The objectives are simple — help older adults find and navigate reputable dating sites, help them avoid the pitfalls of online dating (regardless of age), teach them how to maintain their privacy and, my favorite, how to take a selfie!

The class is available for all Myerberg members. If you are unable to make the class, or need a refresher, here are a few tips to get you started and a little preview of the kinds of topics you can expect.

Stay Safe and Secure — Online dating is super convenient, and that is a wonderful thing to have. But safety and privacy should always be your top priority. When you create a dating profile, be cautious with the information you share. Use a pseudonym if necessary, or avoid using your full name, and don’t disclose sensitive information like your home address. Most dating sites have settings that allow you to control who sees what. So make sure to take full advantage of these features to protect yourself.

Watch Out for Scams — Online dating isn’t all roses and rainbows. Scams and abusive behaviors pose a major threat to those seeking companionship. It’s important to be vigilant. If someone seems to good to be true, they might be. And watch out for typos. Often what looks like a typo or grammatical error is a sign that someone is not who they are claiming to be. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to disengage and report the suspicious activity to the dating platform.

We’re also lucky to work with CHANA, another agency of The Associated, that provides classes to our members about unhealthy relationships — how to recognize the signs of abusive behavior and offering guidance and support for those who find themselves in these situations. Remember, your safety and emotional well-being always comes first.

How to Take a Selfie (And What’s Okay and Not Okay to Post)  — This is my favorite one. Your dating profile is your first impression. As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” When choosing photos, select images that represent your true self. Avoid using heavily edited or misleading images. Honesty is crucial to building a lasting connection.

If you’re taking a brand-new photo, find a room with lots of good light, like an open window, and take multiple photos so you can choose your favorite. And remember to hold the camera above you, not below!

Back on the topic of safety, make sure there is nothing in your photo that shares personal information. These could be things like family photos in the background, or wearing a name tag that shares where you work. And keep it PG as well!

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If you’re not interested in getting into the dating scene — that’s okay too! Our Silver Single Mingles event is a great opportunity to meet a new friend, whether they become your new walking partner, coffee buddy or lunch date. A recent Silver Single Mingles event involved matching our members based off their shared interests like walking, watching tv or arts and crafts!

At the end of the day, it’s all about companionship, whether it’s a new romantic relationship or a new friendship. Me and the team at the Myerberg Center are here to make sure you find exactly what you are looking for.

I’m available by phone, 443-963-1452, or email, jessica@myerberg.org, for anyone who wants to contact me directly. Or you can always visit our website!