Dating at different ages is sure to bring plenty of unique and memorable experiences.
When you are dating a man in his 40s or if you are considering the opportunity to date a man who is older than you, you might be wondering what he is looking for and wants out of a relationship.
Men in their 40s are typically seeking companionship, positivity, and in some cases, even adventure.
Understanding what men in their 40s look for in a woman can help you on your dating journey.
Table of Contents
Positivity and optimism
Men in their 40s are looking for partners who are optimistic and positive.
A man in his 40s is not likely to be searching for a fun fling or a wild weekend out of town…and if he is, he will likely be upfront about his wants and needs.
A man in his 40s who has entered the dating scene will likely seek out a woman who brings positivity and optimism to the table.
A partner who can encourage him, praise him, and provide him with a hopeful outlook will appeal to him most.
A woman who is negative and pessimistic will turn a man in his 40s away, especially if he has had experience with dating or being married to someone who was extremely closed off and negative in the past.
Rather than feeling stuck in the same dating and relationship loops, a man in his 40s will be more assertive and confident in what he is looking for and wants in a partner.
Confidence and self-esteem
To a man in his 40s, one of the most attractive qualities in a partner is confidence.
Both confidence and self-esteem are attractive to men of all ages, but especially to men who are grown, experienced, and mature when it comes to dating and long-term relationships.
A woman of any age who displays positive self-esteem and confidence is much more likely to stand out amongst other women who may also be vying for the same man’s attention.
When you genuinely feel confident and assertive in who you are and the direction of your life, it is much easier to attract a new partner, especially if you are interested in dating older and more experienced men.
Loyalty
Loyalty matters. Whether you are discussing a lifelong friendship or a relationship that you have had with a committed partner, loyalty is one of the most important elements of any relationship and connection.
A man in his 40s may already have experience with being married, getting divorced, or infidelity.
If you want to appeal to a man in his 40s, loyalty goes a long way.
A man in his 40s will be more likely to appreciate loyalty and commitment compared to a younger man or woman who is just beginning to date.
When you are committed and loyal to a man in his 40s who is serious about being upfront and honest, it is much easier to move forward with the progression of your relationship.
Emotional maturity
If you want to date a man in his 40s and you are seeking a serious and committed relationship, emotional maturity is a must.
A man in his 40s will act much differently than a man in his 20s, and it is important to prepare yourself if you are unfamiliar with the territory.
Men in their 40s are less likely to be tolerant of outbursts, unfettered temper tantrums, and unfair emotional blackmail that is more commonly associated with the younger dating pool.
In order to maintain a positive and successful relationship with a man in his 40s, you will need to maintain complete and total control of your emotions and your methods of communication, even during arguments and disagreements.
Honest and open communication
If you are not honest and able to openly communicate, finding a man in his 40s to date will be difficult.
Men in their 40s understand the value of their time and prefer not to waste it, even once they have decided to get back into the dating scene.
When a man in his 40s is into you, he will let you know.
He is less likely to play games, ignore messages, or send mixed signals, as men in their 40s have likely experienced plenty of time-wasting already in their lives, especially when it comes to dating and relationships.
A man in his 40s expects honest and open communication that is fulfilling and direct.
He will avoid dating partners who are coy, manipulative, or emotionally draining, as this is not conducive to making the most of his time or his life.
If you are interested in dating a man in his 40s, consider your own ability to communicate and to be honest in a relationship.
If you struggle with openly communicating or being honest and transparent with your partners, seeking a younger partner may be more fitting.
A good sense of humor
What is better than laughing for hours on end with your partner and best friend? For men in their 40s, next to nothing.
A good sense of humor is a cornerstone of many healthy and long-lasting relationships, regardless of the age of the partners involved and their commitment to one another.
If you are unable to laugh with your partner, you may find it difficult to get along long-term.
If your partner does not understand your sense of humor or does not find the same topics funny, it may be time to look elsewhere for a match.
Being with a partner who does not share your sense of humor can leave you feeling disappointed and at times, even sad that you are unable to connect in that manner.
A man in his 40s is more likely to appreciate a woman who has the same, or at the very least, a similar sense of humor as him.
If he enjoys making corny and cheesy jokes, he will not likely mesh well with a young 20-something who finds his jokes irritating and embarrassing.
When you are seeking a long-term relationship with a man in his 40s, consider the sense of humor you share and whether or not humor is something that is important to you and your new partner.
For some, a good sense of humor can be a dealbreaker, especially for those who enjoy making light of everyday situations regularly.
A sense of adventure
Although some men in their 40s are interested in settling down, others are interested in dating those who have a sense of adventure.
In some cases, a man in his 40s may just be leaving a relationship that was stale, boring, and uninspiring.
This may leave him with a desire to travel and explore the world around him.
If you are the type who enjoys trying new things and seeking out adventure, you may be a compatible fit for a man in his 40s.
A man in his 40s who loves to plan trips and take new adventures will enjoy dating someone who is also excited about the prospect of new experiences together.
From traveling the country to attending new events, concerts, and gatherings, providing a man in his 40s with brand new ventures is a surefire way to heat up your relationship.
When you are dating a man in his 40s, get to know his dreams and passions to determine his sense of adventure and to determine whether or not you are compatible with one another.
A partner who accepts him
Whenever you are thinking of dating an older man or a man in his 40s, it is important to keep in mind that he has already lived many years as an adult.
In some cases, he may have already had another life with an ex-spouse and children of his own.
If you are thinking of getting involved with a man in his 40s, you will need to accept him for who he is and how he chooses to live.
Unlike a younger couple that grows together, the dynamic of being with an older man is slightly different.
A man in his 40s will most likely be set in his ways, meaning that you should expect fewer changes to come from his behaviors and personality, even if you have been dating for months or years.
Dating a man who is already in his 40s will require you to understand his lifestyle and his mannerisms and behaviors.
If you do not mesh well with an older man in the earlier stages of dating, it is essential to remember that these habits and behavioral patterns are not likely to change over time.
A man in his 40s will seek out a partner who is open and willing to accept him for who he is, rather than actively trying to change or help him improve.
A partner who is flexible to commitments
In some instances, older men may shy away from long-term commitments, monogamous relationships, and even future marriages.
If you are thinking of dating an older man or if you are already in a relationship with a man in his 40s, you may already know that some older men prefer partners who are flexible when it comes to commitment.
While some men in their 40s have no problem with getting married or dividing head-first into a committed and monogamous relationship, others may turn as far away as possible from the prospect.
Before entering into any relationship with a man who is your senior, it is imperative to clarify his own wants, needs, and desires alongside your own.
If he is not interested in a long-term relationship or has no desire to get married, you will need to know whether or not the relationship is worth it for you.
If you truly want a relationship with someone who is marriage material, steer away from any men who are upfront about their negative feelings about marriage.
If you are open to dating others and you are not as keen on committing to one another immediately after your first date, you will have a better chance at appearing attractive and appealing to an older man in his 40s.
While no one man is the same, many men in their 40s already have their lives, careers, and priorities in order.
By understanding what it is that you want out of a relationship and knowing who you are personally, you can find a man in his 40s who is genuinely compatible with your personality and is right for you.
