If you're dating in midlife, you probably have some old patterns and habits that don't really serve your best interests. Let’s talk about the three big mistakes that can hold you back from finding love, and how to avoid them. 1. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Investing your heart in one person too early can cloud your judgment and narrow your choices. It's possible that the reason you're going “all in” so fast is because you're approaching midlife dating with a scarcity mindset. Keep your options open by chatting with and dating multiple people for a while. Have some fun, play the field. You'll gain the experience, information, and clarity you need about what (and who) is truly right for you. 2. Don’t fall for future casting. It’s great when someone plans ahead for dates, but be cautious if they’re planning years in advance or talking about a whole future together before really getting to know you. The future unfolds slowly for a reason! We’re meant to savor the experience of getting to know each other and ourselves. So learn to enjoy taking it slow. On the flip side, beware of people who never make plans in advance and only reach out for last-minute hookups. This is immature, frivolous behavior and you deserve better. 3. Don’t ignore your instincts. Your gut knows when something isn’t right. Even if someone looks great on paper or something about them just stirs your interest, pay attention to how their words and actions make you feel. Ignoring red flags will take you down detours that waste your time…and don’t forget, time is your most valuable asset! Dating after 40 is about finding meaningful connections that align with your life and values, not getting sidetracked by meaningless distractions. Tune in to learn how to stay mindful, intentional, and open to the love you deserve!