To admit to a sense of loneliness and isolation

[overflowingtreasure]

Before I am told otherwise, let me explain I am a very strong person and I am able to be and to an extent take pride in being independent. I realised as my 30s came to a close that I needed to take action if I wanted to be a parent, and my daughter is the result of fertility treatment with donor sperm.

She light up my world and my life and is everything I dreamed of. I am so very happy.

However, under the guise of anonymity I will here admit to feeling lonely. I would have liked to have met someone, got married and had someone to enjoy the evenings with.

I wonder if anyone else is in my shoes (I won't "date", while DD is little - don't have time anyway!)

How do single parents meet other single parents?

[yorkshapudding]

I think it's sad that lonliness is something people feel they have to 'admit' to, as though it were something to be ashamed of and not a normal human emotion. I also think that our society would be more compassionate and cohesive if we all spoke more openly about the experience of lonliness. You can be 'independent' and 'strong' and still miss the affection and companionship that comes from having a partner. Also, it doesn't diminish your love for your wonderful DD to acknowledge that the affection and companionship we get from our kids (although lovely) is not the same and it's perfectly reasonable to want both.

[Seeyounearertime]

How old is LO OP?
If old enough I'd suggest going to places like indoor play when they do toddler sessions. Lots of other Mums, maybe some dads.

I'd focus on meeting some friends and not worry bout dating so much, maybe organise a few play date evenings with another mum or dad.
It sounds bad but use your LO to make infections, if she befriends another kid then you kind of have to befriend the parents.

[StarOnTheTree]

I met lots of single parent friends by going on single parent holidays Single With Kids

Started going on them when my youngest DD was only 1

I'm lonely too but I don't want a relationship so this is how I get some company.