Dating in your 20s is very different from dating in your 30s.  While you don’t have to completely change what it is that you do, it makes sense to be adaptable and adjust your approach.  If you are using the same tactics at 37 that you used at 23, you might not have the best luck.  Let’s look at how the dating is and how best to do it in each decade.

What it’s like to date in your 20s

If we look at the beginning, at age 20, you’re only one year out of your teens.  Everything is new, fresh, and exciting and the world is full of promise.  For those that are in college, you are surrounded by hundreds if not thousands of singles the same age that are hormonal, energetic, and exploring their sexuality.  You are literally tripping over possible dates.  Even after graduation and up to your late 20s, it’s a time to figure out who you are and what you want.  You may want to try every flavor out there to see what suits you best.  Many times, it’s very easy as young people to create urban families in cities and you are constantly introduced to new people.

How to do it best in your 20s

Obviously, where you are is going to affect how you date.  But if you are in an urban area, you will usually find yourself amongst groups your own age.  Try and talk to everyone. Don’t just stay with your inner circle. Everyone knows people, and you should branch out and meet them, too.  If someone is interested in you, unless there is something deplorable about them, you should go on a date with them or hang out with them a bit. This is the age to figure out what you want as well as what you don’t want  It’s important to have as many life experiences as possible.  Don’t sit around waiting for “the one.”  You need to build up skills and become the type of person that can earn that dreamboat.

What it’s like to date in your 30s

Things get a little more settled down in your 30s.  If you are in a more rural area, perhaps most of your friends have already paired up and gotten married.  You may be one of the few singles among your friends.  This can be a little frustrating as hanging out with babies and couples is fine if they’re your friends, but you need to have some people to do singles things with, as well. Sometimes, this means *gasp* making new friends or joining a new social circle.  You’re not ditching your old friends, but you need to also be around people that are in the same life cycle as you.

How to do it best in your 30s

By this time, hopefully, you’ve had a few relationships under your belt and have a better idea of what you do and don’t want out of a partner/relationship.  It’s okay to be a bit pickier now, but don’t rule people out for silly reasons.  Your dating pool is much smaller now, so you don’t necessarily have the option of meeting new, eligible singles every day.  Give people two dates if you’re not horribly turned off.  Open your ways of meeting people.  Go online, join MeetUps, or volunteer.  Luck favors the prepared mind and the more places you are, the more likely luck is going to find you.