Dating Backward: A practical guide to dating and finding your soul mate.

Rediscover Love and Build an Extraordinary Relationship with Dating Backward

Picture this: you're at a friend's dinner party, the only single person at a table full of couples. Someone asks, "So, are you seeing anyone?" and you give the same tired answer you've given a dozen times this year. Later that night, you wonder if extraordinary love is still out there for you, or if you've already had your shot.

If that scene feels familiar, you're not alone, and there's a way out of it. I've spent over a decade helping midlife singles find their way back to love, and Dating Backward gives you the proven roadmap to get there.

After years, even decades, of marriage, stepping back into the dating world can feel disorienting. The rules have changed. The confidence you once had may feel buried under disappointment. And most of the advice out there wasn't written for someone starting over in midlife.

Maybe you've tried online dating and felt like giving up after one too many letdowns. Maybe the bar scene never felt like your scene to begin with. Maybe you're just tired of being the third wheel among married friends, wondering when it will be your turn again.

It's closer than you think. Dating Backward shows you exactly how to find it.

Inside, you'll discover:

• The Four Cornerstones of Great Relationships — the foundational pillars that separate lasting connection from relationships that quietly fall apart.
• Your Must-Have and Deal-Breaker Lists — a clear framework for identifying what truly matters, so you stop settling and start recognizing what's real.
• The Communication Skills That Prevent Heartbreak — how to build deep, honest connection and avoid the miscommunication traps that sink new relationships.
• How to Spot Healthy vs. Toxic Relationships Early — so you protect your time, your heart, and your energy from the start.

Whether you're starting over after a long marriage, worn down by the dating world, or simply unsure how to find someone who aligns with your values, Dating Backward gives you a path forward that actually makes sense.

Hundreds of midlife singles have used these strategies to move from discouraged and disheartened to thriving, soul-connected, and finally with someone who truly gets them.

It's time to leave the frustration behind. Your extraordinary relationship is closer than you think.

Rick Soetebier was born and raised in northern Michigan where he received training in his father's trade as a baker. Over the last 35 years he has worked in a variety of industries primarily in sales with the last 21 years as a financial advisor. Working with people throughout his life, this book is a product of everything he has learned about people, relationships and various personality traits. Over time and through a relationship and marriage that ended after 25 years, Rick started to develop some of the fundamental principles that are found in this book. It is hoped that through his observations, education, research and personal experience, you will be able to learn and make better relationship decisions. You deserve and should settle for nothing less than extraordinary in your next relationship. Penny Dunning has worked for over 30 years in the health care field and has provided individual care as a nationally board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and educator. Leading people to wellness and health is her passion. Many times in the office her patients share their problems and trials associated with dating, marriage, and relationships across all age groups. This started her life long journey of research and providing assistance in seeking and mending relationships. It was after 28 years of marriage that she herself was faced with having to begin dating again. It is from this background, life experiences, research and education is shared with you hoping that the book will help you find the very best mate for you in your life. It is her hope that you do not settling for anything less than the very best. You deserve the very best!