13 red flags when dating in your 50s

Dating in your 50s can be challenging because of various red flags when dating in your 50s, for both men and women. It is important to consider certain signs and warnings while you are entering the dating scene at this age, after divorce, personal choice, or a long-term relationship.

At this age, you’re not looking for butterflies. You’re checking for basic stability - and yes, that’s romantic too.

Understanding and learning about warning signs for daters over 50 will protect you from emotional stress, time waste, and heartbreak. In the article below, we will discuss 13 bad signs for daters over 50. You can make a perfect decision and start a happy relationship with confidence and trust.

Let’s start this exploration and learn about the important 13 potential dealbreakers for people in their 50s.

Why it is crucial to understand red flags when dating in your 50s

Before we look at why warning signs matter for daters over 50, let’s start with an interesting fact. According to Pew Research, 20% of users of online dating platforms are between 50 and 64 years old. Dating at the age of 50 and above is not the time for trial and error. Both genders must identify a toxic partner and avoid emotional manipulation by spotting bad signs when dating in your 50s male, and dealbreakers when dating in your 50s women.

Considering these red flags and signs allows you to choose the perfect soulmate and live a happy life without any issues. We have listed some additional benefits of identifying potential dealbreakers in your fifties, for men and women:

• Protects your mental well-being and emotional health
• Early identification of toxic behavior
• Saves you from financial exploitation
• Helps in finding a perfect partner
• Builds confidence and improves peace of mind
• Ability to make logical decisions

13 red flags when dating in your 50s male & female

Nobody wants a toxic and bad relationship, especially when dating in their 50s. As a mature and sensible person, it is the responsibility of both partners to understand each other before getting into the relationship. To help you in this, we have carefully selected the potential dealbreakers in your fifties for men and women. Whether you have recently started a relationship or want to join an online dating platform like meetty.com, consider the following warning signs for daters over 50.

Not discussing the past

Not discussing the past can be a very common red flag when your partner doesn’t tell you about their past life, marriage, or life events. When understanding a person, their previous life history and lifestyle unveil a lot about them. So, always ask questions about your partner's past and learn how they react to this. If your partner openly talks about his/her past, it's alright, but if they don’t, it is one of the alarming signs while dating in their 50s.

Unstable financial status

A person's financial status is another important factor to consider while identifying warning signs when dating in your 50s women. If a person is in an unstable or financial instability, it can be a sign of dependency. Financial pressure can badly affect your relationship in the future and create many problems. So, always consider your date's financial status to make a wise decision and live in a healthy relationship.

Talking too much about a previous partner

The behavior and talking habits of your partner about their ex can be a warning sign when dating in your 50s. If your date talks too much about their ex, whether good or bad, it means they haven’t moved on yet. It shows their emotional unavailability and can indicate a lack of a healthy bond between you both. So, be vigilant and never take this lightly when your date talks about their previous partner.

Not introducing you to their family and friends

It is crucial to get introduced to the family and friends of the person you are dating, as it shows their seriousness about the relationship. If a person doesn't introduce you to their family and close friends, it can be alarming when dating in your 50s. If the situation has passed for months, there is a major chance that they are keeping it secret and are not willing to have a sincere relationship.

Fairy tale romance expectations

Emotional maturity is a must-have quality of a person in your 50s. If your partner idealizes love or has fairy-tale romance expectations, it can be a signal of low maturity. Unreal romance expectations are a common deal-breaker in your fifties, men & women. This often comes from ignoring the realities of adult relations and compromised trust.

"We accept the love we think we deserve."

Stephen chbosky

Author, screenwriter, director

Inconsistency in communication

Our communication style and habits always show the seriousness of our behavior to the person. If your date chats for hours with you and suddenly disappears without any reason, it can be a bad sign. This behavior is common to observe when identifying indicators when dating in your 50s women and men. It's better to reevaluate and ask for an explanation as an early prevention from a toxic and bad relationship.

"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."

Maya angelou

Author, poet

Disrespecting you or your family

Disrespectful behavior, whether through constant criticism, sarcasm, or dismissiveness, before starting the relationship, is unavoidable. It is one of the most common warning signs when dating in your 50s male or women, and you shouldn’t ignore it. Some people overlook it because of desperation and loneliness, but it results in very toxic behavior and emotional manipulation later.

"Love is a verb, not a noun. It is active. Love is not just feelings of passion and romance. It is behavior. If a man lies to you, he is behaving badly and unlovingly toward you. He is disrespecting you and your relationship. The words "i love you" are not enough to make up for that. Don’t kid yourself that they are."

Susan forward

Therapist, author

Reluctant to define the relationship

Naming the relation and defining what we are is vital to building a strong base for a good relationship. If your partner avoids defining the relationship and fears showing commitment, unfortunately, you are dealing with one of the red signals when dating in your 50s: women or men. Never trust a person until he or she openly defines the relationship and talks about it.

"Through words we come to know the other person - and to be known. This knowing is at the heart of our deepest longings for intimacy and connection with others."

Harriet lerner

Clinical psychologist, author

Plays the victim

If your partner always considers and presents himself or herself as a victim of past relationships, it indicates their lack of accountability. It is a dangerous trait and one of the common red flags when dating in your 50s male or women. It can be crucial to take responsibility for past actions for some people, but it's important to forget everything and start a happy life.

Differences in lifestyle and choices

A significant difference in life goals, values, and daily habits can cause huge trouble for both partners. If your date's lifestyle contradicts yours, this could create trouble for a long time. If you want to start a good relationship and live a happy life, never ignore lifestyle mismatches, along with considering other common bad concerns when dating in your 50s, for women and men.

Controlling your independence

A person's strict behavior toward a partner's independence can be emotionally exhausting and harmful. If your partner doesn’t care about your independence, that can be one of the unavoidable red flags when dating in your 50s male and female. Never involve yourself in a relationship where your independence is not respected.

Avoiding future planning with you

Future planning is an important factor to consider while starting a relationship. You need to know the thoughts and plans of your partner about the future, together with you. If your date doesn’t show clear intentions for future life and hesitates in discussing with you, it signifies toxic traits when dating in your 50s. Maybe they don't want a long-term relationship or are looking for a temporary relationship. In these conditions, be careful and keep your emotions accordingly.

Vague future plans are like expired coupons - they look promising until you try to use them.

Trying for a quick commitment

If someone pushes for commitment too quickly and doesn’t think seriously before making a decision, it can be a sign of bad traits when dating in your 50s, for women and men. Always considering how your partner makes big decisions is important before starting a relationship. Never trust a person who doesn’t seriously think before making any decision.

How to navigate red flags when dating in your 50s male

Here are a few tips to safely navigate dealbreakers in your 50s male. These will help you to protect yourself from a toxic relationship and emotional manipulation from your partner.

• Be clear about your dealbreakers, values, and expectations
• Don't ignore if your partner shows excessive interest in your finances
• Give some time to yourself for understanding their intentions
• Discuss your past honestly
• Clear planning for the future
• Do not sacrifice your hobbies and personal lifestyle

How to navigate warning signs when dating in your 50s women

If you are a female and struggling with red flags when dating in your 50s women, these tips will help you to safely move on.

• Trust your instincts
• Don't ignore emotional lack and disrespect
• Never hurry in the declaration of love
• Don't accept his control over your lifestyle
• Be clear about your past and future
• Avoid men who show financial dependence