Online dating... possible to do without any one finding out?

[Anewchapter19]

I a three years post divorce and I think about time I dipped my toe in to OLD

Close knit community though and I’m petrified school friends and acquaintances, neighbours, work colleagues may see my profile.

Is this just a risk one has to accept? Does it happen often that you are recognised and / or recognise others?

And whilst I have you... any recommendations for best sites??

Many thanks

In the days when I did OLD, I occasionally saw people from work (so presumably they saw me), it wasn’t mentioned. Honestly, so what! I thought the same as you at first but anyone on there wants a partner, just like you and OLD is nothing to be ashamed of. Just go for it.

Not sure about best sites though, sorry. I’ve always heard paid ones are good. Match maybe?

Thanks so much
I am nervous!
Very private and would prefer to keep to myself but I suppose it is the nature of the game
Will research best sites!

I even did speed dating once but wasn’t too keen on that. It’s surprisingly exhausting having pretty much the same short conversation (think it was 3 minutes) over and over again. Tinder is mainly good if you want a shag.

If they see your profile then they will be registered with an account, and therefore also OLD? So why would they care in that case?

It’s a pretty standard thing for singles to do now so don’t worry and go out and have fun!

Thanks @Glitterb

Any website recs?

I met my BF off POF, had quite a few dates beforehand though! Match I found was full of men from POF or married men 🙄
Tinder isn’t great in my opinion, not bad for entertainment!

I don’t think there is any stigma to doing OLD anymore. Just go for it! Who cares if anyone you know sees your profile? Good luck!

Honestly the majority of couples I know married within the last 10 years OLD or social media had something to play in them meeting I personally met my husband online. There's not a stigma anymore.

My brother in law met my sister in law on plenty of fish. I tried match once but soon realised you can do nothing at all unless you pay so never really bothered. That's my only experience though sorry. Good luck finding someone special

No I certainly don’t see a stigma attached to it!

But I simply don’t want work colleagues / local school acquaintances etc knowing that I’m actively seeking a relationship.

I am the same as you, i feel way too private to have pictures and info about myself, and have managed to date by using a profile with no picture. I even had a fake name..

I saw SO MANY people i recognise from work, uni, 2 exes, friends of exes! It just reinforced my decision!

I used tinder and pof. Not saying i met wonderful guys but they weren't creeps, not all after sex straight away, and having a lame profile didnt stop me talkjng to and meeting people.

I'd just go on with a blank profile (not all sites e.g. bumble let you create a profile without a face picture though) and see how you get on. Nothing to lose!