Tips for Men Re-Entering the Dating Scene After 40

If you’re a man over 40 and re-entering the dating scene due to divorce or whatever circumstance, brace yourself — it’s a whole new world out there.

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You may be older and wiser, and really know who you are and what you want, but you have no idea what it’s like to date in the new millennium.

First of all, the vernacular is completely different. “Hey, baby” and “Page me” are no longer acceptable pick-up lines. Mixed tapes and parking at “Inspiration Point” are no longer acceptable forms of wooing. And there are at least 157 new technological ways you can embarrass yourself (see: Weiner, Anthony.)

“When you come out of a divorce or breakup and you haven’t been on a date in a while, it can feel like you are on another planet where you don’t speak the language and all the rules of society have changed,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove.

And so, just like astronauts need assistance with entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, eLove says, they’ve decided to open a division for men over 40 to help them re-enter the Loooooooove atmosphere.

The site offers a few tips for re-entry:

Hit the gym. Have you seen “The Jersey Shore?” Their hobbies are GTL — gym, tanning and laundry – all ways to improve their appearance and impress the ladies. This is what you’re competing against. Admit things have shifted since you were last single and start toning it up.

Skip the bar scene. It’s OK to go to bars with friends or co-workers but don’t do it to meet potential dates.

Network. Instead of hitting the bars, Falzone suggests networking as a way to meet potential dates. Just like you would spread the word if you’re unemployed and looking for friends to hook you up with a potential job, tell everyone you know you’re interested in dating again. This is how you’ll meet the best fit.

If you’ve never seen this YouTube video before, use it as what NOT to do guide:

And for the record, as a lady, I can tell you, “I’m not afraid to get sand in my tuxedo” wouldn’t have worked in any decade!