You might think some dating habits will last the test of time, but it turns out, there are some dating habits that come across very differently after 50 or 60.
The wardrobe stopped moving
Keeping clothes for years doesn’t have to be a bad thing, especially if these items still fit. The problem is, a lot of older men seem determined to hold onto outfits that are decades old. They’ll stick to wearing the same square shoes and the same tucked polo.
The same bulky jacket stays, and so does the same haircut. Clothes play a big role in first impressions, and it doesn’t look good when you hold onto clothes from decades past. Not every woman cares about fashion, of course. But they’ll still notice when it looks like a man hasn’t reconsidered his appearance in two decades.
Everything is ready for a meeting
That’s not all for clothes. Most older men know how to look respectable, and that’s not really an issue. But there are some guys who become so obsessed with looking respectable that they forget to look attractive. For example, they’ll wear slacks and a stiff collared shirt.
They’ll put on polished leather shoes and a belt matched perfectly, which all looks tidy. It doesn’t look remotely romantic, though. Put it this way, there’s a big difference between looking presentable and looking like you put some thought into where you’re going. Plan accordingly.
A girlfriend starts sounding like staff
The things a guy says matter, too. Some guys don’t realize it, but the way they talk about a potential partner says a lot, and they seem to be looking for a caretaker without realizing it. You know the kind of guy. They’re the ones who talk about how bad they are at cooking, and how their ex used to remind them to do everything.
It’s not a major issue by itself. But it is a problem when you put it all together, as it makes the relationship sound more like a job. Women aren’t attracted to men who are only going to increase their caregiving load because that’s not what they’ve signed up for.
The résumé becomes financial
Money is a topic of conversation sometimes, that’s totally normal. What’s not normal is when you talk about it in a way that’s meant to impress a woman, like mentioning the value of your house and the pension you’ve built. Older guys think they’re showing stability.
Most women think that this sort of humblebragging only makes a guy seem superficial, and they’re not interested in it. They signed up for a date, after all, not an earnings call. Keep the expensive displays of your wealth to yourself.
Every subject becomes a seminar
A lot of guys have a habit of turning every conversation into a lecture. They’re not trying to sound full of themselves. It’s just that their life experiences have given them a lot to talk about, and they’re keen to share it. But maybe they shouldn’t always.
It doesn’t look good when you give unsolicited advice or try to explain something to a woman when she hasn’t asked for it. All it does is make her feel disrespected. Yes, she’ll start thinking that you don’t trust her judgment or opinions, and that’s definitely not attractive.
The old marriage gets rebuilt
When a long marriage ends, it’s natural that you’re going to find it hard to shake off some routines. But you might want to try your hardest to do that. Allowing those routines to hang around can stop a new partner from actually being part of your life.
You always had Sunday breakfast at the same place, and now she’s stuck doing the same thing. There are some routines that she may be happy to join, sure. Yet she’s not going to find it appealing when you’re giving her an entire lifestyle designed with someone else in mind.
The shoes go everywhere
Comfort is obviously more important when you get older. Sore feet aren’t attractive, either. Still, you shouldn’t only own one pair of ultra-practical walking shoes, and no other shoes. Choosing comfort shoes over everything doesn’t look good.
It ages you a lot, and truthfully, a lot of women will start making assumptions about your status, too. They notice the whole outfit at once. Shoes are part of the picture, and they’re a very telling part, that’s for sure.
Courtesy turns into taking over
Being gentlemanly is one thing. Taking away a woman’s choice because you’re so ‘gentlemanly’ is something else. There’s no reason a guy should choose every restaurant and insist on driving each time. That doesn’t come across as charming.
No, it feels a lot more controlling, and the majority of women aren’t attracted to men who make them feel that way. No matter how much you think you’re making life easier, you’re essentially managing a woman. That’s not the recipe for romance.
Every outing becomes a fitness test
Some guys don’t simply take the stairs, but they make a point of taking the stairs. They also pick the steepest trail and refuse to slow down, while also laughing off the idea that they may need a break. It’s all because they’re desperate to show they’re physically capable.
But it’s really not attractive, as constantly proving your physical ability doesn’t come across as confident. It makes it seem like you’re trying to beat your own age instead. The most normal outing becomes a performance.
Independence becomes the whole pitch
There are some older guys who treat the fact they’re low-maintenance like a positive. They’ll say they’re easy, and that they don’t need much. Sure. But they’re the same guys who refuse to ask for help and barely talk about what they feel.
They don’t want to change their routine. That’s not the same as being independent, and it leaves a woman wondering how she’s supposed to fit into his life. There needs to be some emotional give-and-take.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
Ten things men may find unattractive in women over 50
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