How to Arrange your First Real Meeting

The process of getting to know someone through a Senior Dating service usually consists of several stages before that all important first meeting. It usually goes from sending email messages to each other, to starting to talk on the phone and then finally you'll be wanting to meet, perhaps for a cup of coffee. So let's take a look at each stage in a bit more detail.

It's important to realise that when you do finally meet in the flesh, it won't be like a blind date. You will have a pretty good idea about the person you're about to meet and what they look like. You might even have waved to each other via your webcam and you'll have almost certainly chatted on the phone.

A huge advantage of online senior dating is that it buys you time and allows you to find out everything you want to know before deciding whether it's worth going ahead with the first meeting. I've found that people tend to be much more open about themselves when writing emails or chatting live on the computer than they would be talking face to face. I'm sure it has something to do with the anonymity of it all, which really helps people to open up.

After you've got to know each other by email, the next step is talking on the phone, which is always a good idea. Hearing your date's voice for the first time can be a bit of a surprise. Be prepared for it not to match their image or how you've imagined they will sound from their emails and online chat, but you may get a nice surprise!

This is no blind date for starters. You will have a pretty good idea about the person you're about to meet and what they look like.

If you're worried that you may become tongue tied or dumbstruck during that first phonecall, keep a few notes of your date's correspondence by your side and refer to them during the call.

Deciding on a meeting place needn't be too much of a problem. It's a good idea to meet in a public place and a coffee shop is always a safe bet. Make sure your friend doesn't have too far to travel and try to meet somewhere that's convenient for both of you.

For the meeting, you should pre-arrange a visual clue so that you can easily identify each other. A colorful hat or handbag, or even a book that you're reading, but nothing too over the top! After all, you will probably recognize each other anyway from your photos.

Don't feel that you have to dress to impress – be comfortable and casual, but be clean and well-groomed.

Be positive and up-beat during your conversation. Don't start grumbling about how you were stuck in traffic on the way, or the price of gas.

Yes, your first conversation should be light and pleasant. If your date has completely misled you about their age or appearance or who they are then you have every right to cut the meeting short without a shred of guilt, but if you stay, you might find you still like them after all!

However, in my experience of Senior Dating, I know that the vast majority of people you'll meet will be totally genuine. With all the knowledge you'll already have about them, combined with the fact that you're both excited to meet each other, the chances are that things will be great – and with that extra added ingredient, chemistry, things could be wonderful!