ROMANCE
Local matchmakers advise single seniors looking to start dating again BY Tiffany Griffith It’s never too late to play the game of love. Meeting new people can be awkward and tricky, but with many resources available, the game of love is a game you can win. With the help of technology and modern-day matchmakers, people are finding new loves at any age. More apps and websites are being tailored for the over50 crowd to bring older adults together for more meaningful relationships. Plus, matchmaking has evolved from the responsibility of the shadkhan in Fiddler on the Roof. The demand for 21st Century matchmakers has skyrocketed, as they help love seekers connect in our busy and crowded communities. And when it comes to dating, local matchmakers say seniors may have the upper hand. “It’s like they understand part of the joy in dating is dating itself. Not the endpoint,” said Jennifer Miotke, the President of One on One Matchmaking. “And I think that’s something seniors do really well. They’re trying to live every day to the fullest.” “People are really believing you can have a life filled with love at every stage and every age,” said Lisa Lyngos, the co-owner of Atlanta Matchmakers. Both women can confirm there is a dating pool for single seniors in and around Atlanta. Lyngos even coached an octogenarian. The 50+ dating scene is described as a melting pot of people from all religions, ethnicities, races, body types, and professional levels. Some have a little relationship experience, while others are widows or were in decades-long relationships. They’re educated and love to travel. But what the older age group has more of than any other generation is confidence. “Seniors are not asking their dates out via texts. They’re more
old school in how they court people,” Miotke said. “They don’t want to play the field a lot. They’re not trying to have three different options. They just want one.” But with so much of our
Lisa Lyngos
interests, and a fun fact that no one would guess about you.” And once you meet a guy or gal that piques your interest, take the pressure off and have a good time. “The main thing is, when people are dating, they just need to treat the other person like a friend. Like someone they would meet in their retirement community and not worry so much about their chemistry,” Miotke said. “Just concentrate on having fun.” Miotke and Lyngos say the Atlanta area offers endless options for safe and entertaining dates. They recommend a day hike in the mountains or a walk along the BeltLine. Take a tour of the High Museum of Art and the
communication happening via texts and social media, it helps to know the new rules in the game of love. So, before you run out into the dating world, run to your computer first. The matchmakers said the first place someone will try to find more information about you is on the internet. “So, control the narrative Jennifer Miotke by getting a professional photographer to take some good photos of just you and Atlanta Botanical Garden. You maybe your pet. Then post them could play golf or tennis. Visit The to Facebook, Instagram, and Avenue, The Battery, or watch LinkedIn,” Lyngos said. an outdoor movie at Starlight There are a number of online Drive-In Theatre. And in our new, dating services specifically for socially distant world, you could seniors – and some are free! also have a lunch date over Zoom Among the top-rated sites are or FaceTime. OurTime.com, SilverSingles. Another hot tip the com, SeniorMatch.com and matchmakers provided was 50plus-club.com. Websites like to keep conversations fun and ChristianMingle.com and JDate. flirty. Stay away from discussing com match singles based on difficult times in your past, their faiths. Lyngos recommends politics, or other uncomfortable keeping your online dating profile subjects. Spend time getting to short and sweet. know each other before diving “Introduce yourself the way into more serious subjects. a friend would introduce you,” It also doesn’t hurt to pick out Lyngos said. “Talk about your a few books on dating to do your personality traits, hobbies and research. For those who need
a little extra help, that’s where experienced matchmakers like Miotke and Lyngos can step in. Their years of work have led to thousands of dates, and even some marriages. Businesses such as theirs offer a range of services: A consultation to get to know you and what you’re looking for. Setting clients up with vetted, compatible love interests. Constructing your perfect online profile. Miotke’s agency also runs the Eight at Eight Dinner Club, where local singles meet for a group date, great conversations, good food, and a possible companion. “I have a 75-year-old client, named John,” Miotke said. “He was married for 35 years before his wife died of cancer. He had never done blind dating. He just came in here and had a good time. Before we knew it, he was dating like a 25-year-old.” “We had a couple that matched in 2019,” Lyngos said. “He’s a 66-year-old retired corporate executive. She’s 65 and runs a chemical company. They’ve already been to Italy, New York, Mexico, Portugal, Sea Island and so many other places. They even made it through the pandemic together.” Dating can be frustrating. That’s why Miotke and Lyngos urge you to stay optimistic. “Love is possible again in life. It’s about being hopeful,” Lyngos said. “New adventures, new beginnings, creating new memories, trying new things. That is what keeps us young. That is what keeps us going.”
FEBRUARY 2021 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com
11