As we round the corner into 2023, it’s hard to believe 2022 is nearly behind us. I think back to Jan 2022 as a dating coach and the changes I’ve seen in dating patterns in the past 10 months alone. Yes, Covid is still among us – but we have learned we can still date safely. And consider this, for every 97 single men, there are 100 single women. I’ll take those odds!

So, what do we see going into 2023?

Stigma Eradication

We all know 20- and 30-somethings think nothing of online dating – it’s just part of life like TikTok and any social media. But I’ve been happily shocked to encounter no resistance from the majority of my 50-75-year-old clients either. Yay. One step for man… one giant leap for womankind!

Love Is Recession/Catastrophe Proof

Ever heard of the Lipstick Effect? I’ll let you go there on your own. Will Inflation and the pending Recession hurt your love life? No way, unless you are looking for excuses. I’ve been a Dating Expert for nearly 30 years, and I’ve seen big bumps in the road – Dotcom Bubble Crash in 2000/2002 was tough; 9/11 was horrific; 2008 Financial Crisis was very difficult and the 2020 Covid pandemic – confusing.

But what was the thing I heard from all my clients during those difficult periods? Love, interpersonal relationships, friends and family were the most important factors in life, and people rushed to get close to those they loved. Dating sites also surged.

Tactile Dates

I notice a big trend toward active, tactile dates. While coffee or a cocktail may be safe bets for first dates, the old “nice dinner” for the second date is out. So, what are my clients aged 50-75 doing lately? Hikes, sporting events, biking, ax throwing (no kidding!), renting e-bikes for a long outing, boating, escape rooms, arcades, dog parks, and the list goes on and on!

Avant-Garde Messaging

No more “Hi, I read in your profile XYZ and I’m into ABC and your photos are cute.” Although straightforward, this type of messaging is getting boring.

Quirky sells. Quirky gets responses. A message like, “Hey, your chocolate lab is cute. Once I took mine on a hot air balloon ride and she jumped out, but I had her leash, TG. She couldn’t bark for a while and the neighbors were happy. She is fine now. Want to grab a drink… on land this week?”

Weird, but this response got an 80% reply rate. (And, yes, this client of mine is responsible and a big dog rescuer… but the story is true.

Texting/Phone Calls Are Out

Chemistry happens in real life ­– not over the phone or messaging. Of course, 2-3 messages are normal to get the conversation flowing, but then book the date for lunch or coffee. After all, it’s only an hour.

Priscilla, a lovely 66-year-old client, told me about her “dates” which usually consisted of 45- to 60-minute-long phone calls. But those aren’t dates! They are time-wasters.

If you must speak with a potential date, set a boundary such as “Would you like to chat for 5-10 minutes to see if we’d like to have a glass of wine together in real life?” He will know the exact reason for the call – and you’ll get off the phone fast and onto the date!

Well, happy dating! This is an adventure and a great opportunity to meet others not in your tight network of friends!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you embraced online dating or is it still new territory for you? Do you feel ready to take the plunge and date in real life? Have you spoken/chatted/messaged a potential date for hours, without ever meeting?

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La Prairie’s Skin Caviar line is a favorite among skincare enthusiasts — and for good reason. The lotions, creams, serums and oils use caviar extract to plump and firm the skin. Now, 35 years after the debut of the line, La Prairie launched its newest serum and the most luxe product in the collection: Skin Caviar Harmony L’Extrait Serum. What’s different about it? Well, it promises to diminish vertical lines on the face so let’s just say, I’m in.

Skin Caviar Harmony L’Extrait Serum first debuted at the 2022 Art Basel fair in Basel, Switzerland, along with a digital exhibition featuring five emerging female artists. Here, it’s a celebration of the luxe packaging with its curves in the cobalt blue glass. But for me, it’s all about the good stuff inside, the potent facial serum. Because La Prairie believes it found the “key to the harmony of youth” with its newest technology.

La Prairie.

Most anti-aging serums target horizontal lines, like those lines on your forehead. This serum goes after vertical lines via the strengthening and redensifying of skin ligaments in your face. When I tried Skin Caviar Harmony over a bit longer than a week, I focused the serum especially on my smile lines and fine lines in between my brows, really massaging it in areas where vertical lines are the most dramatic.

The application of this serum is luxe on its own. The tiny microbeads dissolve as you rub it in and the formula quickly absorbs into the skin. It feels lightweight and hydrating right away — not greasy and pore-clogging (my biggest fear). The brand recommends layering it with Skin Caviar Luxe Cream ($555 at Nordstrom), but since I’m PMSing, I went with an oil-free moisturizer to keep my hormonal breakout at bay. (FWIW, it was Reneé Rouleau Skin Recovery Lotion.)

I’m lucky that my lines aren’t especially deep (thanks, Mom) but my skin does easily get dry and dull, which in turn makes even fine lines more obvious. I can’t promise anything about how strong my skin ligaments are, but I did quickly notice my skin looked more hydrated and plump in just a week. Skin Caviar Harmony L’Extrait Serum is an investment, but if you’re in the market for a luxe new skincare product, it’ll make a gorgeous addition to your routine.

Age 65! What are your thoughts when you hear it? Let’s start with past messages. Old, over the hill, retirement, social security, and Medicare for Americans are a few common ones.

Well, that was then.

No more.

Why?

Baby Boomers, Baby

Baby Boomers and generations following them are changing the tune. How do I know? I’m now a 65-year-old woman, grateful and celebrating the fact I’m not only alive, but continue to thrive.

Let’s examine the reason 65 was considered a pivotal marker.

During the 20th century, when that age became assigned for receiving retirement benefits, the proverbial thought was people would die before reaching their mid-60s.

Life Expectancy

In the 1930s, the average life expectancy for men was age 58 and women 62.

Those numbers have changed.

According to Healthline.com, men live an average of 76 years with women averaging 81.

Wow! Life expectancy swelled. What accounts for it?

Well, I believe healthier lifestyle, including a reduction in destructive habits and an increase in exercise.

Also, as a Boomer I embrace this. We’re vain and want a youthful appearance, enjoying life like it’s 1999. Yes, we coined the 60-is-the new-40 logo. It became so popular that a few years ago, an article in the Wall Street Journal discussed this phenomenon.

Other factors which shouldn’t be dismissed are the advancements in medical and technological innovation, catapulted during the Boomer era.

We are living longer, but what does that mean? Choice, where some will choose to retire because they’ve the means. Others can’t afford to halt employment. Not for financial need alone, but mental, emotional and social health drive individuals to continue their participation in the work pool.

Who Continues to Move Past 65?

What about other ventures past 65? I’ve written in the past about so many people who keep working well beyond the appointed retirement age. Clint Eastwood, a nonagenarian, hasn’t seemed to stop his professional activities. The Richest.com states his worth as $375 million, so we know money is not a need, nor is the lack of abundance of children and grandchildren.

What drives people like Mr. Eastwood, an actor, director, songwriter, among his many gifts? Purpose and meaning, I’d venture to say.

How about others who discovered their creative gifts past 50, 60, 70, 80?

Frank McCourt, the author of Angela’s Ashes, didn’t publish his debut memoir until he was 60 years old.

Laura Ingalls Wilder, known for her Little House series, published her first book at age 65, beginning a successful run as a children’s book author. Her stories became the inspiration for the television series Little House on the Prairie.

Ever hear of A Dangerous Weakness? The author, Lorna Page, became the oldest debut novelist ever recorded. At age 93, she published her book, using the money to purchase a bigger house for herself and some of her friends. What a treat for her pals with her successful creative endeavors contributing to her generosity.

Not everyone writes, but what achievements by others have occurred during the later years?

Regular People Like Us

Arkenea.com reports that Jim Butenschoen left the IT industry at age 65 to start a hair-design academy.

Although she started at age 56, Ernestine Shepherd became the oldest bodybuilder at 78.

Michael Grottola began his consulting firm at 65, and Radha Daga founded a food company at age 73.

Laura Gable invented a new bra strap at age 70.

These individuals are examples of those undeterred by age.

I’m 65 and embrace these role models. As an author and long-time licensed psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, I don’t plan on halting soon. My profession offers a chance to work through the adult life cycle. There’s no better role model than Edith Eva Eger, a holocaust survivor, who wrote the book The Choice. She continues to practice as a psychologist at age 95.

What About You?

Dr. Eger’s title is most fitting. Choice. Do you have an idea that hasn’t taken root? If so, what’s holding you back from watering the seeds?

Never forget the wise words of two luminaries:

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” —George Eliot

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” —Napoleon Hill

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How old are you? What have you accomplished past 65? What are you looking forward to accomplishing still?

Leva Bonaparte’s Gold Hoop Earrings on Her Instastories

Southern Charm 2022 Instagram Fashion

I don’t think I’m alone in being obsessed with the small chunky gold hoop earrings that are all the rage right now. Like Leva Bonaprte’s she wore on her IG stories the other day. SO cute and great for any occasion whether it’s a night on the town or a day in the grocery store. Or ya know car ride videos on Instagram. Either way the fact that these babies are only 13 bucks and linked below means we thankfully don’t have to jump through any hoops to get them.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Earrings on Amazon

Photo + Info: @levabonaparte

Originally posted at: Leva Bonaparte’s Gold Hoop Earrings

Diana Jenkins’ Red Corset Dress on Instagram

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 2022 Instagram Fashion

If you’re looking for the perfect dress for the holidays, well look no further. Because Diana Jenkins shared a steamy pic wearing a modest yet sexy red corset dress. And the fact we found it in stock and accompanied with some equally as fab Style Stealers means one thing. That you can be red-y for any upcoming festivities that may get thrown your way by shopping them!

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here Shop Her Versace Dress

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Photo Credit: @sdjneuro

Originally posted at: Diana Jenkins’ Red Corset Dress