I'm sharing today's Los Angeles Weekly article: (LA Weekly)
Andrea McGinty’s 2nd Acts Will Get You Back in the Dating Game—And Loving It
BY:
Jon StojanFebruary 12, 2025
If you’re over 50 and feeling lost in the wild world of modern dating—swipes, texting rules, and all—Andrea McGinty has your roadmap.
Her brand-new book, 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50, is out now, and it’s the ultimate guide to finding love in today’s digital age. Whether you’re newly single, re-entering the dating scene after years (or decades!), or just wondering if there’s anyone actually out there—spoiler alert: there is—this book will give you the confidence, strategy, and yes, even some laughs to get back out there.
McGinty isn’t just any dating expert—she’s a legend. As the founder of It’s Just Lunch, she helped over 33,000 clients find love. Now, she’s bringing her no-nonsense, results-driven approach to those over 50 who are ready for their second act.
🔗 Grab your copy of 2nd Acts on Amazon here
“I wrote this book because so many people over 50 are throwing in the towel too soon! They try dating apps for two weeks, get overwhelmed, and quit. But the truth is, love is personal, and success is strategic. My book walks you through everything—from crafting a killer profile to navigating first dates—with worksheets, real-world tips, and a little tough love,” McGinty says.
And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: loneliness. “It’s an epidemic,” she adds. “Finding the right partner isn’t just about romance—it’s about happiness, health, and longevity.”
Dating Over 50: What’s Changed?
If you think modern dating is a disaster, McGinty has news for you: it’s never been easier to meet someone great.
“When I started It’s Just Lunch in 1990, online dating didn’t even exist—Google didn’t exist! The early dating sites? A total mess. Now, we have secure, user-friendly platforms with strong filters and smart algorithms. You just need to know how to use them.”
The Biggest Dating Myths—Busted!
“There’s no one out there.” False! One in three marriages for people over 50 started online.
“All the good ones are taken.” Nope—millions of fantastic singles are looking.
“Men only want younger women.” Also false! Many men prefer women their own age because they have shared life experiences.
What’s Holding You Back? The Biggest Mistakes People Make
McGinty has seen it all, and she’s not shy about calling out the biggest mistakes people make when re-entering the dating world:
❌ Bad photos. No blurry selfies, no car shots, and please, put the giant fish down.
❌ Cringe bios. Oversharing? Rambling? Bad grammar? Just… no
.❌ Negativity. No “I’ve been online forever” complaints or political manifestos.
❌ The travel resume. Instead of listing every country you’ve visited, say, “I once got lost in Venice and discovered the best tiramisu.” That’s a conversation starter!
❌ Too much health talk. Your knee replacement? Important—but not first-date material.
How to Create an Irresistible Dating Profile
💡 Show, don’t tell. Photos of you hiking, cooking, or playing guitar say more than a paragraph ever could.
💡 A quirky opener. One client started with: “I collect pens. Over 2,000 and counting!”—and had a photo sitting in a pile of pens. It worked.
💡 The magic number of photos? Six.
One full-body shot
1-2 social shots (shows you have friends!)
1-2 doing something you love
One close-up
💡 Bonus points for dogs! 85% of people love a dog in a profile pic. Sorry, cat lovers.
Reinventing Yourself: Branding in Dating
Think of it this way: you already brand yourself on social media—why not in dating? Your dating brand should reflect:
✅ Your passions
✅ Your values
✅ What makes you unique
When you show up as yourself—confident and clear about what you want—you’ll stand out from the crowd.
Not Sure You’re Ready to Date Again?
McGinty’s book has a built-in gut check: Am I Ready to Date Again? It’s a worksheet designed to help you figure out if you’re really up for it.
From Andrea, (not part of article): The feedback I am gettting on the worksheets in the book: By far, readers find most helpful "Am I readt to date again" and "What's your Mindset"---I think these are crucial before jumping back into datng...and FUN!
And, I had several clients this week who bought the book----and now are buying more copies for gifts for Galentine's and Valentine's Day. Just saying. :)
And if you’re on the fence? “I offer free 15-minute consultations where I’ll give you the honest truth:
✔ ‘Yes, let’s do this!’ or ✖ ‘Give yourself more time and call me in six months.’
Either way, I’ll be here when you’re ready.”
The Loneliness Epidemic & Gray Divorce
Why are so many people over 56 struggling with loneliness? Because families are more spread out, gray divorce rates have doubled, and online dating can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why 2nd Acts exists—to make finding love easier, even in the digital age.
Why Has Gray Divorce Skyrocketed?
Empty nest syndrome. The kids leave, and suddenly, there’s nothing left.
Financial independence. More people can afford to leave unhappy marriages.
No more stigma. Divorce isn’t the scandal it once was.
Longer life expectancy. No one wants to settle for “just okay” anymore.
How Do You Bounce Back After a Gray Divorce?
🎉 Expand your social circle. Pickleball, bridge, travel groups—try something new!🎉 Start dating again. After four “practice dates,” you’ll be saying, “Wow, I’ve still got it!”
Dating over 50 isn’t about settling—it’s about thriving. With the right mindset, strategies, and a little expert guidance, your second act can be the best act.
2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50 is available now!
About Andrea McGinty
Andrea McGinty is a pioneering dating expert with over 30 years of experience. As the founder of It’s Just Lunch, she revolutionized the matchmaking industry, helping over 330,000 clients find love. Now, through her coaching and latest book, 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50, she’s guiding a new generation of singles through the modern dating world.
McGinty has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Today Show, and more. When she’s not coaching clients, you’ll find her traveling, hiking, or tracking down the best tiramisu.
📍 Learn more about Andrea and her coaching services: https://www.33000dates.com/
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