I’m headed out to the OC this morning, or perhaps more accurately I’ll be leaving just around 12 noon. Here are just some of my musings as a well-known Midlife Dating Coach for marriage minded single men and women.
One of the characteristics which I notice with some midlife singles over 40 and 50 years old is this slight tendency to isolate. I don’t mean the significant and wonderfulness of solitude and necessary time alone. And I am an extrovert and even so, I need my time alone, too refuel and recharge my batteries.
A number of my Midlife Dating Coaching clients, I notice them being home alone. Sometimes they isolate with their dogs. Not even leveraging their dogs to take walks at The Dog Park (every metro area has them, even small cities and towns, find them, you will meet OTHER lovely dog owners, reminding you of the themes from the cute Romantic Comedy movie, “Must Love Dogs.”).
Sometimes it is with their computer, like all the sweet single techie guys, you know, all those dear single software engineers who then email me for dating advise and tips for how to meet more women and be successful with them socially.
There are reasons why, and I’ll touch on those more later next week. However, today I’ll just keep it a little light hearted and encourage you to get outdoors a little in my dating coaching to you always to aim to get out of your home and out where you could naturally and organically meet new people.
Spring has SPRUNG. Go eat your sandwich outdoors on the patio at Panera Bread. Drink your coffee in the outdoor patio area of the Peets in Newport Beach. (Use your GPS, you can find it. Hey, while you’re there, check in on YELP!) Take your dogs for a walk at the dog park. Your doggies may enjoy the doggie social interaction as well. And if you don’t have a dog, find The Dog Park where you live, and take a stroll there early evening when all the dog owners are there. Admire their dogs. “Oh, is it safe to pet him? What a lovely dog. What breed is that? How old is he?”
That should get you going, and, oh, btw, you will start to meet some people who live near you. A 21st century phenomena is that people are not even acquainted with their neighbors.
And the added benefit is, I have case studies of 3 married couples who lived near each other in their respective cities, who only MET because of using Internet Dating. Yes, do use Online Dating Sites, and be sure to get out there and take a few walkies!
Happy Dating and Relationships
April Braswell
Midlife Dating Quick Start Expert, Relationship Success Coach
Rob Northrup says
May 1, 2009 at 11:32 AMsounds like an e-Book…
Is Your Dog’s Romantic Life More Exciting than Yours? 11 Hot Ways to Leverage Your Dog & Find the Perfect Partner…
Rob (no links, I don’t want the PETA folks to find me)
Lisa McLellan says
May 1, 2009 at 12:40 PMThis is great. The first thing I thought of when I read the part about dog walking to meet other singles was the 101 Dalmatians story! If it weren’t for Pongo and perdita then their “pets” would never have met! More super ideas!
Lisa McLellan, Babysitting Services – Babysitters, Nannies, and Au-pairs
Pat Becker says
May 1, 2009 at 11:48 AMYeah! Springtime – when people are drawn to the outdoors after the dark winter months.
Pat
Christian Haller says
May 1, 2009 at 12:06 PMIf your a guy and have a dog, you find out pretty quickly that it definitely attracts the opposite sex. And girls love to talk about their dogs. Breaks down many barriers.
Christian Haller
Yann Vernier says
May 1, 2009 at 2:48 PMSpring is here even in the UK. I’ve spent the evening outdoors as you suggested.
I guess the recurrent message from a true dating expert like you is to get out of the house and think of any situationas a possibility to meet new people.
Even if you don’t meet Mr/Miss Perfect today, the practice alone will boost your confidence for when you do! It’s all about building the *right habits* – just as it is when undertaking the journey to achieve financial freedom. Great read as usual.
All the best,
Yann
JJ Jalopy says
May 1, 2009 at 5:04 PMA dog is a great accessory to get talking to people.
Great stuff April.
JJ Jalopy.
Steve Chambers says
May 1, 2009 at 5:24 PMA dog is as good a prop as any. People need a conversation starter…I find it’s fun to come up with something at the last minute, and the nerve to simply say “Hi”.
Steve Chambers, The Sales Expert
mark mallen says
May 1, 2009 at 5:30 PMApril, I will take your advice and take my business to the coffeee house across the street. I will let you know if I get lucky.
Mark
mark mallen says
May 1, 2009 at 5:30 PMApril, I will take your advice and take my business to the coffeee house across the street. I will let you know if I get lucky. Mark
jc mackenzie says
May 1, 2009 at 6:51 PMApril,
As always well said. It’s a sad fact, at least with a few that I know that they have a more intimate relationship with their online friends but can’t tell you the first thing about the guy who lives next door.
Thanks
JC
Darryl Pace says
May 1, 2009 at 8:18 PMWalking can be great for meeting people, AND it is great exercise as well.
Health, Fitness — Darryl Pace
Duane Cunningham says
May 1, 2009 at 9:16 PMHi April,
As always full of wonderfully practical and simple ways to improve one’s dating and relationships
Thanks Duane
Bob Kaufer says
May 2, 2009 at 5:41 AMEveryone needs to be with others, we are social creatures.
Bob Kaufer
John Ho says
May 2, 2009 at 7:52 AMApril,
Maximizing exposure is the way to go.
Put the the slogan ” Get OUT & Meet Singles” on computer and the fridge should be the task of everyone who looks for dates or possible life long partners.
John Ho
Philip Graves says
May 2, 2009 at 12:13 PMSplendid advice – I love the way you see an opportunity for dating in everything; from Gay parades to seasons!
Philip Graves
from the author of “The Secret of Selling: How to Sell to Your Customer’s Unconscious Mind”
Anthony Lemme says
May 2, 2009 at 12:38 PMPeople just need to get out there and say hello to people whether they are men, women, ugly, pretty, etc. The name of the game is connecting.
Anthony
Don Shepherd says
May 2, 2009 at 5:39 PMApril you have given me a business idea. I’m gonna adopt all the dogs at the local shelter and take them to the dog park. Rent- a – pooch is born!
Don Shepherd
Lynn Lane says
May 2, 2009 at 6:08 PMPuppies and little kids are a great asset for meeting new people.
Lynn Lane
Pam Schulz says
May 2, 2009 at 6:58 PMGreat dating tips for people of all ages who need some encouragement – especially on how to take a risk and get out of their comfort zones.
Pam
David Power says
May 5, 2009 at 7:27 AMA dog is a good excuse to go for a walk and go window shopping!!!
David