1.    Delays in answering your phonecalls
Communication is key in any relationship, but in a long distance relationship it is essential. If your partner doesn’t seem to be putting in the effort to contact you at the end of the day with a phone or Skype call then they may not be as invested as you’d hope. Emails and texts are nice but without seeing someone or hearing their voice the messages can be lost in translation and things can be misconstrued. 
 
2.    Compromise – yes for you, no for them
Relationships are all about compromise, and a long distance relationship should be no different. But if your partner won’t visit you one weekend because they have a 5-a-side match, or because they want to have Sunday lunch with their mates then they might need to rethink their priorities.  It’s essential that both parties are willing to put in effort to a long distance relationship, and if that means forgoing other pleasures then that’s the way it has to be. If your partner doesn’t seem willing to put you first, then one or both of you might need to rethink your priorities, or your relationship.
 
3.    Their behaviour changes suddenly
Have you noticed a change in the way your partner is addressing you when they call? Have they become aloof – “I’m fine, just tired” or overly needy, “I love you and miss you soooo much!”? This may be a signal that there is something a miss in your relationship. Of course it could also be that they are just having a bad day and wish you were with them – keep track of these types of days so you can know the difference. 
 
4.    They start ’managing” their facebook profile
We’ve all been tagged in pictures with people we hardly know, at the end of a night out, but have you noticed any change in your partner’s online behaviour? Are they being tagged with mysterious people you’ve never met? Being ‘check in’ at venues you didn’t even know they were going to? A long distance relationship is such that you probably don’t know where your partner is every second so have the conversation with them! You have a right to know who they are spending their time with when you aren’t there.

Experience the eHarmony online dating difference. We want to help you find someone you really connect with. It all starts when you complete our Questionnaire, which helps you define what you want, right upfront. We’ll then use everything you’ve told us to find singles uniquely right for you. And because we only match you with people whose goals, values and personality traits most complement you, you can be confident in knowing you’re only meeting people you have the best chance of connecting with someone.

When It Comes to Dating is 50 the new 40?

Depending on who you believe, reports in the media portray Australians as:

a) Aging better than ever and looking great for longer and longer
b) Fatter than ever, suffering the damage that a life time of bad food and bad choices can do to your body

We’re either living longer more exciting lives with vigour, passion and interest, or we’re more sedentary, living in virtual worlds with less confidence and a growing sense that we’re going to be kept alive long after we’re ready to go.

Is this the case for our group of second time around dater? Is 50 the new 40? Are older Australians looking better, staying physically fit and connected to popular culture? Are you remaining remaining creative and engaged with your community, or is this a simple case of baby boomers refusing to admit that they’re getting older?

Which is it? And is there any way to draw a general statement about today’s 50-year-olds?

If you’re 50 years or older, we’d love to hear what you think about yourself and the current pool of senior dating prospects.

We’ve included some thought starters below…

1. Do you generally find that your matches are fit, attractive and looking considerably younger than their biological age?
2. Do you generally find that your matches are knowledgeable about popular culture?
3. Do you consider yourself much different to when you were 35?
4. If your date said, “Let’s go to a midnight movie!” Would you go?
5. What’s the difference between your biological age and the age most people think you are?
6. Are your musical tastes frozen in time?

Experience the eHarmony online dating difference. We want to help you find someone you really connect with. It all starts when you complete our Questionnaire, which helps you define what you want, right upfront. We’ll then use everything you’ve told us to find singles uniquely right for you. And because we only match you with People whose goals, values and personality traits most complement you, you can be confident in knowing you’re only meeting people you have the best chance of connecting with someone.

Dating in Adelaide? The City of Churches is a beautiful coastal city and a perfect place to meet like minded individuals. Where’s better than the Barossa Valley in Adelaide to wine and dine that special someone? Or take a day trip to the sunny beaches of Glenelg? Adelaide has been voted Australia’s most liveable city and with rolling hills to the east and spectacular beaches to the west, it isn’t hard to see why. Adelaide is also Australia’s most sustainable city, setting the scene for love in a greener way.

Dining out
Adelaide’s warm climate typically allows for al fresco dining. For the best al fresco eateries, visit ‘Henley Square’ in Henley or Semaphore, or try out ‘Jetty Road’ in Glenelg and Brighton and savour the fresh local produce- fish and chips! Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while soaking in the sights and the sun. If it’s inner city dining you’re after, you are spoilt for choice. Gouger Street and Rundle Street are the focus of city dining, with a blend of international and modern Australian menu’s. The atmosphere here is laid back and relaxed, perfect for calming any nerves you or your date may have. Don’t be afraid to venture a little further, grab a pizza on Hutt Street or indulge in some Greek cuisine on Halifax Street.

For real foodies, you’ll want to take your date to the Adelaide Central Market. There are over 80 stalls, unchallenged as Australia’s best markets and a variety of food that you won’t find anywhere else in Adelaide.

A day trip
If wine is more your style, where else but the Barossa Valley for the winery that will win over your date? Situated only two hours out of Adelaide, the Barossa is a great romantic escape. There are over 80 cellar doors, luxury retreats, award winning wines, fine dining and breathtaking views. Everything in the Barossa is geared for love and romance.

Enjoying the outdoors
Glenelg is most popular because of its beachside location. Here you can picnic on the grass under the pines, dine al fresco on balmy evenings, plunge into the sea for a refreshing swim and stroll hand in hand along the jetty. Glenelg makes for a superb surfie date and is only 12 kilometres outside the city centre. There are neighbouring beaches if you’d prefer, with Brighton right next door. There is a similar atmosphere in Brighton, except with more of an art deco feel. There are also cliff paths and trails in Brighton that you can walk while enjoying the amazing city views.

Something different
Looking for a fresh take on dating? Take your loved one to Adelaide zoo, home to the Southern Hemisphere’s only giant pandas. Afterwards, stroll through one of Adelaide’s 29 parks that make up Adelaide’s famous parklands. The Adelaide Botanic Gardens is the perfect place to spend a sunny day. The Mount Lofty botanic garden is even home to a world heritage rose garden.
The cultured date

For art lovers, you’ll want to make your way to the tree-lined North Terrace to take your pick of one of Adelaide’s many galleries and museums. The South Australian Art Gallery is a great place to start, housing the world’s biggest display of Aboriginal art, a vast collection or work from South-East Asia and rare fossils like a four-storey giant squid. If you’d like an up-close-and-personal art experience, head to the city’s West End. At the Jam Factory Contemporary Craft and Design studio, you can watch artists as they work and take a tour to learn more about the history of the gallery.

Experience the eHarmony online dating difference. We want to help you find someone you really connect with. It all starts when you complete our Questionnaire, which helps you define what you want, right upfront. We’ll then use everything you’ve told us to find singles uniquely right for you. And because we only match you with People whose goals, values and personality traits most complement you, you can be confident in knowing you’re only meeting people you have the best chance of connecting with someone.

Dating in Brisbane? With a thriving cultural scene and rich heritage, Brisbane is abuzz with an array of restaurants and activities, creating the perfect setting for love and romance. As the cosmopolitan capital and also the most populous city in Queensland, Brisbane has no shortage of single men and women, making it a great place to meet people.

Dating in Brisbane couldn’t be easier with its growing music scene, stunning national parks, selection of theatres and galleries and even river kayaking for the outdoor enthusiasts. The city has everything covered, no matter what your dating style.

Take a day trip
For those who want to leave the city, within two hours of Brisbane is Moreton Bay – an aquatic playground with an expanse of stunning blue waters and exciting marine life – where you can take a day trip or spend a few days. Stay at a beachside resort or get up close and personal at a cosy, boutique B&B. The pace at Moreton Bay is whatever you make it; you can throw yourself into adventure sports such as surfing, quad biking and sailing, or if adventure isn’t quite your style you can unwind with a spot of fishing, feeding the dolphins, or even a picnic at the beach. If you’re the type who thrives on heritage, take a trip out to the Moreton Island lighthouse where the entry is free and the view is spectacular. Impress your date with a bit of trivia – the Moreton Bay lighthouse was the first lighthouse built in Queensland!

Staying close to the city
Not everyone has the time to escape the city, but with the huge selection of dating hot spots that Brisbane offers, you don’t need to. If you and your date want to take in the architecture, you can head to downtown Brisbane where you’ll find sandstone cathedrals nuzzled in amongst steel and glass skyscrapers in a unique combination of old meets new. Turn the speed up on your date by abseiling at Kangaroo Valley, where you can indulge in a coffee at the Cliff’s Cafe after taking on the challenge of the cliff face.

For that perfect meal, head straight into the heart of Brisbane. Eagle Street Pier, Queen Street Mall and South Bank are popular inner-city precincts that are brimming with restaurants and unbeatable views. The cuisine is inventive and imaginative; you’ll find café’s, wine bars, brasseries, noodle bars and even all-day breakfast cafes in case you like your bacon and eggs in the evening. Due to the sub-tropical climate, the dining is typically al fresco, creating an easy going and relaxed atmosphere – the perfect setting to ease those dating nerves. The eateries offer plenty of variety, a fusion of modern and classic thinking, using unique fresh produce and influenced by the cosmopolitan mix of European and Asian cultures in the city. One thing is for sure, Moreton Bay bugs are a must.
Go bush!

Take a walk on the wild side and trade buildings for bush land in one of Brisbane’s beautiful reserves or national parks. With 1,820 parks and reserves – and counting! – there is no shortage of green space in Brisbane. Get to know your date on an inner city escape to the Botanic Gardens, or picnic in 17 hectares of lush gardens and lawn at The Parklands at South Bank. Afterwards you can walk to the South Bank shops and indulge in Brisbane’s dynamic fashion scene or head back across the river and discover Brisbane’s up-and-coming fashion designers at the Elizabeth Arcade.

Experience the eHarmony online dating difference. We want to help you find someone you really connect with. It all starts when you complete our Questionnaire, which helps you define what you want, right upfront. We’ll then use everything you’ve told us to find singles uniquely right for you. And because we only match you with People whose goals, values and personality traits most complement you, you can be confident in knowing you’re only meeting people you have the best chance of connecting with someone.

Dating in Perth? Set on the Swan River, Perth provides a beautiful dating backdrop. Whether it’s going to the Western Australian Maritime Museum in Fremantle, or seeing an outdoor concert at Subiaco Oval, or soaking up the sun at Scarborough beach, there is no shortage of dating destinations.

Soak up the sunshine
Dating in Perth couldn’t be easier; as Australia’s sunniest capital, Perth offers you 3000 hours of sunshine a year and just as many ways to enjoy it. One of the best ways to enjoy Perth’s sunshine is to get active and get outdoors. If you’re looking to take your date  to the beach, then Cottesloe or Scarborough offer the most laid-back surfie vibe.

Perth’s most famous beach is Scarborough beach and with its white sandy shoreline and pristine waters it’s not hard to see why it’s one of Perth’s favourite hot spots for surfing and swimming. You can stroll hand in hand, or plunge in for a dip, or if you want to add a bit of adventure to your date you can hire a surfboard and catch a few waves, or slip on some skates and glide along the esplanade. With Scarborough’s abundance of beachside eateries, why not grab a meal while you’re there. Head to one of the local cafes or restaurants and enjoy the local produce. After a day of fun in the sun, take time out to sit with your date and listen to the waves roll in. If a day trip just isn’t enough, there are plenty of places in Scarborough to stay – from backpackers hostels and motels to serviced apartments and hotels, there’s something for everyone.

The ‘active’ date
You don’t have to go to the beach to enjoy the sunshine in Perth, hire a bicycle and take a ride down one of Perth’s many cycle paths. Perth has an extensive network of cycle paths, so make sure you grab a map before you head off. You can cycle through the city and Kings Park, along the river, or create a route of your own. One of the most popular of Perth’s cycle circuits starts at the east end of Riverside Drive in the city; from there you can pedal past Barrack Street Jetty, across the Narrows Bridge, then through South Perth, over the Causeway and back to Riverside Drive.

Enjoy a walk
If you’re both nature lovers, then you’ll definitely want to head to Kings Park – Perth’s Botanic Gardens and one of the world’s largest inner city parks. At Kings Park you’ll find both picnic and BBQ facilities, as well as an outdoor cinema that operates between December and March. The perfect movie date, guaranteed to impress! A major draw card at Kings Park is the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, which offers spectacular city and river views.

Take a day trip
If you are really determined to impress your date, then a trip to Rottnest Island is the way to go. Only a short ferry ride away, Rottnest Island features unique flora and fauna, along with some of the world’s finest bays and beaches. At Rottnest Island you can enjoy a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere. It is a car-free zone and includes 63 sheltered beaches for you to choose from. Hire a bike to reach a secluded beach with your special someone, or join a guided tour and discover the island’s early colonial buildings. Visit the Rottnest Island lighthouse and hear about the crucial role Rottnest Island played in World War I and II. There’s also a range of activities you can indulge in if you and your partner enjoy sport – there’s tennis, golf and even lawn bowls. If you’re making the effort to get to Rottnest then your trip won’t be complete without a pit stop at Rotto’s famous bakery. Grab yourselves a treat to eat while watching the sun go down!

Experience the eHarmony online dating difference. We want to help you find someone you really connect with. It all starts when you complete our Questionnaire, which helps you define what you want, right upfront. We’ll then use everything you’ve told us to find singles uniquely right for you. And because we only match you with People whose goals, values and personality traits most complement you, you can be confident in knowing you’re only meeting people you have the best chance of connecting with someone.

Dating in Canberra? Canberra is home to a whole hub of cultural enjoyments, whether it’s viewing the historic homes of Tuggeranong Valley, or canoeing across Lake Burley Griffin, or simply indulging in a show at Canberra Theatre, there is a great dating vibe for you to immerse yourself in.

As the capital of Australia, Canberra’s city centre is alive and buzzing. Head to Garema Place and City Walk if it’s shopping you’re after. Here you’ll find a unique blend of street fashion, quirky boutiques, antique book stores, designer shoes and alternative music stores, something for everyone’s tastes. If that tires you out, stop off at one of the many cafes and get to know each other over a cup of coffee . 

Canberra has a rich culture and history, if it’s heritage that you’re after take your date to one of the national museums or galleries. The National Gallery of Australia is the home to Australian and International art. There is a strong focus on indigenous art and over 400 portraits of significant Australians. Visit the Australian War Memorial and pay your respects to our fallen soldiers while learning what it was like to be in the war, or step back in time at the National Dinosaur Museum.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Burley Griffin is the perfect spot to take your date out for a boat ride or to relax while enjoying some fishing. Canberra is known as the bush capital, so it is no surprise that there is an abundance of stunning nature parks. Admire the beautiful flora and fauna of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, relax with a picnic or stroll through the lush grounds. Canberra is also has an extensive network of cycle paths and walking trails, so why not get active on your date. Hire a bike or slip on your walking shoes and discover Canberra’s nature reserves and national parks.

Canberra is a great place for food lovers, so if you are looking to wine and dine your date then there is no shortage of options! Go with your mood, experience fine dining and first class cuisine, or keep things laid back at a modern cafe. The area is surrounded by wineries only 30 minutes outside the city, so it’s worth a trip out there. At the vineyards you’ll find cool climate wines and if you’re lucky you might even get to meet the winemaker at their cellar door. Don’t worry though if you don’t drink wine, in Canberra’s city centre is a fantastic brewery where you can find the perfect pint. The Wig and Pen English Pub and Brewery is renowned for its international award winning beer. You can pop in for a pint or you and your date can join a tour of the brewery, enjoy a traditional pub meal afterward. Beware of the generous portions!

Experience the eHarmony online dating difference. We want to help you find someone you really connect with. It all starts when you complete our Questionnaire, which helps you define what you want, right upfront. We’ll then use everything you’ve told us to find singles uniquely right for you. And because we only match you with people whose goals, values and personality traits most complement you, you can be confident in knowing you’re only meeting people you have the best chance of connecting with.

Name: Nicola Styles
Age: 36
Lives: Sydney, NSW

Nicola’s story:
“I’m originally from the UK, but I moved to Australia seven years ago and absolutely love it. This is my home now. Of course I miss my family and friends terribly, but I’m always on their case to move out here with me! I now live in Sydney and work as a leadership and lifestyle coach, which I love.

Nicola’s eHarmony experience:
“I guess I’m the same as many people, I lead a very busy lifestyle and find it’s not always easy to meet new people, let alone new people that I am truly compatible with! Since I made the decision to join eHarmony two years ago, I have loosened up a lot and relaxed to the idea of meeting people who are very different to what I thought I wanted. I would say that I am a much more open person now, my horizons have definitely been broadened.

I have found that the quality of the matches on eHarmony is far better than other sites. That, coupled with my newfound openness and knowledge of what I want in a person, has led to some truly fantastic dates. I have also become much better at qualifying people before I meet with them face-to-face and as a result I have had great fun with some brilliant guys.

With eHarmony, I like that you’re not just out there in the public domain. It’s a little more exclusive. I don’t have lots of unsuitable people approaching my profile, which has happened in the past, and I am much more in control of my future now.

Watch Nicola’s TV ad to find out more about her journey

Meet more of our members!

- Meet Simone from Blue Mountains, NSW

- Meet Marcus from Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, NSW

- Meet Jo-Anne from Inner-West Sydney, NSW

Name: Jo-Anne Kew
Age: 28
Lives: Inner West Sydney, NSW

Jo-Anne’s story:
“I was born and bred in Sydney but I have actually spent more of my adult life travelling and living overseas! I have just recently returned to Australia after living in Canada.  I now work in marketing, specialising in co-ordinating major events for Parramatta Council.

Jo-Anne’s eHarmony experience:
“I joined eHarmony after returning to Australia from living in Canada and finding that all of my friends were getting paired up. I found that I needed to find a new singles scene as it is had become hard to meet new people in my regular social circles.

Since I’ve been on the site, I have had some great dates with some good chemistry. What I love about eHarmony compared to other dating sites is that it is not all based on first impressions and looks. You look at a person’s values and how they view life and you can make an educated decision about whether you want to start communicating with them based on these core things.

Because you pay for your membership, you feel like people are on the site for the right reasons – they are genuinely looking for love. Because of this, in my opinion, the experience of eHarmony has been a very fulfilling one. Also, the calibre of people you meet is much higher. That’s why I got my 52-year-old single father onto it! I think there is something wonderful in the fact that we are both charting our own course to love and happiness with eHarmony.”

Watch Jo-Anne’s TV ad to find out more about her journey

Meet more of our members!

Simone from Blue Mountains, NSW

Marcus from Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, NSW

Nicola from Sydney, NSW

Name: Marcus Mellick
Age: 34
Lives: Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, NSW

Marcus’ story:
“I am a psychologist from Sydney and have been on eHarmony for about 5 months. I have recently made it my mission in life to say ‘yes’ more than I say ‘no’, which has opened me up to a whole new world of people and experiences.

Marcus’ eHarmony experience:
“I have had a really positive experience on eHarmony so far. I have been on other sites, whereby you trawl through people’s profiles, but don’t get an indication of who they really are, which has meant that nothing worthwhile ever eventuated for me. But ever since I made the decision to join eHarmony, I have met some amazing new people that I never would have met in my day-to-day life. Whether it leads to a long-term relationship is not always the number one priority, as I am forging some great new friendships.

I find the experience of being on eHarmony exciting because I am finally figuring out exactly what I want in a partner. I thought I knew what I wanted, but it turns out that has changed. I have had to think deeply about the qualities that are important to me and the results have really surprised me. I am constantly exploring and learning so much about myself – it’s been a positive wake up call!

Watch our new TV ad featuring Marcus to hear more about his experience

Meet more of our members!

- Meet Simone from Blue Mountains, NSW

- Meet Nicola from Sydney, NSW

- Meet Jo-Anne from Inner-West Sydney, NSW

Name: Simone Huggins
Age: 42
Lives: Blue Mountains, Sydney NSW

Simone’s story:

“I am a single mum with three beautiful daughters that I couldn’t live without. In fact, my daughters were the ones that got me onto eHarmony! We live in the Blue Mountains, where I work as a primary school teacher for children with special needs, a job that I love.

I would say that I am an incredibly outgoing, happy and energetic person – I definitely like to live life to the full and find joy in the now. I think that’s an important quality and one I hope I have passed onto my girls.”

Simone’s eHarmony experience:

“I joined eHarmony because a dear friend met the love of their life on the site. I believe you have to be adventurous in life and always seek out new experiences, which is another reason I joined eHarmony. I don’t want to miss out on meeting someone who could be the love of my life because I don’t walk past them in the street or see them at work. I am looking for someone with the same appetite and zest for life that I have, and you’re not likely to find that down at the local pub!

So far, I have been on some really good dates through eHarmony. In fact, I would say that the best date I have ever been on was with someone I met on eHarmony.

One thing that I loved was filling out the relationship questionnaire. It really forces your to evaluate, or re-evaluate, the things that are important to you which leads to fantastic self-growth. I feel that I have squeezed about five years of growth into six months since being on eHarmony, because I’m constantly doing new things and meeting new people.

My daughters are my biggest advocates for getting online to find love and, as they are at the dating age themselves, they give me tips and advice, which is hilarious! I find that it’s not just about meeting a man, it’s about falling in love with yourself as well.

Watch Simone’s TV ad to hear more about her journey

Meet more of our members!

- Meet Marcus from Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, NSW

- Meet Nicola from Sydney, NSW

- Meet Jo-Anne from Inner-West Sydney, NSW