You’ve come a long way baby. The ideal boyfriend or girlfriend you dreamt of when you were 16 is far different than the one you’d like to have in your 60s.

In your journey between 16 and 60, your view of a romantic relationships has changed. The Disney-style fantasy of love in which you are rescued from a tragic fate has hopefully faded away.

Over the decades, you may have survived or thrived in a marriage or two. Perhaps you have bravely relinquished a marriage that no longer served you. Maybe you are a widow who has triumphed over grief and is now ready for love.

Whatever forces have driven you to date, it’s an exciting time full of hope and wonder in which you get to explore these exciting questions. What kind of relationship will support and stimulate your life? What is the best balance of independence and desire for company?

As you contemplate this juncture, here are a few things to consider about being happy in the pursuit of love.

1. It’s necessary to let go. Let go of outdated mindsets about what is “right” or “wrong” or even what you thought was important in a relationship. You have maturity on your side now, you’re different than you were even five or 10 years ago, and you have different needs. Focus on what you want to feel in a partnership and what attributes that are important to you.

2. Figure out why you are doing this. Are you looking for a companion to dine with and go out with a few times a week? Are you looking for something romantic? Do you want a travel partner? Or are you interested in finding someone to live out your final years with? The clearer your vision, the better the journey will be.

3. Once your relationship moves into exclusivity, be clear about expectations. In your 20s, when a relationship got serious, finances were disclosed. Now in your 60s and beyond, some wise questions to ask are “Who has your health-care power of attorney? What is your long-term care plan? If you have a medical emergency, who will take charge? Are either of you hoping for a companion who will be responsible for caregiving, or is to be the responsibility of a family member?”

Some of the best aspects to dating over 60 is the confidence and liberation that you’ve gained over time.

Vanity and looks aren’t the drivers as they may have been in your youth. Filtering your speech and saying what people want to hear aren’t as important to you.

Numerical age doesn’t matter as much as youthfulness of spirit.

There is no better time to fall in love than this moment right now. You’re never too old to date.