Our 13 Expert Tips for Dating in Your 30s

Dating in your 30s is massively different from dating in your 20s, and it can be a bit of a lonely experience with your friends settling down, getting married, and having kids. But with our 13 expert tips for dating in your 30s, you’ll find your happily ever after.

We’ve taken our years of expert advice to give you our top tips to help you navigate the dating scene in your third decade.

We’ll also cover how dating is different in your 30s and how to survive being single when you’re bombarded with wedding invitations and pregnancy announcements.

In This Guide:

13 Tips for Dating in Your 30s

Dating in your 30s requires a different approach than dating in your 20s. Everyone is busier and you’re probably spending less time out and about naturally meeting new people.

With our 13 top tips, you’ll be able to navigate the dating scene with style and finesse.

1. Know What You Want in a Partner

Knowing what you want in a partner is crucial because your priorities and deal-breakers have likely evolved since your 20s.

This clarity helps you focus on meaningful connections and prevents wasted time on incompatible matches. 

Plus, having a clear idea of what you want makes the dating process feel less overwhelming, allowing you to approach relationships with confidence and purpose.

After all, it’s all about finding someone who truly complements your life!

2. Learn How to Be Vulnerable

Being vulnerable when dating in your 30s is key because it helps you form genuine connections that are real and authentic.

By this point, we’ve been through past relationships and personal growth, so being open is even more valuable. Letting your guard down means you can show your true self, and it gives your partner a safe space to do the same.

This kind of openness can lead to a deeper understanding and trust, which are super important for a strong, lasting relationship.

Plus, embracing vulnerability breaks down those barriers, allowing for a more complete connection with your partner so the relationship is built on honesty and sincerity.

3. Learn to Let Go of the Past

In the same vein, letting go of the emotional baggage of your past is key to entering a new relationship in your 30s without bringing your trauma and negative experiences with you!

Make sure you work on yourself before jumping into a relationship in your 30s because they tend to be more serious, and you need to be prepared.

4. Don’t Rush into a Relationship

Taking your time finding the right person to be in a relationship with is key to nailing dating in your 30s.

Make sure you go on multiple dates with different people, and don’t overlook warning signs or red flags just to get into a relationship.

You also don’t need to be a nun during this time. 

Casual sex in your 30s is fine, but don’t jump into something serious fast!

5. Be Aware of Glaring Red Flags

Speaking of red flags, rose-tinted glasses are such a 20s thing, and we don’t have time for that nonsense any more.

It’s important to go into potential relationships with your eyes wide open and aware of the behaviour and signs your dates are giving off.

No one wants to end up wasting their time because they chose to ignore the signs that were right in front of them.

6. Lean on Your Friends’ Friends

At this point in life, all your friends will have their own friend groups from different stages in their lives, and various jobs they’ve had, so dipping into their pool of contacts can be a great way to find a partner.

Dating apps are great (we’re not biased, we promise), but they aren’t the only option.

While you’re waiting for the perfect match on that dating site, why not ask friends if there’s anyone they can set you up with?

There’s extra pressure when dealing with dates set up through friends, so make sure you’re ready, serious, and polite with these dates.

7. Don’t Be Biased Against Divorcees

Once you hit your 30s, the dating pool is going to feature far more divorcees than when you were dating in your 20s.

Being a divorcee isn’t necessarily a glaring red flag. There are plenty of reasons why someone might be divorced in their 30s. So, get to know people before writing them off just because of their relationship history.

This also applies to single parents, but you need to be sure you’re willing to be a step-parent before dating someone with kids!

8. Be Open to a Wider Age Range

Expanding your age range when dating in your 30s can boost your chances of finding a compatible partner.

Age is just a number, and people mature differently, so you might meet someone who perfectly aligns with your values and goals, even if they’re outside your usual age range.

Dating someone younger can bring a fresh perspective and adventure, while dating someone older can offer stability and wisdom.

Embracing a wider age range increases your pool of potential partners, letting you meet diverse individuals who enrich your life.

9. Work on Open Communication

Dating in your 30s can be complex, making open communication crucial. With work, responsibilities, and goals in play, clear conversations help keep you and your date aligned.

Discussing schedules and responsibilities can prevent misunderstandings, especially when time is limited.

Being upfront about your dreams, like career changes or starting a family, ensures alignment.

Top Tip: Starting individual therapy before you enter a serious relationship in your 30s is the perfect way to work on your communication skills and get to know yourself better. It can lead to much stronger and more stable relationships.

10. Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

In your 30s, you’re a grown adult, and it’s time to know your worth! We don’t have time to be messing around with someone who’s not interested in building a future with us. So don’t.

Never settle for a relationship just because you don’t want to be single. You’ll only find yourself right back here searching for how to date in your 40s.

11. Know Things Aren’t Going to Be Perfect

Forget the fantasy of a flawless partner; everyone has imperfections. Instead, focus on identifying the core qualities that truly matter to you in a relationship, such as kindness, respect, and shared values.

Embrace the idea of a perfectly imperfect partner and prioritise these attributes to build a meaningful and lasting connection, as this will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling partnership.

12. Don’t Give Up Your Lifestyle for a Relationship

Maintaining your established lifestyle is crucial in a relationship, as drastic changes can lead to losing touch with friends and feeling disconnected from your personal identity.

By bending too much to fit someone’s expectations, a relationship becomes inauthentic, potentially resulting in unhappiness and eventual breakup.

To sustain the relationship, it’s essential to find a partner who appreciates and complements your true self rather than morphing into what they want.

13. Lean into Positive Experiences

In your 30s, dating should be more of a fun adventure than a checklist of tasks. Enjoy the spontaneity of each encounter and let yourself have positive experiences without overthinking everything.

By keeping things light-hearted, you open up to unexpected possibilities and meaningful connections.

Remember, your 30s are a great time to enjoy the dating process and soak up all the joy it can bring.

How Dating Changes in Your 30s

Dating in your 30s is a bit different from your 20s, mostly because life changes and priorities shift. For one thing, you’ll probably meet more single parents. 

Many people have kids by now, which adds a layer to balancing romance and family responsibilities.

This might mean fewer spontaneous double dates or nights out with friends since parents often have to juggle childcare. 

As for careers and personal growth, by your 30s, people tend to have more of that figured out, so finding someone who matches your long-term goals and values becomes more important.

In short, dating in your 30s usually focuses on meaningful connections rather than casual flings.

What Are the Chances of Finding Love After 30?

What are the odds of finding love after 30? Totally doable and often even better because of the maturity and self-awareness that come with age.

In your 30s, you’ve probably got a better handle on your values, goals, and deal-breakers, which makes choosing a partner easier.

Plus, with a more settled life – think career stability and personal interests – you can foster healthier and more balanced relationships.

The dating pool in this age group usually includes people who are serious about meaningful connections, so there’s a good chance you’ll find genuine opportunities for love.

Remember, there’s no set timeline for finding the right person; love can happen anytime.

How to Survive Being Single in Your 30s

Being single in your 30s is a unique beast, so we’ve got 5 top tips to help you survive this lull in your love life while you work on finding the one!

Embrace Independence: Focus on personal growth and relish your freedom to pursue passions and hobbies without compromise.  Build a Support Network: Cultivate strong friendships with those who understand your journey and provide emotional support.  Stay Positive: Remind yourself that everyone’s timeline is different; find joy in the present.  Engage in Self-Care: Prioritise your physical and mental well-being through activities you love.  Set Personal Goals: Channel energy into achieving personal milestones that bring fulfilment.

Final Thoughts: Dating After 30 Can Be Transformative

Dating after 30 can be a blast with the right mindset. Embrace your maturity and self-awareness to build meaningful relationships. It’s all about personal growth, being authentic, and keeping communication open.

Enjoy the ride, celebrating the spontaneity and unique opportunities life throws your way at this stage. With a positive attitude, dating in your 30s can be super fulfilling and fun!

Prepare yourself for dating in your 30s with the Finding The One blog. Find expert tips and advice for all stages of your relationship!

FAQs

Is Dating Harder in Your 30s?

No, dating in your 30s isn’t necessarily harder; it’s just different. With more life experience and self-awareness, you can make more intentional choices, focusing on meaningful connections rather than superficial flings, leading to potentially deeper and more fulfilling relationships.

Is It Normal for a 30-Year-Old to Be Single?

Absolutely, being single at 30 is completely normal! Everyone’s life path is unique, and there’s no timeline for love. 

Some people are single and happy way beyond their 30s, while others may find their perfect match earlier on. The most important thing is to focus on your own happiness and not compare yourself to societal expectations.

What Age Range Should I Date At 30?

At 30, your ideal dating range is personal, based on maturity and compatibility. While many date within 5-10 years of their age, focus on individual connection and shared values rather than numbers, tuning into what truly resonates with you.

Do You Get Crushes in Your 30s?

Absolutely, getting crushes in your 30s is normal and part of human nature. Crushes might even be more nuanced, reflecting deeper personal values, and can add excitement and fun to the dating experience at any age.