A View From Robin's Nest
Senior Dating
Who has it Over on Us?
Robin Hoselton
When a senior becomes single after a long-term relationship, the notion of reentering the dating scene might seem intimidating. If you remember how easy it was to bond with that toddler who shared your sandbox, you may think that young people have an advantage. That’s not so.
A twenty-something bats her eyelashes at her prospective boyfriend during a date. After all, she took great care to layer on that expensive mascara for a come hither look.
A fifty- or sixty-something doesn’t bother. Mascara makes smudgy flecks on her spectacles. Besides, when she whips out her glasses to read the menu, her date does the same and both are more interested in the Early Bird Special than gazing into each other’s eyes.
A twenty-something takes great care with her dress. She’s got a cute booty and must show it off to maximum effect even if it means holding her breath to shimmy into skinny jeans.
Droopy Derriere
A fifty- or sixty-something pulls up elastic waist polyester slacks without a care. She’s long ago come to terms with her now-droopy derriere. Besides, at this age her date has developed man-boobs so he can’t complain about her lack of a round rump.
A twenty-something has to keep up on current events, i.e. the newest clubs, the latest electronic gizmos, the current fashion fads.
A fifty- or sixty-something is already on automatic pilot. Conversation naturally gravitates toward Social Security, grandkids, prescription medicines and Mabel who cheated at bingo.
A twenty-something cannot paint the town red on a week night. She must get home at a reasonable hour to get up early for a job.
A retired fifty- or sixty-something can stay out until the sun comes up. Of course she starts nodding off as soon as the sun goes down but that’s beside the point.
A twenty-something’s goal is marriage and a family, so if the chemistry doesn’t kick in by the second or third date, she has to start the hunting ritual anew. It takes a lot of stamina to kiss so many frogs.
And remember, just because there’s snow on the roof, (white hair), it doesn’t mean the fire has gone out…
A fifty- or sixty-something has been there, done that. She can enjoy an affectionate friendship with a golden ager and relax while the younger set deals with the heavy lifting.
A twenty-something has to housebreak her guy from scratch and train him for civilized living.
A fifty- or sixty-something guy already has been vetted by another woman. He knows about lowering the toilet seat, taking out the garbage, and answering “No” when asked, “Does this make me look fat?”
Those are just a few advantages of dating the second time around. If you’ve been hesitant about pursuing a relationship in the autumn of your life, give it a try. And remember, just because there’s snow on the roof, (white hair), it doesn’t mean the fire has gone out in the hearth!
Tagged dating in your fifties and sixties, droopy derriere, fifty-somethings, man boobs, senior dating, sixty-somethings, twenty-somethings, white hair snow on the roof