If you’re single and ready to mingle, you’re hardly alone: There are 18 million unmarried Americans age 65 and older, according to a 2014 census by the U.S. government. While dating can be tough, you have the power to get what you want——whether it’s a companion, a lover, a spouse, or something else.

But first you need to figure out: Are you sabotaging your own efforts at finding love in the dating pool? We talked to dating and relationship experts all over the country to find out the most common dating mistakes people over 50 make.

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