating world with a brand new attitude? I know you can do it. Best of luck!
(Feel free to contact me if you need some moral support: gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com).
Monday, November 26, 2018
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Your Happiness Is YOUR Responsibility
Because I'm a dating coach, singles talk to me all the time about why they want to find someone to love. They truly believe--as I do--that sharing love with a special person is one of life's greatest joys...and that a relationship with the right partner will bring them the happiness they seek.
But the older I get, the more clearly I understand that nobody else can make me happy. I need to be intentional and proactive about "following my own bliss" on a regular basis. Now, finally, after 60+ years of living, I "get it" that, as the 1994 book says, Happiness Is a Choice-- and that I have the ability to make that choice every second of every day.
I have a wonderful, loving, caring partner. And I feel special and important when I'm with him and generally content with our relationship. But, I've come to see that just being with my partner doesn't ensure my happiness. Things can be going fine between us, with no conflict or disagreements and plenty of quality time together and affection. But that doesn't mean I don't sometimes feel as if something is missing in my life.
Now I realize those are the times I need to look at how well I'm taking care of my own needs.
No other person or group of people can fill all your needs and desires--even if they're aware of all of them. Only you know what you need in every moment. And it's up to you to fill your own needs the best you can...without expecting others to take care of you. As one of my favorite spiritual teachers, Louise Hay, says, "When you have expectations, you set yourself up for disappointment."
Here's an example from my personal experience. The mood swings of the "change of life" sometimes cause unexpected bouts of melancholy to wash over me suddenly. I used to wonder why I felt so sad--and thought maybe it meant I wasn't feeling satisfied with the world at large, the political landscape, my career, my partner, or something else in my external world.
Now I know that's not the case. The unease I feel is internal. And only I can take the steps needed to make it better.
This is when extreme self-care is needed. For me, that means carving out time for things that make me feel warm, uplifted, and joyful inside. I find that listening to my favorite music, dancing, luxuriating in a hot bath, reading some passages in my Daily Guidance From Your Angels book, calling a dear friend, walking in nature, digging in my vegetable garden, or arranging some fragrant flowers does wonders to lift my spirits, feed my soul, and make me feel alive and happy again.
How about you? Are you able to give yourself the "me" time on a regular basis that makes you feel loved and content--even when your partner isn't with you, or when you're alone because you haven't yet met that special someone? I hope so.
I'd be interested in hearing what you do to create the inner peace and contentment that sometimes seem elusive. Drop me a note at gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com.
But the older I get, the more clearly I understand that nobody else can make me happy. I need to be intentional and proactive about "following my own bliss" on a regular basis. Now, finally, after 60+ years of living, I "get it" that, as the 1994 book says, Happiness Is a Choice-- and that I have the ability to make that choice every second of every day.
I have a wonderful, loving, caring partner. And I feel special and important when I'm with him and generally content with our relationship. But, I've come to see that just being with my partner doesn't ensure my happiness. Things can be going fine between us, with no conflict or disagreements and plenty of quality time together and affection. But that doesn't mean I don't sometimes feel as if something is missing in my life.
Now I realize those are the times I need to look at how well I'm taking care of my own needs.
No other person or group of people can fill all your needs and desires--even if they're aware of all of them. Only you know what you need in every moment. And it's up to you to fill your own needs the best you can...without expecting others to take care of you. As one of my favorite spiritual teachers, Louise Hay, says, "When you have expectations, you set yourself up for disappointment."
Here's an example from my personal experience. The mood swings of the "change of life" sometimes cause unexpected bouts of melancholy to wash over me suddenly. I used to wonder why I felt so sad--and thought maybe it meant I wasn't feeling satisfied with the world at large, the political landscape, my career, my partner, or something else in my external world.
Now I know that's not the case. The unease I feel is internal. And only I can take the steps needed to make it better.
This is when extreme self-care is needed. For me, that means carving out time for things that make me feel warm, uplifted, and joyful inside. I find that listening to my favorite music, dancing, luxuriating in a hot bath, reading some passages in my Daily Guidance From Your Angels book, calling a dear friend, walking in nature, digging in my vegetable garden, or arranging some fragrant flowers does wonders to lift my spirits, feed my soul, and make me feel alive and happy again.
How about you? Are you able to give yourself the "me" time on a regular basis that makes you feel loved and content--even when your partner isn't with you, or when you're alone because you haven't yet met that special someone? I hope so.
I'd be interested in hearing what you do to create the inner peace and contentment that sometimes seem elusive. Drop me a note at gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
What Do Single Men Over 60 Want in a Woman?
I just read a piece by another dating coach who was asked what single men over 60 want in a dating partner. Here is her answer: "Single men in their 60s are looking for a woman who is feminine and is willing to help them feel like a man. Many women spent most of their lives competing with men--at work, in social situations, and even at home. Now, as women reach their 60s, it’s difficult to stop competing and just relax a bit."
She goes on to say "Single men over 60 want women who are in touch with their feminine side. They want encouragement, not criticism. They need confirmation, not competition."
I am about to turn 65, have been in a serious relationship with a man who is 64 for almost 4 years, and can definitely relate to the fact that women over 60 have a tendency to be competitive with men. I blame it on menopause (and the decrease in female hormones/increase in male hormones that accompanies it). In fact, I have evidence of it in my own life--and my relationship with my partner.
We've been living together almost 2 years and, in general, get along great. We don't argue or fight. But recently, there have been more instances where I've gotten a little "irritable" (due to the aforementioned hormones) and take it out on him--with an unkind or judgmental comment that I now realize stems from my feeling competitive with him for some inexplicable reason. I never felt like that with him before, so this is weird. As an oldest child, I've always been a bit bossy, but my recent behavior is out of the ordinary--and very embarrassing. What's gotten into me? Why am I acting like this?
And, more to the other coach's point about over-60 men preferring women who are feminine and encouraging rather than competitive: Why is the non-feminine/ aggressive/competitive side of me rearing its ugly head lately and how does that affect the way my partner sees me/feels about me and how he feels himself? Does he see me as less feminine--and does this cause him to feel less masculine? I sure hope not--because that could change the dynamics of the way we interact and the nice connection we've had.
At this point in our relationship, we have built the love, compassion, and understanding needed to fully accept each other just the way we are--which is wonderful! And we've talked about how his ignoring my critical menopause-related comments (and my trying to bite my tongue when I feel irritation coming over me) are the best strategies to help us navigate this strange transition I'm going through.
But what about single men and women in their 60s still currently in the dating world who are just getting to know each other while also trying to deal with this transition and the irrational behaviors that come with it? Will the woman's "change-of-life" competitiveness hamper the new couple's ability to develop the ying-and-yang, male/female connection that is so special--and so desired by both people? Will men have the patience and empathy needed to give their dating partners the benefit of the doubt they need? And will women be able to reconnect with their feminine side enough that men will feel attracted to them?
I don't have all the answers, but I hope my story motivates you to research this topic a bit more yourself--and to look at your own behaviors and attitudes about it in order to cultivate empathy for the opposite sex, no matter what your dating partners are going through in their 60s.
As Betty Davis said, "Getting old is not for sissies." And dating when you're older is certainly not easy. But I'm here for you if you need support. At this age, I've pretty much experienced it all, and I'd be happy to help you through--so you can have the success with dating that you deserve!
I'm available at 267-245-3023 or gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Curiosity Is Crucial in the Dating World
I recently read a book by Hollywood producer Brian Grazer called A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life. The book's point is that curiosity is a valuable tool for learning about people and the world...and for making life richer and more interesting.
In the book, Grazer discusses how he had "curiosity conversations" when assembling the cast and crew for the many TV shows and films he produced over the years. Asking people to talk about things related to their background or experiences that piqued his natural curiosity usually resulted in more in-depth information and insights than typical interviewing techniques.
I firmly believe the same is true in the dating world. I'm a naturally curious person myself, and I usually ask a lot of questions when I first meet people--and later too--because I'm truly interested in learning more about their life, outlook, philosophies, etc. When I was unattached and crossing paths with new men all the time through online dating sites or at meetup groups or singles activities, it was fun learning about them. And the way I did that was by asking for more detail about whatever they were talking about.
Most of the time, that facilitated great two-way dialogues in which we each asked questions and learned some fascinating things about each other. I really love it when someone is curious enough about me to ask follow-up questions about whatever we're discussing.
But there's a fine line between being curious and being "nosy". Some people find it intrusive if you ask too many questions. They might feel their privacy is being violated. They might not feel comfortable talking about themselves. Or they might wonder why you want to know all those things about them. In general, the latter group of people aren't naturally curious themselves--which is why they can't relate to your desire to know more.
In the early stages of meeting and dating people, women are often the ones who ask most of the questions. It's their nature to use conversation to build intimacy. Not so much with men. They talk more to convey information. I've heard men complain that women asked so many questions at a first meeting that they felt like they were on a job interview or being "interrogated."
Sure, some women use the first meeting to gather the vital "stats" they want on a man about his profession, relationship status, living situation, financial security, etc. And I can understand why some men think women are prying and maybe even "gold-digging." But, more often than not, a woman is just trying to find out how compatible she might be with a certain man...how similar they might be in world view, lifestyle, interests, and values.
That was certainly my intent when I asked new guys more than just a couple questions. To me, it's a fun adventure to learn what makes people tick and what hearing their stories can teach me about my own life.
How about you? Are you a naturally curious person? And do you think that makes it easier to have easy-flowing, fun conversations when you're meeting new people in life and/or in the dating world? I'd love to hear your views! Drop me a note at gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com.
In the book, Grazer discusses how he had "curiosity conversations" when assembling the cast and crew for the many TV shows and films he produced over the years. Asking people to talk about things related to their background or experiences that piqued his natural curiosity usually resulted in more in-depth information and insights than typical interviewing techniques.
I firmly believe the same is true in the dating world. I'm a naturally curious person myself, and I usually ask a lot of questions when I first meet people--and later too--because I'm truly interested in learning more about their life, outlook, philosophies, etc. When I was unattached and crossing paths with new men all the time through online dating sites or at meetup groups or singles activities, it was fun learning about them. And the way I did that was by asking for more detail about whatever they were talking about.
Most of the time, that facilitated great two-way dialogues in which we each asked questions and learned some fascinating things about each other. I really love it when someone is curious enough about me to ask follow-up questions about whatever we're discussing.
But there's a fine line between being curious and being "nosy". Some people find it intrusive if you ask too many questions. They might feel their privacy is being violated. They might not feel comfortable talking about themselves. Or they might wonder why you want to know all those things about them. In general, the latter group of people aren't naturally curious themselves--which is why they can't relate to your desire to know more.
In the early stages of meeting and dating people, women are often the ones who ask most of the questions. It's their nature to use conversation to build intimacy. Not so much with men. They talk more to convey information. I've heard men complain that women asked so many questions at a first meeting that they felt like they were on a job interview or being "interrogated."
Sure, some women use the first meeting to gather the vital "stats" they want on a man about his profession, relationship status, living situation, financial security, etc. And I can understand why some men think women are prying and maybe even "gold-digging." But, more often than not, a woman is just trying to find out how compatible she might be with a certain man...how similar they might be in world view, lifestyle, interests, and values.
That was certainly my intent when I asked new guys more than just a couple questions. To me, it's a fun adventure to learn what makes people tick and what hearing their stories can teach me about my own life.
How about you? Are you a naturally curious person? And do you think that makes it easier to have easy-flowing, fun conversations when you're meeting new people in life and/or in the dating world? I'd love to hear your views! Drop me a note at gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com.
Monday, August 6, 2018
Why People Hesitate to Start Dating Again
Have you been newly single for a while after divorce or widowhood and promising yourself you'd get proactive about dating? Yet you procrastinate? Have you thought about what might be holding you back?
I can't count the number of people who call me saying they're interested in having me help them start dating again and then don't return my phone call. They say they want moral support or guidance about navigating the online dating process or figuring out other ways to meet people for dating, so I ask them to name a convenient time for a coaching session. But they don't reply.
I usually follow up to see if they're still interested but hear a myriad of reasons why they're not going to take the next step. These include:
"Things are so hectic now with my job and caring for my parents. I don't have time to think about dating."
"I tried a couple of dating sites, had a few dates, and then realized I wasn't ready."
"It sounds like too much work. I'd rather just meet someone organically in my daily life."
In my experience, what's really going on when people use these excuses about not entering the dating world is a 4-letter word: FEAR.
In the first case, the person fears the unknown, not having yet ventured back into dating. In the second case, the person fears leading someone on or getting entangled with someone who IS ready for dating when he/she isn't. And, in the third case, the person is afraid to expend time and energy with no guarantee of a positive outcome.
But even more deeply buried in all 3 cases is often the fear of putting themselves out there, feeling vulnerable, and facing possible rejection. There's no shame in that. Everyone who re-enters the dating world is afraid nobody will like them...or fears they won't meet anyone who'd be their type. It can definitely be scary to start all over again when you're older with something you haven't done since you were young.
Just like those who go back to school after a long hiatus or those who start a new business after being laid off from a job, those who re-enter the dating world after decades of being married feel nervous and unsure of themselves. They're clueless about what they'll encounter, how to act, what the new etiquette is, etc. And I understand that completely. I was in their shoes in 1995 when my first marriage ended after 16 years, and I had no idea where to begin searching for dating prospects.
I wish I'd known back then there was such a thing as a dating coach--someone to hold my hand and advise me on what avenues and approaches were best for me to find like-minded men for dating. Instead, I stumbled along going to singles events for a couple years--and dated various guys without first stopping to assess whether they were a good match for me. I made a lot of mistakes, kissed a few frogs, and learned the ins and outs of successful dating the hard way.
I can save you the time and anguish of having to go through that. I can help you create a strategy for dating success that really works. If fear has been standing in your way, I can help you overcome it, take action, and meet some nice potential partners. Let's talk soon!
gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com or 267-245-3023.
I can't count the number of people who call me saying they're interested in having me help them start dating again and then don't return my phone call. They say they want moral support or guidance about navigating the online dating process or figuring out other ways to meet people for dating, so I ask them to name a convenient time for a coaching session. But they don't reply.
I usually follow up to see if they're still interested but hear a myriad of reasons why they're not going to take the next step. These include:
"Things are so hectic now with my job and caring for my parents. I don't have time to think about dating."
"I tried a couple of dating sites, had a few dates, and then realized I wasn't ready."
"It sounds like too much work. I'd rather just meet someone organically in my daily life."
In my experience, what's really going on when people use these excuses about not entering the dating world is a 4-letter word: FEAR.
In the first case, the person fears the unknown, not having yet ventured back into dating. In the second case, the person fears leading someone on or getting entangled with someone who IS ready for dating when he/she isn't. And, in the third case, the person is afraid to expend time and energy with no guarantee of a positive outcome.
But even more deeply buried in all 3 cases is often the fear of putting themselves out there, feeling vulnerable, and facing possible rejection. There's no shame in that. Everyone who re-enters the dating world is afraid nobody will like them...or fears they won't meet anyone who'd be their type. It can definitely be scary to start all over again when you're older with something you haven't done since you were young.
Just like those who go back to school after a long hiatus or those who start a new business after being laid off from a job, those who re-enter the dating world after decades of being married feel nervous and unsure of themselves. They're clueless about what they'll encounter, how to act, what the new etiquette is, etc. And I understand that completely. I was in their shoes in 1995 when my first marriage ended after 16 years, and I had no idea where to begin searching for dating prospects.
I wish I'd known back then there was such a thing as a dating coach--someone to hold my hand and advise me on what avenues and approaches were best for me to find like-minded men for dating. Instead, I stumbled along going to singles events for a couple years--and dated various guys without first stopping to assess whether they were a good match for me. I made a lot of mistakes, kissed a few frogs, and learned the ins and outs of successful dating the hard way.
I can save you the time and anguish of having to go through that. I can help you create a strategy for dating success that really works. If fear has been standing in your way, I can help you overcome it, take action, and meet some nice potential partners. Let's talk soon!
gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com or 267-245-3023.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Must-Do's for Dating After Divorce or Widowhood
Recently, another consultant asked me to name my 3 Best Practices for dating after divorce or widowhood. Good question!
It's hard to narrow it down to just 3, so I share 4 tips below. My many years of post-divorce dating experience coupled with the coaching I've done for divorced and widowed people over the last 16 years has clearly shown me that these are the Must-Do's for success with dating in later life:
1) BE who you want to attract. This means doing the emotional and psychological healing that's necessary after the loss of your spouse or marriage. Take the time you need to feel happy and whole again. Do the personal growth needed to foster in yourself the qualities you're seeking in a partner.
The Law of Attraction says "like attracts like", so it's vitally important not to skip this step. Unfortunately, many of the people who come to me for dating counseling haven't done this yet. And then they wonder why they're attracting "the walking wounded." Call or email me for assistance with this step if you're struggling. I'll start by recommending you read and do all the exercises in the book Calling in "The One": 7 weeks to attract the love of your life by Katherine Woodward Thomas. It helped me attract my true love at age 61. (Ask me about that story--I really enjoy sharing it!)
2) Be proactive in your search for dating prospects. Use every means at your disposal to cross paths with like-minded singles your age--from singles activities...to hobby groups on www.meetup.com and elsewhere...to online dating. Do all 3 things as much as possible.
- Get out to try new activities or groups at least twice a month.
- Promise yourself you'll try a new hobby group or rekindle an old hobby as a way to meet new people.
- Switch online dating sites often if you're not finding enough people to email on one site.
Don't stop looking! You can take a breather if needed but get back out there as soon as you can! Your true love is unlikely to show up at your door while you're sitting at home or procrastinating about joining an online dating site.
3) Stay positive, persistent, and patient as you search. This means believing there's someone out there just for you; sticking with your search and not giving up no matter what disappointments you experience along the way; and taking the time you need to navigate the dating "journey" without rushing or being impulsive.
4) Don't settle! As we age beyond 50 or 60 or 70, many of us singles may be inclined to think that time is running out for finding the right person. Sometimes, we compromise our values too much or give people too much benefit of the doubt because we're afraid we're getting too old to attract new people...so we have to settle for whatever we can find. Not true! Only by holding out for what you really want will you find the match you desire and deserve. Call me if you're tempted to settle for second best. I'll help you create new strategies for finding THE best partner for you!
It's hard to narrow it down to just 3, so I share 4 tips below. My many years of post-divorce dating experience coupled with the coaching I've done for divorced and widowed people over the last 16 years has clearly shown me that these are the Must-Do's for success with dating in later life:
1) BE who you want to attract. This means doing the emotional and psychological healing that's necessary after the loss of your spouse or marriage. Take the time you need to feel happy and whole again. Do the personal growth needed to foster in yourself the qualities you're seeking in a partner.
The Law of Attraction says "like attracts like", so it's vitally important not to skip this step. Unfortunately, many of the people who come to me for dating counseling haven't done this yet. And then they wonder why they're attracting "the walking wounded." Call or email me for assistance with this step if you're struggling. I'll start by recommending you read and do all the exercises in the book Calling in "The One": 7 weeks to attract the love of your life by Katherine Woodward Thomas. It helped me attract my true love at age 61. (Ask me about that story--I really enjoy sharing it!)
2) Be proactive in your search for dating prospects. Use every means at your disposal to cross paths with like-minded singles your age--from singles activities...to hobby groups on www.meetup.com and elsewhere...to online dating. Do all 3 things as much as possible.
- Get out to try new activities or groups at least twice a month.
- Promise yourself you'll try a new hobby group or rekindle an old hobby as a way to meet new people.
- Switch online dating sites often if you're not finding enough people to email on one site.
Don't stop looking! You can take a breather if needed but get back out there as soon as you can! Your true love is unlikely to show up at your door while you're sitting at home or procrastinating about joining an online dating site.
3) Stay positive, persistent, and patient as you search. This means believing there's someone out there just for you; sticking with your search and not giving up no matter what disappointments you experience along the way; and taking the time you need to navigate the dating "journey" without rushing or being impulsive.
4) Don't settle! As we age beyond 50 or 60 or 70, many of us singles may be inclined to think that time is running out for finding the right person. Sometimes, we compromise our values too much or give people too much benefit of the doubt because we're afraid we're getting too old to attract new people...so we have to settle for whatever we can find. Not true! Only by holding out for what you really want will you find the match you desire and deserve. Call me if you're tempted to settle for second best. I'll help you create new strategies for finding THE best partner for you!
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Let Both Your Heart AND Head Help You Choose Dates
Recently, a 64-year-old female client called me for advice about a man she'd met who was caring, considerate, affectionate, family-oriented, expressive, and possessing many of the other qualities that were important to her in a partner. The problem? At age 65, he had no retirement savings, lived in a small apartment (which he was evasive about inviting her to see), and admitted he was still suffering with the depression that had plagued him for years.
Though this lady was very attracted to him and had much in common with him, she was hesitating to get involved because she'd been hoping to meet someone more equal to her in terms of lifestyle, financial security, stability, and having a sense of direction in life. And this guy wasn't that someone.
She grappled for weeks with the fact that she felt like she was falling in love with the man because he was treating her so nice, saying sweet things, and wanting to spend lots of times with her. She was loving every minute of it because she was lonely and anxious to meet a man to love.
My advice was for her to slow down, think things through, listen to her intuition, and look at her "Partner Vision" list to see how many of the qualities she desired were embodied in this man.
The result was:
1) Her intuition told her she wasn't comfortable with his living and financial situation because she feared he might become dependent on her.
2) He only had about half the qualities she desired in a life partner, along with a couple of "red flags" she couldn't overlook, such as his depression (which nearly resulted in suicide) and an abusive father in his past.
3) When she thought it through carefully, she realized she was giving him too much benefit of the doubt in terms of his shortcomings.
4) She ultimately decided to end the relationship with him at the 3-month point, even though it broke her heart to do so because she was already emotionally and physically connected to him.
The ultimate lesson for this client was that, when seeking dating partners in later life, our inner wisdom plays a very big role. We really DO know what we want and what's most compatible with us. So, even if someone sweeps us off our feet in terms of sweetness and sex, we will ultimately decide to be practical and smart.
Over the years, life has taught those of us older than 50 what can go wrong when we make rash, impulsive decisions. We're older and wiser now and not as willing to "settle" for people or things that don't mesh with the life we've spent so much time and energy building.
This client realized that she was letting her heart talk louder than her head. And I was able to help her remove her rose-colored glasses and be more rational about the situation so she could make a clear-headed decision going forward.
It's hard for me--a die-hard romantic--to do that because I know how wonderful it feels when you meet someone special who feels like "the one" and tells you everything you've always wanted to hear. But I also know how much pain can result when you get too deeply involved with someone who's totally wrong for you--and how hard it is to go your separate ways when there's been an emotional and physical attachment.
If you need a "sounding board" or seasoned adviser as you navigate the sometimes-tricky world of dating and relationships, drop me an email or call. I'd love to support you in following BOTH your heart and your head so you can find what you really want and deserve!
gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com or 267-245-3023
Though this lady was very attracted to him and had much in common with him, she was hesitating to get involved because she'd been hoping to meet someone more equal to her in terms of lifestyle, financial security, stability, and having a sense of direction in life. And this guy wasn't that someone.
She grappled for weeks with the fact that she felt like she was falling in love with the man because he was treating her so nice, saying sweet things, and wanting to spend lots of times with her. She was loving every minute of it because she was lonely and anxious to meet a man to love.
My advice was for her to slow down, think things through, listen to her intuition, and look at her "Partner Vision" list to see how many of the qualities she desired were embodied in this man.
The result was:
1) Her intuition told her she wasn't comfortable with his living and financial situation because she feared he might become dependent on her.
2) He only had about half the qualities she desired in a life partner, along with a couple of "red flags" she couldn't overlook, such as his depression (which nearly resulted in suicide) and an abusive father in his past.
3) When she thought it through carefully, she realized she was giving him too much benefit of the doubt in terms of his shortcomings.
4) She ultimately decided to end the relationship with him at the 3-month point, even though it broke her heart to do so because she was already emotionally and physically connected to him.
The ultimate lesson for this client was that, when seeking dating partners in later life, our inner wisdom plays a very big role. We really DO know what we want and what's most compatible with us. So, even if someone sweeps us off our feet in terms of sweetness and sex, we will ultimately decide to be practical and smart.
Over the years, life has taught those of us older than 50 what can go wrong when we make rash, impulsive decisions. We're older and wiser now and not as willing to "settle" for people or things that don't mesh with the life we've spent so much time and energy building.
This client realized that she was letting her heart talk louder than her head. And I was able to help her remove her rose-colored glasses and be more rational about the situation so she could make a clear-headed decision going forward.
It's hard for me--a die-hard romantic--to do that because I know how wonderful it feels when you meet someone special who feels like "the one" and tells you everything you've always wanted to hear. But I also know how much pain can result when you get too deeply involved with someone who's totally wrong for you--and how hard it is to go your separate ways when there's been an emotional and physical attachment.
If you need a "sounding board" or seasoned adviser as you navigate the sometimes-tricky world of dating and relationships, drop me an email or call. I'd love to support you in following BOTH your heart and your head so you can find what you really want and deserve!
gayle@datingsuccesscoaching.com or 267-245-3023
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
