What’s been your funniest or most surprising dating experience after 40? Share your story below!

Let’s face it, dating after 40 is an entirely different beast. You’re not swiping through apps as a hopeful 20-something or having your friends set you up with their cousin’s cute roommate. No, in your 40s, you’re dealing with a whole new playing field—and it’s full of surprises.

Take the modern dating vocabulary, for example. Who knew there would be so many abbreviations? “LTR” (Long-Term Relationship), “FWB” (Friends With Benefits), “NSA” (No Strings Attached)—it’s like trying to crack a secret code just to figure out what kind of relationship someone’s after! And then, there’s “ghosting” (yes, like vanishing into thin air without a trace) and the even wilder “breadcrumbing”—leaving just enough crumbs to keep you interested but never enough for a full sandwich, let alone a relationship. According to Pew Research, ghosting is more common than we’d like to admit, with a third of people reporting they’ve experienced it on a dating app.

Now, another term making waves in the dating world is Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM). This involves consensual, open relationships where all parties are aware and in agreement—essentially the opposite of your typical affair scenario! AARP research points out that more people over 40 are exploring non-traditional relationships, including ENM, to find connections that work for them without the conventional boundaries.

But here’s the thing: dating in your 40s can actually be amazing. Studies from AARP show that singles over 40 are often more selective and confident in their choices, knowing what they want and what they deserve. Gone are the days of putting up with time-wasters or confusing relationships. In your 40s, you’re not here for games. If they don’t want to open their wallet for a cup of coffee, well, there’s the door, my friend. 🚪

Remember when we all had a picture of what dating was supposed to look like? Romantic gestures, long walks on the beach, maybe even a love-at-first-sight moment. Psychology Today mentions that many people in their 40s enter dating with fewer illusions but more clarity, which makes us focus on what actually matters, like compatibility and shared values. In reality? Well, if you can find someone who doesn’t have a secret second family, you’re already winning.

Here’s something else: studies show that confidence peaks in your 40s. You’ve lived enough life to know what you deserve, and you’re not afraid to ask for it—unless it’s the bill and the guy’s pretending not to notice (you know who you are). Confidence in knowing yourself is a huge factor in post-40 dating, which adds a layer of empowerment that wasn’t as strong in our younger years. We’re not here for settling.

But there’s one more thing the studies didn’t mention: the element of surprise. Oh yes, the “I didn’t see that coming” moments that keep you on your toes. From surprise serenades (not as romantic as you’d think) to accidental run-ins with an ex at the worst possible time, dating in your 40s is an unpredictable adventure.

So, what’s been your funniest or most surprising dating experience after 40? I’m dying to hear—spill the beans in the comments below!