Are you over 50 and unsure about returning to the dating game? Whether you find yourself alone for various reasons or are simply looking for a new chapter in your life, the thought of finding a partner and starting to date again can be daunting. Consider seeking companionship as a first step towards a deeper relationship instead.
It can be exhausting constantly judging potential partners and experiencing the ups and downs of dating. However, it’s important to remember that dating doesn’t necessarily have to be your first step.
Companionship is a type of relationship where two people enjoy each other’s company and engage in activities together without necessarily pursuing a romantic or sexual relationship.
It can be a pathway to a deeper relationship, or it can simply be a way to enjoy someone’s company without the added stress of trying to find a life partner. By starting with a companion or life friend, you can still grow into a relationship without it feeling like an artificial process.
So if you’re feeling lonely, consider seeking out companionship as a first step. It can help you feel less alone and may lead to a deeper relationship down the line.
What Does Companionship Offer?
Companionship is a broad term and can impact your life in many ways. So let’s explore how companionship can be beneficial.
Emotional Support
Companionship can be incredibly beneficial for emotional support, particularly during challenging times. Having a companion who is there to listen, offer encouragement, and comfort can significantly affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being. When we have someone we trust to confide in, we can feel less alone in our struggles and more capable of coping with stressors and adversity.
Support from a companion can also provide a sense of validation for our emotions and experiences. When we share our feelings with someone who accepts and understands us, we can feel seen and heard in a deeply affirming way. This validation can help reduce feelings of shame, self-doubt, and isolation, contributing to improved mental health outcomes. Additionally, emotional support from a companion can provide a sense of hope and motivation, as we are reminded that we have people in our lives who care about us and want to see us thrive.
Social Connection
Companionship is an essential component of a fulfilling social life. Having companions or friends to share experiences with can lead to enhanced feelings of happiness and well-being and a decreased likelihood of loneliness and social isolation. Companionship encourages socialization and forming new relationships, as it often involves participating in activities and events together. Through companionship, individuals can build deeper connections and maintain valuable social skills, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
Activity
Companionship can be a powerful motivator for getting out and about, as it provides opportunities for individuals to get together with a partner or group. Having a companion to do things with can make the activity more enjoyable and less daunting. It allows individuals to share the experience and support each other.
It can also provide a sense of accountability, as individuals are more likely to show up and participate in an activity when they have made a commitment to a partner or group. If the activities extend to something more rigorous, such as exercise, companionship can provide encouragement and friendly competition, further motivating individuals to push themselves and achieve their goals.
Travel
Companionship can greatly enhance the travel experience by providing opportunities for shared exploration and enjoyment of new destinations. Travelling with a companion can create lasting memories and deepen connections through shared experiences, conversations, and, most importantly, laughter!
It can also provide a sense of safety and security, as individuals are less likely to feel vulnerable or lonely in unfamiliar surroundings when they have a companion to rely on. Additionally, companionship can enhance the planning and decision-making process, as individuals can work together to create an itinerary that suits both their interests and preferences. Companionship can greatly improve travel by providing a shared sense of adventure and support, making it a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience.
Support During Difficult Times
Companions can provide invaluable care and support during difficult times like illness, grief, or other challenging life events. Having a companion to share burdens with can provide a sense of comfort and understanding, as well as practical assistance with tasks or responsibilities.
It can also offer a distraction from difficult situations by providing opportunities for enjoyable activities or simply spending time together. Companionship can provide a sense of normalcy and routine, as individuals can rely on their companions’ consistent presence and support. Companionship can offer a source of stability, comfort, and practical assistance that can help individuals cope with challenging situations.
Financial Support
Companionship can offer several financial benefits, particularly if you are willing to share expenses and resources. For example, sharing living spaces with a companion can significantly reduce housing costs, making it more affordable. Furthermore, companionship can provide opportunities for sharing skills and resources, such as carpooling or sharing equipment for hobbies, which can reduce the need for costly purchases.
Determine What You Are Looking For
Are you simply avoiding being alone?
Consider how you feel when you’re alone and whether you desire emotional and physical intimacy. By assessing your motivations, you can make a more informed decision about pursuing a relationship or seeking companionship.
Think about the complexity of relationships
When deciding between a relationship or companionship, consider the complexity of relationships, particularly the investment of time, energy, and emotion required for a healthy romantic relationship. Reflect on your readiness for commitment, communication, and problem-solving skills before deciding.
How do I see my future, and what role does a partner or companion play in it?
It’s important to ask yourself how you see your future and what role a partner or companion plays in it. Consider what you want to achieve long-term and whether a romantic relationship or companionship can support those goals.
Reflect on your vision for your future and whether a partner or companion aligns with that vision.
By reflecting on how you see your future and the role a partner or companion plays in it, you can make a more informed decision about whether to pursue a romantic relationship or choose friendship first as a path towards a meaningful relationship.
Stitch
It can be a real challenge to find like-minded companions, even though it’s something that many people over 50 need. That’s where Stitch comes in – a community dedicated to helping people over 50 find the companionship they’re looking for.
Stitch has a big goal: to make life better for older adults all around the world by tackling the social isolation and loneliness that can come with getting older. But what really sets Stitch apart is that it’s a community created by members, for members.
Much of the Stitch community, such as local and virtual events and, online discussions, are created and maintained by members themselves. Our members are the driving force behind the community, and their contributions and efforts make Stitch the unique and supportive community that it is.
Because Stitch members know firsthand what it’s like to need companionship, everyone has a role to play in making life better for each other. As a community, Stitch sets high standards of behavior for members, with kindness, supportiveness, and friendliness as top priorities. And through the community, members build social connections that often translate to real-world interactions, all with the goal of boosting health and well-being.
If you’re seeking companionship as a first step towards a deeper relationship or just looking to make new friends, why not sign up for Stitch and learn more? No matter where you live, there are Stitch members who can introduce you to the community and help you feel right at home.
We look forward to meeting you!
The timing of this article is amazing. Yes, honest companionship with no bad vibes or strong expectations. Not hyperfocused on each other. It’s just peaceful. I wish I had the time and energy. Caregivers barely have time for themselves, so maybe at some point in the future. At least the thought of Stitch still put a smile on my face. 😊 Thanks
What about wanting and partner/relationship “and” companionship? Blend of both… does it really have to be just one or the other?
It’s definitely not an either/or in all cases Blake — in fact, one of the reasons we wrote this article is because so many romantic partnerships on Stitch happened between people who started out seeking like-minded companions first, which then blossomed into romance. It’s possible to find romance through companionship, it’s just a different mindset when compared with “dating”!
Very slim line between companionship and partner if you are talking even about financial support.
I would be hesitant to think in a male companion who wont be after a weekend away sleeping with a lovely woman and making sure it is not available on week days or for more unpleasant matters because it is just a companion.
Careful no matter what age decide your limits and always get to know well whoever you want to get closer because yes we are wiser but also more vulnerable to get into a dating stage.
Good luck !
It would be wonderful to find a good friend on here , that turned into a romantic partnership. Dating is hard at this age . Very very hard .
I couldn’t agree more!
I’m new. I noticed on the intake questionnaire that it did not give the male , female or both option for friendship. You had to click one or the other. Companion could be both.
Hi Betty,
Thanks for reaching out. It sounds as if you may have misunderstood what the page was asking when you signed up — you most definitely can choose friendship with both male and female members! If you go to the Members page, you’ll see that many members are looking for friendship with both men and women. If you haven’t got it working, please reach out to Stitch Support at [email protected] and the team will be happy to help you out!
Like-minded companions sounds great and less stressful, I would love to try it.
There’s many here looking for a companion/friend.
It is more fun to have someone to share comments/observations with that also has your sense of humour. As one gets to live longer, it seem harder and harder to find friends.
What you have described as “companionship” is pretty close to what a good same sex friend would or could be.
I usually find in 50+ “social groups” most are looking for an opposite sex relationship asap. It’s not realistic, and it stands in the way of having fun making friends and sharing with people of both sexes.
I think finding a companionship sounds really nice, thou yes I agree and understand with what many are saying in their comments about it.
Companionship may have a fine line to many being here for companion partner being sexual while others only want friendship not intimacy or sexual.
Coming into Stitch, I had this concern too, thou after thinking about it I remembered I can walk away from a person if they don’t match what I’m looking for – only friendships.
I may have to walk away many times, but at least I know I’m being true to myself and my self-worth by not getting involved into more than friends . It takes time to get to know someone, to feel comfortable to allow more than a friendship with a person. You are giving all of yourself to a relationship.
My thoughts are, when joining Stitch, join for the reason that serves you, fulfills you and take your time getting to know each person you meet, while having fun surrounding yourself with others.
If you have to walk away from someone because they don’t match your purpose/interest, then know that’s okay. As you meet more people, your still giving yourself time to meet someone who could be more than a companion.
Life & love works in mysterious ways and being apart of this community is opening the door to this.