Lifestyle Looking for Love in All the Right Places 2/5/2018 | By Terri L. Jones Valentine’s Day can be bittersweet for those who have lost a love—whether to death or divorce. You may feel like the romance ship has sailed for you! But just because you’re a little older than the last time you fell in love doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you again. The key is to be absolutely open to it and put yourself in the right situations. Here are some ways to find the “love of this part of your life”: Learn something new What’s something you’ve always wanted to do? Play the guitar? Speak Spanish? There’s a chance the man or woman of your dreams has wanted to do it too. Sign up for a continuing education class at your local college. There’s even an education program called the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which is designed especially for seniors. If you meet someone in class who you’d like to know more about, invite him or her for coffee and a study session. (Wink, wink.) Agree to a fix-up You probably have that one matchmaking friend who keeps wanting to fix you up with her neighbor, the man at her church or her husband’s best friend. While a blind date may be a bit awkward, you could suggest that she host a dinner party and do the introductions there. At least you’ll get a free meal out of the deal! Go with your heart People who volunteer their time to help a particular cause typically have some of the same interests and priorities. And sharing these passions can be one of the quickest routes to romance. Plus, you’ll simply spend a lot of time together—in committee meetings, working on projects and volunteering at events. Before you know it, you may want to spend even more time! Don’t rule out the internet While you may be a bit uncomfortable finding love online, everyone is doing it … and doing it successfully! It’s so popular that there are multiple sites catering to people your age, including SeniorMatch, SinglesOver60.org, Over70Dating.org, and OurTime.com. Just be sure to meet your date in public, don’t give out personal information until you know them, and most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself! At this stage of your life, your Prince or Princess Charming may have gray hair and bad knees, but they’ll be no less special! Share how you found love the second time around. Read More Terri L. Jones Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over 10 years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.