Happy December, my 60 and Me friends. I know what a whirlwind December can be and how fast the month flies by – family, friends, parties, happy times, reminiscing of people we wish were still with us and happy to celebrate the festivities once again.

And, maybe we get a moment to pause and think… where will this wonderful adventure of life take us in 2023? So, let’s take a few minutes to actually plan where we want our hearts to go in the new year.

The Shyness Syndrome and Dating

Are you a shy person? A bit skeptical about online dating? Still thinking the man must always pursue the woman?

Well, I have news for you: There are large research groups that study this type of thinking, and according to their results, 43% of the singles’ population is shy. According to one of my favorite mega-researchers, Pew Research Center, 30% of singles are skeptical about online dating.

But you know what I see in those numbers? 67% of all singles are not shy and 70% are not skeptical about online dating! Yay to online dating and the strides made in the past 20 years! Why I’m saying this? It’s very simple actually. Think back to the ‘90s. If you were suddenly single at age 52, 67, or 75 – what would you do for your love life? Let me tell you as I was around before the advent of online dating – not much.

Who Approaches First?

It’s very curious what men say about always having to pursue women. According to Pew, 63% of men over the age of 50 love when the women make the first overture. Yay, us!

Oh, the options today – and you needn’t be brave-hearted. Shy people are flocking online.

I thought about this quite a bit last week after four different phone calls with successful “normal” men in their 50s to 70s who told me they were shy.

Ha, I said. Do I have the magic recipe for you! Here are four cures that will do you good in the new year:

It’s Your Job to Get Proactive

If you’re too shy do go it alone, find a dating coach who will get you 4-5 first dates with different people over a couple of weeks. It might sound like you’re getting right into the fire, but you’ll come out smiling, not burnt. And the right coach will be your cheerleader!

Get Out of Your Friendship Rut

Friends are crucial in your life – but they add no value to your romantic life. Asking them for advice might bring you heart trouble, as their experience is likely limited.

Don’t Stretch It

You’re really not looking to have a date a month. This will only stretch your uncertainty over a long period of time, and you certainly don’t want that. Several dates in the first month will ease you into dating and you’ll find yourself being you!

It’s the 2020s

The ‘90s are in the long-gone past, and dating has come so far. With over 1400 dating sites and apps, there are at least 3-4 that will be a great match for you no matter how skeptical or shy you are.

Last, what a fun time of year to date. Holiday fever has begun, parties are teeing up, and there’s a magic this time of year. It’s one of my busiest, as many singles choose December/January to start the online dating process. Something like a New Year’s resolution. I want you to embrace this season of sparkly, bright, joyous and precious time, and simply enjoy online dating as it can bring you the happiness you are seeking.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you shy or skeptical about online dating? Is there a different reason why you haven’t tried it yet? What’s your New Year’s resolution in regard to online dating?