1. Take the first step

Being older comes with the advantage of understanding your wants and needs. Don’t compromise, and do not hesitate to initiate the first move—ask for a date or a virtual call.

Knowing your worth, having confidence and accepting rejection come with age. Take advantage of your maturity because these traits may be hard to find in younger people.

2. Make an impressive dating profile online

Your online dating profile is the first impression when looking for a good match. Put a picture of yourself smiling, and don’t forget to show your best self–be authentic.

Don’t change yourself to find love since the relationships built on this foundation do not last long. If you want to find a life-long partner, showing your authentic self is essential to attracting that type of match. Showing your awesomeness and uniqueness helps you find the right match as the true you.

3. Be patient

Don’t rush to find love online. It’s a process of trial and error where you need to be highly patient and avoid forcing yourself into it. It’s better to enjoy the process and neglect thoughts of being fearful; avoid trying to speed up the process. It’s not possible to find a partner overnight, so just have fun.

4. Pick the right dating apps as per your interest

Online dating is common nowadays, and numerous apps can help you find the right match. However, here is a question. How do you know which app is best for you?

Well, it depends on your level of interest. For instance, if you dislike being pursued by others and want to make the first move, then Bumble is for you.

If you want to get pursued by others, try out Match.

On the other hand, if you want to find people in your network and social connection, you can go with Hinge.

5. Know your purpose for dating

Why do you want to date? What’s your purpose for dating at 40? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before making your dating profile and looking for a match.

Remember that an aim without a goal is no more than a desire. Your purpose could be a long relationship, a supportive partner, or just to experience the fun of dating.

6. Send clear and concise messages

Whenever you reach out to someone after considering your perfect match criteria, send them a clear message.

Whether you want to conversate via text, ask for a date (virtual or face-to-face), or have a phone call, be purposeful and show your authentic self. It will help you find the exact person you’re looking for.

7. Don’t bother yourself with people who are not interested in you

Your journey of finding love might not always be full of lovely flowers. Sometimes, this path may have thorns. Don’t lose hope and get demotivated by personality mismatches or rejection.

Look at it this way, if they’re not the right fit for you, you haven’t lost anything. You haven’t wasted your time. Don’t take disinterested people personally; keep going on.

8. Be honest and transparent

Honesty is the proper foundation of any relationship. Finding someone genuine and authentic is only possible when you are just who you are.

Don’t fake your age, gender, qualification or anything. Not only while finding love but also while talking to someone, sharing your likes and dislikes—be honest.

9. Do not be afraid of experimenting

Dating is experimenting. Every person is different, with a unique personality and perspective. Knowing what might work for you is a process of all experimenting.

Appearance might be important to you, and other qualities such as intellect or humour may be important to others.

But, while dating, you may realise that the qualities you initially wanted in a partner may change. So, be open-minded and keep on experimenting!

10. Forget that you are 40

Online dating may be new to you, and friends and family may question your decisions. Being 40 doesn’t mean you are old; you are still free to desire the same kind of love a 20 or 30-year-old wants.

Forget your age and enjoy your life youthfully and energetically.