Okay, so the main problem in your love life is the step before dating actually begins (you know, when you are on the hunt to meet men). You will be glad to know that it is possible to meet more single men and women past 40. In fact, it is quite easy.
Leverage your networking skills. The ones that got you into the boardroom will also bring you success in the bedroom. The problem is not that there are no single hunks out there past 40. It really is a question of who do you know that can introduce you to the sexy singles of the world over 40?”
Work the marriage connection.
Your married friends are a great way to meet other single people. They have the insider’s gossip about who is getting divorced and whose about to get divorced. Plus, both of your married friends – the husband and the wife – will be very motivated to set you up with someone. Why? Married men simply don’t like single women or men around their wives because they are thinking temptation. "Single life may look more attractive to my wife than our married life."
Married women, on the other hand, are also thinking temptation. You may tempt their hubbies with your sexy single self. To be fair, they also want you their BFF to enjoy the benefits of having your own man or woman around. Their brains will work at dizzying speeds to hook you up with someone of the appropriate age and interests. In their minds, it is like making sure the dress, handbag and shoes work together. They have a stake in seeing you happy so do let your friends know you are looking to meet more singles over 40.
Make yourself a desirable dinner guest.
Over the centuries, professional men sought the company of gorgeous geishas for their entertainment skills in and out of bed. In between liaisons, these professional companions worked to improve their minds, studying esoteric topics and becoming skilled performers of the arts.
Not just trivia masters, their witty conversation could ease the daily stress of the opposite sex. Brush up on your storytelling or comedy skills by taking an improv class. Make it a point to study classic films or develop an interest in precision timepieces. It is important to be a good listener, but just as important to have something to say worth listening to when it is your turn to speak.
Join a Club. Start a club.
Humans are social animals; especially single humans. We are always looking for folks to buddy up with for shopping, movie going, wine tasting, whatever. The founders of MeetUp.com recognized this desire to gather and the difficulty of finding like-minded people in your neighborhood. Today their website lists close to 6,000 MeetUp groups worldwide with close to 2 million members interested in meeting with other singles. Don’t see a group that interests you, use the networking power of the site to reach its millions of members and form your own tribe.
Practice the bump.
At any networking event, most attendees cluster around the major traffic hubs: the buffet table and the bar. Next time you find yourself at a function, accidentally “bump” into another participant. A polite “excuse me; I’m sorry I bumped you. Can I get you a drink? By the way my name is...” makes meeting people easy. Don’t have a business card. Have personal calling cards printed on beautiful cardstock (you will love Crane & Co. stationary) with your name, contact information and leisure interests. “Leisure time expert” or “global foodie” a surprising avocation declaration will invite more conversation.
Matchmakers are the “other” professional headhunters.
Every large city has its share of matchmakers. There is even a national trade association. You can network into their singles resources by contacting them about becoming a part of their database. Depending on their needs at the time, they may even offer their services free. Like job recruiters, the bachelor or bachelorette initiating the search sometimes pays their fee. Graciously reciprocate by sharing your singles network with them.
DATE MORE CHALLENGE: What networking tactics have you used in your professional life? Which do you think could expand your network of dating prospects?
