Dating after 40 can be a much more worthwhile and enjoyable experience than you might think. While nobody wants to get to that age and be single, we all go through a multitude of ups and downs in our lives that can result in us still being single in our 40s. Maybe you focused on your career or traveled the world? Or maybe the love of your life turned out to be a dud? Whatever the reason, not all of us can live the storybook life of meeting someone in our 20s and staying together forever.

For many, dating is a minefield of bad matches, ghosting, and failed relationships. It can be especially tough to dip your toes back in the dangerous waters of the dating pool if you are recently out of a long-term relationship. Even more so if you are divorced with kids. It might sound a little scary but there are also several benefits about dating in your 40s.

You’ve lived half your life and have no doubt been through some shit, so you know who you are as a person and what you can handle. This means you generally also know what you want from life, and a relationship, making it easier to weed out the bullshit and find people you can connect with.

If you are still a little hesitant about it all, we’ve put together this handy guide with a number of tips to help you get back on the dating scene.

1. Make Sure You Are Ready To Date

Before you download the dating apps, sign up for speed dating, or go on that blind date with your mate’s girlfriends co-worker, make sure you are good to go. Dating in your 40s is time-consuming and takes effort. This is especially true if you have kids and are co-parenting. Not only do you need time, but you to be in the right headspace.

Make sure you are 100% over your last partner and ready to find someone new. Nobody wants to hear you rag on about your ex all date. Also, make sure you are open to meeting someone new. While having a partner is great, so is having your own space. It can be easy to get comfortable being on your own so if you are happy, don’t try and force a relationship. Just start dating when you feel ready again.