You’ve probably noticed that some of the traditional dating rituals you knew when you were young have changed. Now, we have internet dating, speed dating, and lunch dating. Don’t worry though. The key ingredients are still romance and chemistry. 

Dating for seniors is often geared more toward having fun and finding companionship, rather than marriage. Here are a few tips to help you get back out there into the dating world, whether you’re single or widowed. 

1. A coffee date is a great idea for a first meeting because it keeps the date at only an hour or two. Also, these places are usually busy, well-lit, and safe, making them perfect for meeting a stranger. 
2. Cast a wide net. You never know who might catch your interest. 
3. Never give out any personal financial details to anyone that you have just met. 
4. Trust your own instincts. If someone makes you uncomfortable, walk away for your own safety. 
5. Watch out for red flags. Look out for warning signs like displays of anger, or attempts to pressure or control you. Avoid anyone who acts in a passive-aggressive manner, makes demeaning comments or is physically inappropriate. 
6. Prepare some conversation starters. Comment on their hobbies and interest. Tell stories about your children. Ask them about their favorite food, recipes, or restaurant. 
7. Remember if it’s okay to have dating as a lifestyle. Perhaps your spent most of your adult life with a partner and now you want to live the rest of your life as a single person. This is fine. Just make sure to be upfront with anyone that you go on a date with that you aren’t trying to find another partner. 
8. Maintain good hygiene. This can be the difference between a polite pat on the back, and an invitation to join someone at home. Take a bath or a shower before your date. 
9. Never underestimate the power of a smile. Use your smile as a secret weapon. 
10. Don’t approach or try to meet someone at anywhere inappropriate or unsafe, like a funeral, or somewhere dark. 
11. If your date seems to be going well, mention date number two before your first date is over. 
12. Don’t get caught up in the past. Live in the present instead. Unload any baggage you have before you start dating. 
13. Remember that you’re never too old to be at risk for HIV. In fact, the fastest-growing rates of AIDS are among those over 50. 
14. If you don’t like your date, don’t give them a hard time. Everybody deserves to be treated with respect. 
15. Intimate behavior that you will repeat over and over with the same person will lead to a feeling of attachment, regardless of how suitable the person is for you. 
16. To show your date that you are interested, speed up or slow down your speech to match theirs. 
17. Remember that dating as a senior is usually much simpler than it was when you were a teenager. You have more social skills now after all. Get connected with other people who are in your situation.

This is a contributed post.