how to date in your 30’s

how to date in your 30's

How to Date in Your 30’s: Tips for Finding Love and Happiness

how to date in your 30’s: Dating in your 30’s can be a challenging and rewarding experience. While it may feel frustrating and overwhelming at times, there are many positives to dating at this age. You have more life experience, a better idea of what you want in life, and are more likely to seek out a partner with similar goals and lifestyle habits. Here are some tips to help you navigate the dating scene in your 30’s:

  1. Know what you want: In your 20’s, you may have been more prone to dating people for the experience, but in your 30’s, all of your previous dating experiences really pay off. Take the time to figure out what you want in a partner. Write down the names of the last few people you dated and list the top five things you liked about them and the top five things you didn’t. Note any patterns and use this information to guide your search for a compatible partner¹.
  2. Let go of the past: Many people who are single in their 30’s have dealt with some form of heartbreak, whether it be ghosting, cheating, a breakup, or even a divorce. It’s important to remember that we all have skeletons in our closets and that these experiences have guided us to the people we are today. Let go of any past hurt and focus on moving forward¹.
  3. Embrace online dating: Single men and women in their 30’s tend to have busy lives and may not spend as much time in bars or social settings as they did in their 20’s. Online dating can be a great way to meet other singles in their 30’s who are looking for love. There are many dating apps and sites that cater specifically to this age group, so take advantage of these resources².
  4. Be confident: Dating in your 30’s can be intimidating, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many men and women in their 30’s are feeling the same pressures from their friends, family, and society. Be confident in who you are as a person and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there³.
  5. Remember that dating in your 30’s can be better: While it may not have been part of your plan to still be single at this age, there are many reasons why dating in your 30’s can be better than dating in your 20’s. The dating pool is more established and filled with people who have their lives together. You’re more likely to find someone who shares your goals and values².

Dating in your 30’s can be an exciting adventure. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding love and happiness.

What are some good first date ideas?


There are many great first date ideas that can help you get to know the other person better and have a good time. Here are some ideas that you might find interesting:

  • Coffee date at a bookstore: This is a fun twist on the traditional first date at a coffee shop. You can vet your prospective partner by sussing out their appreciation of literature or lack thereof¹. Books can say a lot about a person, so pick a cool, funky, independent bookstore and walk the aisles together, each picking out your favorite book or something you have wanted to read, then telling each other about it¹.
  • Visit an aquarium: When’s the last time you actually went to one? A first date could be your perfect excuse².
  • Go to an arcade: It’s fun, it’s casual, and it’s a perfect opportunity to see how this person holds up to you absolutely creaming them in pinball².
  • Take a hike: If your dating app filters are open to cis-het men, they’ve probably got a photo of themselves hiking anyway. See if their money is where their mouth is²!
  • Challenge them to a karaoke-off: Taking bets on who gets the better crowd response to their karaoke song can add a fun layer to the night².

These are just some ideas to get you started. Remember that the most important thing is to do something that you both enjoy and that allows you to get to know each other better. Good luck! 😊

What should I wear on a first date?


Choosing what to wear on a first date can be a fun and exciting part of the dating process. Here are some tips to help you decide:

  1. Know the Venue: The location and activity of the date can greatly influence your outfit choice². For a classic dinner and a movie date, you’ll want to dress in nicer, fancier clothes². For a hiking date, casual jeans and a t-shirt or gym clothes are perfectly acceptable².
  2. Comfort is Key: Choose an outfit that you feel comfortable in². First dates can be nerve-wracking enough as it is, and you don’t want to add to that stress by wearing something that makes you uncomfortable².
  3. Reflect Your Personality: Wear an outfit that reflects your personal style². Everyone wants to look their best for the first date, but don’t dress up as someone else².
  4. Try Different Options: Before deciding on exactly what to wear, try on a few different options². What you’ve envisioned as the perfect clothing combination in your head might look different once you’ve got it on².
  5. Consider New Clothes: There’s nothing wrong with doing a little shopping for a first date, especially if you have a fun activity planned and need a few new items to prepare².

Here are some outfit ideas:

  • A Pretty Top and Jeans: If jeans are your comfort zone, dress up your favorite pair with a pretty puff-sleeve top and colorful mules¹.
  • A Matching Top and Skirt Set: A matching set takes the stress out of outfit planning, and is right on trend¹.
  • Leather Pants and a One-Shoulder Top: Embody ‘90s minimalism for date night in these slick leather pants paired with an asymmetrical, strappy top¹.
  • A Frilly Dress and Sneakers: A frilled dress reads feminine but not overly sweet when paired with white canvas sneakers for a daytime date or relaxed meet-up¹.
  • A Jumpsuit and Heels: This is a stylish and easy option that requires little effort but still looks put together¹.

Remember, the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing. Good luck! 😊

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/9/2023
(1) How to Dress for a First Date (with Pictures) – wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-a-First-Date.
(2) 10 First Date Outfit Ideas to Feel Like Your Best Self – Byrdie. https://www.byrdie.com/first-date-outfit-ideas-5111963.
(3) What to wear on a first date – outfit ideas to help you shine | Woman …. https://www.womanandhome.com/fashion/what-to-wear-on-a-first-date-and-why-these-outfits-will-help-get-you-a-second-one/.
(4) What to Wear on a First Date – First Date Outfit Ideas – Oprah Daily. https://www.oprahdaily.com/style/a28156304/what-to-wear-on-first-date/.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/9/2023
(1) 20 Best First Date Ideas – Good Ideas for a Low-Key First Date – TODAY. https://www.today.com/life/relationships/first-date-ideas-rcna44970.
(2) 69 First Date Ideas You’ll Actually Find Fun | Teen Vogue. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/first-date-ideas.
(3) First date ideas that are actually bearable – British GQ. https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/best-first-date-ideas.
(4) 65 First Date Ideas to Spark a Good Love Connection – Parade. https://parade.com/1113199/jessicasager/first-date-ideas/.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 1/9/2023
(1) 12 Crucial Tips for Dating in Your 30s – Brides. https://www.brides.com/tips-for-dating-in-your-30s-5105351.
(2) The Guide to Dating In Your 30s – Healthy Framework. https://healthyframework.com/dating/advice/dating-in-your-30s/.
(3) Dating In Your 30s As A Man: What Men Wish You Knew – Zoosk. https://www.zoosk.com/date-mix/dating-advice/dating-in-your-30s/dating-in-your-30s-as-a-man/.
(4) What you want to know about dating in your 30s | EliteSingles. https://www.elitesingles.com/over-30-dating.