Remember when finding someone special meant hoping you'd catch their eye at the church potluck? Or waiting for your neighbor to set you up with their "lovely divorced cousin"? Well, those days are long gone. My 68-year-old aunt just met her boyfriend online, and last week my widowed neighbor showed me how she swipes through profiles on her tablet while watching Jeopardy. Welcome to dating in the 21st century, where romance is just a click away—even if you're collecting Social Security.

Here's the thing about being single later in life: it happens. Maybe your marriage ended after 30 years. Maybe you lost the love of your life and thought that was it for you. Or maybe you've been flying solo for a while now and suddenly realized you're tired of talking to your cat about your day (though Mr. Whiskers is an excellent listener). Whatever your story, I've got news for you—wanting someone to share your morning coffee with doesn't stop at 50, 60, or even 80.

And honestly? Dating when you're older can be pretty great. You know that anxiety-riddled "does he like me?" phase from your twenties? Replace that with "if he doesn't like my cooking, he knows where the door is." There's something liberating about having lived enough life to cut through the nonsense. You want what you want, and you're not afraid to say it.

Now, before you start thinking you need to raid your retirement fund to find love online, let me stop you right there. Sure, some dating sites want $40 a month to help you find your soulmate (as if love comes with a price tag). But here's what they don't advertise: plenty of legitimate senior dating websites let you meet people without spending a dime. That's right—free. As in, you can keep that money for the dinner dates you'll be going on.

Why Senior Dating Is Different (And Often Better)

Let's address the elephant in the room first. Dating after 50, 60, or 70 isn't the same as dating in your twenties or thirties. But here's the secret that younger folks don't know yet—it's often much better. You've lived enough life to know who you are, what you want, and perhaps more importantly, what you don't want. The games and pretenses that often plague younger dating scenes tend to fall away, replaced by genuine conversations and authentic connections.

You know what's funny? Most people over 50 tell me they actually feel more confident dating now than they did decades ago. Think about it—you've survived teenagers, mortgage payments, maybe a boss from hell, and that unfortunate perm from the '80s. After all that, a first date seems pretty manageable, doesn't it?

Here's what those twenty-somethings on dating apps don't understand yet: when you've been through real life—the messy, complicated, beautiful parts of it—you develop a kind of radar for nonsense. Remember when you used to spend months wondering if that person was "the one" even though they never called when they said they would? Yeah, now it takes about five minutes and one cup of coffee to know if someone's worth a second date. That friend of mine who got divorced at 62? She says her "BS detector" is so finely tuned now, she can spot a player from across the restaurant.

There's also a certain freedom that comes with senior dating. Without the pressure of building a family or establishing a career together, relationships can focus on companionship, shared interests, and mutual enjoyment. Whether you're looking for a travel companion, someone to share Sunday dinners with, or a full-fledged romance complete with butterflies, the choice is entirely yours.

The Digital Dating Revolution for Seniors

The stereotype of older adults struggling with technology is rapidly becoming outdated. My 73-year-old mother just taught herself to FaceTime last month, and now she won't stop video-calling me during dinner. If that doesn't prove that seniors and technology are getting along just fine these days, I don't know what will. The truth is, most of us over 50 have smartphones glued to our hands just like everybody else—we're checking Facebook, texting the grandkids, and yes, browsing dating profiles during commercial breaks.

Here's what I love about online dating for our age group: remember when your dating pool was basically whoever showed up at the senior center on Tuesdays? Now you can chat with someone three towns over who actually shares your obsession with bird watching or vintage jazz. My friend Ruth has bad knees and can't drive at night anymore, but that hasn't stopped her from meeting plenty of interesting men from her recliner. She calls it "dating in her slippers," and honestly, she might be onto something.

The trick is picking a site that actually gets it. You know how some restaurants have those menus with tiny print that you need a magnifying glass to read? Well, some dating sites are like that too—clearly designed by 25-year-olds who think everyone has perfect vision and infinite patience for complicated interfaces. The good news is that sites specifically for seniors usually have bigger buttons, clearer fonts, and none of that confusing swiping nonsense (unless you're into that sort of thing). Plus, you're not competing with people young enough to be your children, which is refreshing.

Understanding Free Senior Dating Websites

Okay, let's talk about "free" because nothing's really free anymore, right? Here's the deal: most dating sites are like those furniture stores that are perpetually having a "going out of business" sale. They'll let you window shop all you want—set up your profile, upload that nice photo from your nephew's wedding, browse through potential matches. That's all free. But the minute you want to actually message that attractive retiree who loves hiking? That's when they ask for your credit card.

It's called "freemium," which sounds like something a marketing person made up after too much coffee. Basically, you get the appetizers for free, but the main course costs extra. Free members can usually send what I call "digital waves"—winks, likes, hearts, whatever cute icon they're using this week. Some sites let you send one message a day, or respond to messages from paying members. The fancy stuff—seeing who checked out your profile, sending unlimited messages, getting bumped to the top of search results—that's what they charge for.

But here's a secret: plenty of people have found love using just the free stuff. My cousin met her husband by sending him a "wink" on a free account. He had a paid membership, messaged her, and now they're planning trips to Europe together. So before you hand over your credit card information, test drive a few sites for free. It's like trying on shoes—you want to make sure they fit before you buy them.

Top Free Senior Dating Platforms Worth Exploring

Let me save you some time and share which sites are actually worth checking out. These aren't in any particular order because, like restaurants, what works for one person might not work for another.

OurTime is basically the Cadillac of senior dating sites—comfortable, reliable, and designed for people who remember when Cadillacs were the ultimate status symbol. Even with a free account, you can set up a nice profile and browse to your heart's content. They've got this "flirt" feature that's basically like making eye contact across a crowded room, except the room is the internet and nobody has to worry about spinach in their teeth. What I really like is that they don't make you feel ancient—everyone there is over 50, so mentioning your grandkids or retirement plans is totally normal. What sets OurTime apart is its focus exclusively on the 50+ demographic, creating a comfortable environment where age is celebrated rather than hidden.

SilverSingles takes a more structured approach to matchmaking. Upon joining, you'll complete a comprehensive personality test that helps the site's algorithm suggest compatible matches. While messaging requires a subscription, free members can take the personality test, receive match suggestions, and send smiles to other users. If you're the type who corrects grammar in birthday cards, you'll probably like the crowd this one attracts.

SeniorMatch has been around since flip phones were cutting-edge technology—over 20 years now. They're like that reliable diner that's been on Main Street forever; not fancy, but they know what they're doing. Free accounts let you do the basics: put up photos (yes, including that one where you caught the big fish), browse around, and send those digital winks I mentioned earlier. They're strict about the age thing too—nobody under 45 allowed, which means you won't get messages from someone who thinks the Beatles are "classic oldies." The forums are actually pretty great. Where else can you debate the best cruise lines while getting dating advice from people who've been married three times?

eHarmony is like that friend who insists on setting you up but actually knows what they're doing. Fair warning: their signup questionnaire is longer than some tax forms. They'll ask you everything short of your blood type—32 "dimensions of compatibility," they call it. My sister spent an entire evening with a glass of wine filling hers out, but she ended up meeting a great guy who actually reads the same obscure mystery authors she does. The catch? You usually can't message anyone without paying, but they have these free weekends every few months. Mark your calendar—it's like Black Friday for online dating.

Plenty of Fish (everyone calls it POF) is the wild west of dating sites. You can actually message people for free, which sounds great until you realize that means EVERYONE can message EVERYONE. My inbox there looked like a garage sale—lots of junk to sort through, but occasionally you find a treasure. You'll get messages from 30-year-olds who have "a thing for mature women" (block and move on), but you'll also find genuine people who don't want to pay for dating sites. Just keep your expectations realistic and your blocking finger ready.

Creating a Compelling Senior Dating Profile

Listen, your profile is basically you at a cocktail party, except you can edit out the awkward parts and nobody can see if you're wearing sweatpants. The goal isn't to win a Pulitzer—it's to give people a reason to want to know more about you.

First things first: photos. I know you looked amazing at your daughter's wedding in 2014, but if that photo could apply for its own Social Security benefits, it's too old. Use something from the last year or two. And please, for the love of all that's holy, include at least one photo where we can actually see your face. Not you in sunglasses at the Grand Canyon. Not you as a tiny speck on a cruise ship. You. Smiling. Visible.

Here's what works: that photo your friend took at lunch last week where you're laughing at something. The one from your garden where you're holding those prize-winning tomatoes. Maybe that shot from trivia night where you're clearly having a blast. People want to see what life with you looks like, not your passport photo.

Now, about what to write. "I enjoy long walks on the beach" went out with dial-up internet. Instead, try something like: "Last week I got lost trying to find a new hiking trail and ended up having coffee with a farmer who taught me about heritage tomatoes. That's pretty much my life—looking for one thing, finding something better." See the difference? One's a greeting card. The other's a person you'd want to have coffee with.

Be upfront about the real stuff. Retired? Say it—and mention what you're doing with all that free time. Grandkids? They're part of your life, so mention them (just don't make your entire profile about them). Using a walker or dealing with diabetes? You don't need to lead with it, but being honest saves everyone time. I know a woman who mentioned her mobility scooter in her profile as "my fancy wheels"—she ended up dating a guy who races modified wheelchairs for fun.

Navigating Online Communication

So someone caught your eye. Now what? Here's where people usually mess up: they either send a novel or they send "Hey." Neither works.

Take five minutes to actually read their profile. I mean really read it, not just look at the pictures. Then mention something specific. "I saw you're into bird photography. I just started trying to photograph the cardinals in my backyard, but they're camera shy. Any tips?" That's infinitely better than "You seem nice. Tell me about yourself."

Think of first messages like starting a conversation at a party. You wouldn't walk up to someone and recite your life story, but you also wouldn't just say "Hi" and stare at them. Find that middle ground. Two or three sentences that show you paid attention and give them something easy to respond to.

Here's something nobody tells you: people communicate differently online. Your match might write you paragraphs that rival War and Peace, or they might send two-sentence replies that make you wonder if they're paying by the letter. Neither means they're not interested—it's just their style. My friend Tom writes emails like telegrams. His girlfriend writes novels. They've been together two years and just figured out how to split the difference. There's no right or wrong approach—the key is finding someone whose communication style meshes with yours. If someone takes a few days to respond, don't assume disinterest. Many seniors balance online dating with full lives, including family obligations, work, or travel.

Red Flags and Safety Considerations

While the vast majority of people on senior dating sites are genuine individuals seeking connection, it's important to stay alert for potential scams or dishonest behavior. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we need to talk about scammers. They're out there, and they think we were born yesterday just because we remember when TVs had three channels.

Here's how these creeps operate: Three days after you start chatting, they're calling you "my darling" and planning your future together. By week two, they're deeply in love. By week three—surprise!—their grandmother in Nigeria needs emergency surgery. Or they're stuck in customs. Or their business deal fell through and they just need a small loan until Thursday. The stories change, but the ending's always the same: they want your money.

My friend Carol got taken for $3,000 by a "petroleum engineer" who was supposedly working on an oil rig. Great photos, wrote beautiful messages, even sent her poems. Turned out his photos were stolen from some fitness model's Instagram, and "he" was probably three guys in an internet café somewhere. Carol's smart, she ran her own business for 30 years, but these people are professional manipulators.

Red flags to watch for: They can never video chat ("my camera's broken"). They live an hour away but can't meet for coffee because their car/mother/job always needs them. They want to immediately text or email instead of using the dating site (because the site can't monitor your texts for scam patterns). Their English is weird—not bad exactly, but like someone's using Google Translate and a thesaurus at the same time.

Look, I'm not saying become a hermit. Just keep your radar on. Don't give out your last name until you've met them. Definitely don't share your address, and for Pete's sake, don't send money to anyone you haven't shared a meal with in person. When you do meet, pick Starbucks at 2 PM, not their apartment at midnight. Tell someone where you're going. If your gut says something's wrong, listen to it. That uncomfortable feeling has kept humans alive for thousands of years—don't ignore it now just because someone's profile picture has nice eyes.

Making the Transition from Online to In-Person

Okay, so you've been messaging someone for a few weeks and—miracle of miracles—they seem normal. Maybe even wonderful. Their jokes make you actually laugh out loud (not just type "LOL" while stone-faced). When you see their name pop up in your messages, you do that little smile thing that makes your cat look at you suspiciously. Now comes the exciting but sometimes nerve-wracking next step: meeting in person.

First meetings don't need to be elaborate. In fact, keeping things simple often works best. A coffee date provides a low-pressure environment where you can chat without the formality of a dinner reservation. If it's going great, suggest grabbing lunch or checking out that new art exhibit down the street. If it's going about as well as a root canal, you can shake hands after coffee and call it a day. No harm, no foul.

Pick somewhere you know for that first meeting. I always suggest the Starbucks on Main Street to my friends—you know where the bathrooms are, parking's easy, and if things get weird, you're in public with plenty of witnesses. Coffee shops are gold for first meets. Restaurants can trap you through an entire meal with someone who collects toenail clippings. But outdoor spots work too—farmers' markets are perfect because if conversation stalls, you can always talk about the ridiculous price of heirloom tomatoes.

Here's the thing about meeting in person after all those messages: sometimes the person who had you laughing at your computer turns out to have the personality of wet cardboard in real life. It happens. But sometimes—and this is the fun part—that person whose messages were just "nice" shows up and they're hilarious, charming, and smell really good. My neighbor met a guy whose profile was boring as toast, but in person? He did impressions of all the other people in the coffee shop until she nearly snorted latte out her nose. They've been together three years now.

Overcoming Common Senior Dating Challenges

Let's be real about the hard stuff, because pretending it doesn't exist won't make it go away.

First up: feeling like you have no idea what you're doing. Join the club—we have jackets. I went on my first date after my divorce and spent 20 minutes in the parking lot giving myself a pep talk. Then I walked in and my date said, "Thank God you're here, I've been nervous all day." We bonded over being terrified. Sometimes admitting you feel like a teenager at their first dance is exactly what breaks the ice.

Then there's the kids. Oh boy, the kids. Your 45-year-old daughter suddenly thinks she needs to approve your dates like you're sixteen and borrowing the car. Your son gets that worried look every time you mention meeting someone new. Here's what I tell people: "I appreciate your concern, but I've been making decisions since before you could tie your shoes. I've got this." Say it with love, but say it firmly. You didn't survive this long to need permission to have dinner with someone nice.

And yeah, we need to talk about health stuff. Maybe you've got arthritis that acts up. Maybe you're dealing with blood pressure meds that make you tired by 8 PM. Maybe you've got a bum knee from that skiing accident in '92. News flash: so does everyone else our age. I know a couple where she has MS and he's got diabetes. They joke that between them they've got one functioning body. They also travel, laugh constantly, and support each other through the tough days. That's what real partnership looks like.

The Unique Joys of Senior Dating

Now for the good stuff—and there's plenty of it.

Remember when you were 25 and a fancy date meant scraping together enough cash for Olive Garden? Now you can actually go to that French place downtown without checking your bank balance first. You can take that weekend trip to wine country. You can get the good seats at the theater. My friend surprised his girlfriend with a hot air balloon ride for their six-month anniversary. Try doing that on a 30-year-old's budget.

But here's what's even better: nobody cares if you show up in the same outfit you wore last week. You don't have to pretend you like clubs or craft beer or whatever young people are into these days. You can say, "I'm tired, let's call it a night" at 9 PM and nobody thinks you're boring. You can talk about your grandkids, your medications, or that weird thing your hip does when it rains. It's all fair game because everyone gets it.

And let's talk about the intimate stuff for a minute. (Don't worry, I'm not getting graphic—nobody needs that.) But here's what women in my book club say: when you're not worried about getting pregnant, when you know what you like, when you're with someone who's also figured things out... well, let's just say youth isn't everything. One friend put it perfectly: "At 30, it was about impressing each other. At 70, it's about enjoying each other." There's a big difference, and the second one's a lot more fun. This evolution often leads to deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Success Stories to Inspire Your Journey

Behind every senior dating website are countless stories of people who took a chance on love and won. These aren't fairy tales—they're real experiences from people who probably felt just as uncertain as you might feel now.

Take Margaret and Robert, who connected on a free senior dating site at ages 72 and 74. Both widowed, they initially bonded over their shared love of gardening and grandchildren. What started as friendly messages evolved into long phone conversations, then coffee dates, and eventually a beautiful partnership. Three years later, they split their time between their two homes, maintaining independence while building a life together.

Or consider David, 68, who joined a senior dating service after his divorce. He wasn't looking for marriage—just companionship and maybe someone to join him for concerts and museum visits. He met several interesting women through the platform, some becoming friends, others dating partners. The freedom to explore different connections without pressure helped him rediscover confidence and joy in social interactions.

Then there's the story of Linda and Patricia, who found each other on a senior dating platform at age 65. Both had been in long-term relationships with men earlier in life but discovered their authentic selves later. The senior dating community's acceptance and the platform's inclusive policies allowed them to connect openly and build a loving relationship they might never have found otherwise.

Making the Most of Free Features

While premium memberships offer advantages, savvy seniors can accomplish a lot using just free features. The key is understanding each platform's limitations and working creatively within them.

Start by maximizing your profile on multiple platforms. Since basic membership is free on most sites, there's no reason to limit yourself to just one. Different sites attract different demographics, so casting a wider net increases your chances of finding compatible matches. Just be sure to use the same username across platforms if possible, making it easier to manage multiple accounts.

Take advantage of free communication weekends and promotional periods. Many dating sites offer periodic free trials or special events where premium features are temporarily unlocked. Mark these on your calendar and plan to be active during these windows. You might accomplish in a free weekend what would otherwise take weeks of limited communication.

Learn each site's workarounds. For instance, some platforms that limit messaging still allow you to communicate creatively through profile updates or by answering profile questions in ways that share information. While you should never try to circumvent safety features, understanding what's possible within the rules helps you make connections despite limitations.

Beyond Romance: Finding Community

Here's something nobody mentions in those dating site commercials: sometimes the best thing you'll find isn't a date—it's a friend who actually wants to see that new documentary about fungi with you.

I've got a buddy named Frank who met a woman on OurTime. They talked for weeks, met for coffee, and realized they had zero romantic spark. None. Zilch. But they both loved photography and complained about their kids moving too far away. Now they meet up every Saturday for photo walks, and he's teaching her how to use Lightroom. His wife died five years ago, and he says finding a friend who gets it has been just as valuable as finding romance would have been.

The forums on these sites are goldmines if you're feeling isolated. Where else can you jump into a conversation at 2 AM about whether Tom Selleck was better in Magnum P.I. or Blue Bloods? (The correct answer is Magnum P.I., obviously.) I've seen threads about everything from "What do you tell your grandkids about online dating?" to "Best cruise lines for singles over 60" to "Anyone else's arthritis acting up this week?" It's like a 24-hour diner where everyone's around your age and nobody judges you for ordering pancakes at midnight.

Some sites even run virtual events now. Wine tastings where everyone's in their living room. Book clubs discussing whatever Oprah recommended. Cooking classes where half the participants accidentally mute themselves while asking questions. Sure, it's not the same as in-person, but when you're snowed in or your car's in the shop, it's nice to have options.

Staying Motivated During the Journey

Let me paint you a picture: It's Tuesday night. You've sent five messages this week and gotten zero responses. Your last match turned out to be looking for someone to join their multilevel marketing scheme. The guy before that used a profile photo from the Reagan administration. You're sitting there wondering if maybe you should just get more cats and call it a life.

We've all been there. Every single person who's found love online has had those nights. My sister called me once and said, "I'm done. I'm deleting everything. The men on these sites are either dead, married, or delusional." Three weeks later, she messaged a retired teacher named Paul. They're planning a trip to Italy next spring.

The thing is, online dating is like fishing. Some days you'll catch nothing but old boots and seaweed. Some days you won't even get a nibble. But you keep casting because you know the fish are out there. And unlike actual fishing, you can do this in your pajamas without getting up at 4 AM.

When it gets to be too much—and it will—take a break. Seriously. Deactivate your profile for a month. Go spoil your grandkids. Take that pottery class. Binge-watch that show everyone's been talking about. The dating sites will still be there when you get back, probably with the same people plus a few new faces. I know a woman who takes a break every February because "nobody wants to date during tax season anyway." She might be onto something.

Each bad date is actually useful, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time. That woman who spent the entire lunch talking about her ex? Now you know emotional availability matters to you. The man who complained about the restaurant, the weather, and kids these days? You've learned you need someone who can find joy in small things. Think of it as research. Expensive, sometimes boring research that requires putting on real pants, but research nonetheless.

Celebrate small victories along the way. Had a great conversation? That's a win, even if it doesn't lead to more. Stepped out of your comfort zone by messaging someone new? Give yourself credit for the courage that took. By acknowledging these incremental successes, you maintain positive momentum even when the ultimate goal feels distant.

The Future of Senior Dating

As technology continues to evolve and the senior population grows, the landscape of elderly dating sites will undoubtedly transform. My niece keeps telling me about virtual reality dates where you can walk through Paris together from your living room. Sounds like something from The Jetsons, but apparently it's real. She showed me an app where the computer picks your matches based on facial expressions in your photos. I told her in my day, we judged facial expressions in person, usually after someone saw the dinner check. But hey, if robots can help me avoid another date with someone who collects porcelain dolphins, I'm all in.

What's really changed is how normal this all seems now. Five years ago, my son looked horrified when I mentioned online dating. Last month? He helped me pick which photos to upload. His kids think it's cool that Grandma has "matches." My granddaughter even offered to help me write better messages because apparently "Hey there" isn't cutting it anymore. (She was right.)

These free sites keep getting better because they're all competing for us—and there are a lot of us. By 2030, something like one in five people will be over 65. That's a lot of people looking for dinner companions, travel partners, and yes, romance. The sites that figure out how to keep us safe while actually helping us connect are the ones that'll stick around. The ones trying to nickel-and-dime us for every little feature? They'll go the way of Blockbuster Video.

Taking the First Step

So here you are, still reading. Maybe you've got a cup of coffee going cold while you think about whether you're really going to do this. Maybe you've already picked which site to try first. Maybe you're telling yourself you'll start tomorrow (but we both know how that goes).

Here's my advice: just do it. Tonight. Right now, before you talk yourself out of it. Pick one site—I don't care which one—and spend 20 minutes setting up a basic profile. You don't need to write your life story. Just put up that photo from last month where you're smiling, write three sentences about yourself, and hit save. You can fancy it up later when you're feeling brave.

Think of it like going to a party where you don't know anyone. You don't have to be the life of the party or meet your soulmate. You just have to show up and see what happens. Some nights you'll meet interesting people. Some nights you'll pet the host's dog and leave early. Both are fine.

And please, be nice to people. I know that sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised. If someone messages you and you're not interested, a simple "Thanks, but I don't think we're a match" is plenty. Remember, there's a real person reading your words, probably someone who spent 20 minutes working up the courage to say hello. We're all in this weird digital fishbowl together, trying to figure it out as we go.

Your Next Chapter Awaits

You know what I love about being our age? We've stopped believing in fairy tales but we haven't stopped believing in magic. We know Prince Charming probably has high cholesterol and needs reading glasses, but we also know that real love—the kind where someone knows exactly how you take your coffee and still thinks you're cute in the morning—that's the stuff that matters.

Maybe you'll meet someone next week who makes you laugh until your sides hurt. Maybe it'll take six months and seventeen mediocre coffee dates. Maybe you'll make three new friends and decide that's enough for now. All of those outcomes are perfectly fine. The only bad outcome is letting fear keep you from trying.

I talked to a woman last week who met her husband on a free dating site when she was 74. She said, "I figured I had two choices: stay home feeling sorry for myself or see what was out there. Turns out what was out there was a 76-year-old retired plumber who makes me laugh every single day." They're planning their wedding for next spring. Small ceremony, big party, sensible shoes.

Look, nobody's saying you have to find your forever person. Maybe you just want someone to try new restaurants with. Maybe you want a Saturday night date so you're not the only single person at your friend's dinner party again. Maybe you want the whole deal—love, companionship, someone to argue with about what to watch on Netflix. Whatever you're looking for, it's valid.

The internet gave us cat videos, the ability to argue with strangers about politics, and yes, the chance to find love after we thought that ship had sailed. Your person might be out there right now, scrolling through profiles, wondering if anyone will appreciate their extensive collection of bird watching guides or their ability to quote entire episodes of Murder, She Wrote.

So go on. Set up that profile. Use the photo where you're laughing, not the one where you're trying to look serious and distinguished. Write about the things that make you happy. Be honest about what you want. And remember—the worst thing that can happen is you'll have some stories to tell at book club.

Welcome to the adventure. It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's waiting for you. Who knows? This time next year, you might be the one telling your friends about this amazing person you met online. And if not? Well, at least you'll know you tried. That's more than a lot of people can say.

Now stop reading and start clicking. Your next chapter is about to begin, and something tells me it's going to be a good one.