The older you get, the harder the dating game becomes. In your 20s it’s all fun and games. Most of us don’t have any baggage and are open to new experiences and don’t have any expectations. It’s all about having fun and discovering what we want from someone. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll meet that special someone who will become your forever person. If that’s not the case, get ready for a roller coaster ride.

When you hit your 30s it all changes. While some of us are still happy to lead the bachelor lifestyle, many are ready to settle down. It’s only natural that men want to find a partner with who they can marry and have kids with. But it’s not that easy. Even if you’re still looking to just have some fun, by the time you hit 30 people have different criteria by which they choose a partner. Hopefully, at this point in your life, you understand who you are and what you want from a partner. This helps narrow the field but also makes dating a bit more tricky.

There is no point settling for second best. You want a partner who ticks all the boxes and can complement your life, not complicate it. You don’t want to spend your time going on a string of dead-end dates that go nowhere. Investing your energy in people that aren’t on the same wavelength as you is just a waste of time. To help make sure you’re on the right track and picking the right women to go on dates with, here are some helpful tips for dating in your 30s.

1. Workout What You Want

There’s no point going on multiple dates with a plethora of women if you’re not sure what you want. First, you need to understand what it is you want from your next relationship. If you’re still playing the field, that’s fine, but if you’re after a connection you want to make sure the people you meet are on the same level.

Think about your past relationships and failed dates. Why did they not work? What did you learn from these experiences? This can tell you a lot about what you want from your future partner. This way when you’re scrolling through the apps, you can determine if they fit the profile of what you are looking for. If their profile says they don’t want to get married or have kids and you do, swipe left, even if they are your type physically. If you both aren’t on the same page mentally or your goals don’t match up, don’t even bother.