What You Need to Know After 40 to be Successful in Dating

I

f you haven’t been in the dating game recently, you might not recognize it. Most men over 40 find today’s dating world, once a familiar place, turned topsy-turvy and strangely skewed. What’s a guy to do? Look at figures, of course, but put down the binoculars because we mean numeric figures. When anything seems unfamiliar and confusing, you can grab hold of soothing stats and numbers to begin finding sense.

Acquaint yourself with these solid, sensible numbers to be successful at dating in this unfamiliar world.

54,250,000
That’s a large number, isn’t it? Just over 54 million people, a whopping 44 percent of America’s population, live the single life. Some enjoy single life, and some don’t; the numbers, however, prove that you’re definitely in good company. If you ever feel like you’re the last single guy in the country, come back and take another perusal of this number.

86 to 100
This ratio definitely favors us: There are 100 single women for every 86 single men. The ratio changes according to geography, but it’s still a good representation of the national average. So, those of us rusty in dating techniques get a little wiggle room in which to practice; if we blow it with one woman, we don’t have to give up all hope.

2 Percent
What could this tiny number mean? The itty-bitty number, my friend, represents the number of men who have experienced success finding dates in bars. If you’re thinking of dusting off the trusty bar clothes and hitting a nightclub, don’t do it. Stop, back away from the closet and give your head a shake. You’re better off chatting with the lovely ladies you see at coffee shops.

51 Percent
The survey says: Half of the single people out there believe flattery is the greatest way to attract someone. Most women like hearing nice things about themselves, but — for love of the 19th hole! — keep it real. Flattery, like a putting iron, is a great tool, but it shouldn’t be used through the entire game. If you go overboard on the compliments, you’ll fall flat. Too much reeks just as bad as not enough.

17 Percent
You have a 17 percent chance of liking a blind date with whom a friend sets you up. While this isn’t a staggering number, it’s certainly not shabby. Consider it this way: You have a 17 percent chance of getting out with an enjoyable person versus a 0 percent chance if you blow off a possible romantic connection because the percentage isn’t high enough in your favor. Besides, if you have a rotten time, you’re that much closer to magical number 15.

15
Generally, you won’t make a meaningful connection until you’ve dated 15 women; it’s some weird rule conjured up by dating deities. Shoot for a par 15, but always remember that birdies and bogeys happen.

40,000,000
Imagine a world in which 40 million people, close to the entire single population, has tried online dating. Computer dating has an entirely different meaning and reputation than it did back in the day when people were matched up according to computer-punched cards. If the largest dating pool is found online, it makes sense to make your way over and get your toes wet.

2 Times
If you venture into the online dating pool, you’ll receive two times the amount of connections if you provide a profile picture than if you get all shy and anonymous. Some profile picture advice: Don’t wear sunglasses, don’t be in a crowd of friends, and — for the love of the 19th hole, again — do not post a picture that includes another woman. She’s your daughter? The women looking for dates online won’t know that and will blast right past your profile.

1 Hour
Lucky men: We have an entire hour to make a good first impression on a woman. It’s much better than the mere 15 minutes we give them to make a good impression on us. This gives you some leeway to up your game if you feel you’re not swaying the lucky lady in your favor.

53 Percent
More than half of the single people in the country believe that a person’s most attractive feature is their smile. For successful dating, smile, laugh and enjoy yourself; you have nothing to lose.

48
When you reach the age of 48, you’ll have twice as many women chasing you online than women have men seeking them out. It’s tough being a guy, isn’t it?

Unspecified
Hard numbers don’t exist to back up lies, but men and women both fudge the truth. While women tend to fib about their age, physical build and weight, men tend to be less than truthful regarding their age, height and income. These lies are common enough to almost be expected, so if you want to really stand out in the dating field, be honest. Showing honesty from the start has the advantage of keeping the women you date from wondering what else you’ve lied about.

Hopefully, dating put into number emboldens you, but if you’re still perplexed about the dating world you want to dive into, follow two words of advice: Don’t date. Yes, you read right. Since the beginning of time, dating has involved nervousness, jitters, worries and stress, so don’t go on dates. When you meet a woman you’d like to better know, suggest going for coffee and a walk, checking out an exhibit or heading out for a hike. These non-dates let you get to know each other without the anxiety surrounding traditional dating.

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