There are many Baby Boomers who are single as a result of the death of aspouse or a divorce.  They may have been alone for years for a number ofreasons, but one of the most compelling reasons is that they are afraid to get?out there? and date again.  For many, it's been decades since they?velast had to dress to impress and feign interest in the most boringsubjects.  They've lost confidence and think they would not be able topull off a date and furthermore things have changed much since they last dated.

Here are seven tips to take to get you back on the dating train before youknow it.

1)    Make sure you are ready.  For most, this isprobably the hardest first ste.  After losing your partner of so many years,how can you even think about looking for another to possibly replacehim/her?  It is almost inconceivable, right.  If you think this way,you're probably not ready.  On the other hand, you may say:  Myspouse is not coming back and I have to get on with my life.  What we hadwas truly special, but now it's over and while I cherish those memories, Iwould like to make new ones with another special person.  This is a greatsign that you're ready to start dating.

2)    Don't go looking for your partner.  It's very easyto compare people you meet with your former partner, don't do it.  This isnot a healthy way to start a relationship and, in the end, you'll be verydisappointed as you'll never find him/her.  Try to approach the person withan open mind and look for characteristics that you like rather than that arealike your former spouse's.  If you're unable to do so, you might not beready for the dating scene.

3)    Stick with your peers.  Young people make everyonearound them feel young as well.  For this reason, some Baby Boomers may bevery attracted to someone much younger than themselves.  While there isnothing wrong with this per se, be sure that you're doing this for the rightreasons.  This person should be placed under the same scrutiny your olderneighbor underwent before you decided not to take him/her up on the lunchoffer.  If you simply want to feel young, may I suggest a new, excitinghobby like mountain climbing, speed racing or motorcycling?

4)    Go looking for a date in familiar places.  If youdon't usually go to bars, do not go to bar to find a date.  Chances areyou'll find someone who is nothing like what you expected and the wholeexperience might but a damper on your enthusiasm for dating.  If you go tothe library, then look for a date there.  You know already that you shareat least one similar interest and this can be the subject of the ice breakingconversation.

5)    Choose a familiar location for the first date. Going on a first date is stressful enough for anyone, so you don't want to addto the stress load by being in unfamiliar surroundings.  Go to someplacethat's relaxing and not too noisy.  If you and your date live in the sameneighborhood, go to a local sidewalk caf? for brunch or lunch.  This way you?llfeel more at home and not half as self-conscious as you'd normally feel.

6)    Stay in the now.  Do not try to analyze your dateor his/her behavior before the night's over.  Take time to give him/her afair chance at winning you over.  Listen keenly and ask pertinentquestions that show that you understand what's being said.  Don't get toofar ahead of yourself.  Enjoy the moments.

7)    Look for a friend not a spouse.  Do not go on adate looking for another spouse.  Try to find a friend first.  Theperson you date may not end up being your spouse, but could make a very, verygood friend for many years to come.

Dating can be as much fun as it is scary.  It really depends on yourattitude towards it.  Keep a positive mindset and make sure you knowsomething about the person before going on a date with him/her.  Do notmake your first date a blind date.  It will prove an added source ofstress that you really don't need.  Find your own date and go forit.  If it doesn't work out, at least you will have had a good time andpossibly gained a good friend.

Share with us your dating tips for Baby Boomers at BoomerYearbook.com andlog on daily for dating tips for baby, echo and booming senior.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the BabyBoomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand yourmind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist, Dr. Karen Turner. Jointoday to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun andprofit.