Seniors Finding Love In The Internet Age

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but right after Christmas there are tons of advertisements for dating sites. E-Harmony, Match and something called Hinge are really revving up to bring to singles something that many were lacking in the months prior. Companionship. Glossy ads with people of every ethnicity and lately sexual preference are bombarding the airwaves. All of this to aid in the quest to bring two lonely souls together. Sites are also shown for people who want a certain type, i.e., someone who shares their socio-economic standing, level of education, farm people, religious preference, age and specific ethnicities. All in the name of love. 

In many cases the journey to love comes with a price tag. Apparently, very few are free. If by chance you run across a free one, it’s said, they are, quite frankly strictly dedicated to “hook-ups.” Meeting for one specific end. And yes, that is what I am saying. 

Even Facebook has entered the fray. Its entry, “Dating,” is appealing to apparently a larger group as far as I can determine. First and foremost, it’s FREE. Secondly, it works just like the other ones, but allows you to incorporate your Facebook and Instagram page. And finally, this seems to be the preferred way of entering the dating scene digitally for the over 50 -60 crowd. 

Now there’s some people who feel that they shouldn’t take the bull  by the horn and allow nature to take its course, to meet someone more organically. For others still, their view is to wait on the Lord. I understand fully both rails of thought, however, when some are in  late 50s to mid 60s, waiting, to them becomes the enemy. And, might I add, it’s said “just because there’s snow on the roof, doesn’t mean there’s not fire in the furnace.” We are all human and relationship is natural. Who among singles doesn’t tire of the single life, at one time or another? A dinner/movie/ concert companion. A somebody’s shoulder to cry on companion. A let’s just kick it companion. Or let’s just do nothing together companion. Who doesn’t want that? It doesn’t matter the age. It’s the one thing we all have in common, whether you admit it or not. I might even venture to say that if you feel you don’t, you may be deluding yourself. People need people for roles that people of your crew cannot fulfill. Truthfully speaking, no one, absolutely NO ONE wants to grow old alone. Remember the old song, “ it takes two to make a thing go right, it takes two to make it outta sight?” That’s very true. Especially for single empty nesters. There’s conversation you want to have your grandchildren cannot be participant in. Even your boys. Or your girlfriends. Some one you wish to share a commonality with someone that you can't with your loved ones. Most of you know what I’m talking about.

Sadly, I have no answers. Who does? Every pot has a lid, one of my former coworkers used to say. The trouble is locating yours. I wish you great luck in your quest. Or better yet, may your lid be fast approaching. And mine as well, after chatting with Pearlie. Here's to lids!

To further explore this, on my podcast I will be discussing finding companionship &/or love via the internet. My guest is my old friend Pearlie Baker Sturdivant. Listen in. Jan 8th @Tonight at 6

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