Love at 39?

Lovetheroses · 2026-06-21T22:52:13+00:00

I’ve just turned 39 and god I’m in need of something to uplift me so… please tell me your stories. Did you meet the love of your life at 39 or 40? I’ve not been in a relationship for 7 years. I don’t date because I just can’t bear online dating. I’ve not met anyone in real life. hoping to live vicariously and inspire myself through those of you who found the love of your life at 39 or 40

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 21/06/2026 23:56

Met my DP at work. I was 43, they were 40.

Started a new job, walked in and there they were; the person I was supposed to be with.

SaraHoliday · 22/06/2026 01:01

Well no, I met him years before! But I've recently met someone new purely by being at a wedding reception! Online Dating isn't for me either. I need to feel a spark and connection; on the off chance that some things are 'meant to happen'.

You never know!

suburberphobe · 22/06/2026 01:16

Online Dating isn't for me either. I need to feel a spark and connection; on the off chance that some things are 'meant to happen'.

God, yes!

I met a man when I was 50 OP. Still going strong after 20 years, probably because it's long distance lol.

I am solo mum to an adult child. It's been a long and often difficult journey.

I love living by myself after years solo mothering, working, aging parental care.

Go with the flow OP. And get out there to hobby clubs, taking a walk and have a coffee on a terrace, watch the world go round. I have nice chats with others then. Even a smile and a good morning lifts people's spirits.

Wishing you all the best.

mondaytosunday · 22/06/2026 08:13

After a disappointing relationship I girded my loins and joined an introduction agency at 38. Online dating was in its infancy and as you had to go in person to be ‘interviewed’ and pay a relatively high joining fee I hoped this would weed out anyone just looking for a hook up and hopefully a better standard would be guaranteed by the fee - it was promoted as being for professionals. You filled in the usual info and had a pic and you could go and look through a couple ring binders of people and send off your bio to anyone who struck you and vice versa. A year of dating some interesting men (none were awful, a couple I was interested in but did not reciprocate and same other way, one became a good friend, two I dated for about six weeks). Then lucky 13! We married a year later, followed by two kids.
I don’t know how I’d meet someone now (I’m a widow). I don’t work in an office and my kids are grown. Really any man I’ve met in the last 15 years has either been married to a friend (and wouldn’t take any as a present tbh), or has worked for me (I used to flip properties so know/knew a lot of tradesmen). I’ve met a couple women dog walking but now both mine have died so I don’t even do that. I’ve done the usual courses from wood turning to wreath making to pottery but all women - not that I did them with meeting a partner in mind! I’m thinking of taking Spanish classes but imagine that will be mostly women too!
I think the best way is to accept any invites going - weddings, dinner parties, anything that will make you meet new people. Walking clubs seem to have a fair amount of men. Also tell your friends you are open to being set up, or at least being introduced to anyone eligible. It’s not your age, it’s the opportunity.

Original poster

Lovetheroses · 22/06/2026 16:02

Thank you for these! Please can I have more!

OP posts:

SaraHoliday · 22/06/2026 16:19

mondaytosunday · 22/06/2026 08:13

After a disappointing relationship I girded my loins and joined an introduction agency at 38. Online dating was in its infancy and as you had to go in person to be ‘interviewed’ and pay a relatively high joining fee I hoped this would weed out anyone just looking for a hook up and hopefully a better standard would be guaranteed by the fee - it was promoted as being for professionals. You filled in the usual info and had a pic and you could go and look through a couple ring binders of people and send off your bio to anyone who struck you and vice versa. A year of dating some interesting men (none were awful, a couple I was interested in but did not reciprocate and same other way, one became a good friend, two I dated for about six weeks). Then lucky 13! We married a year later, followed by two kids.
I don’t know how I’d meet someone now (I’m a widow). I don’t work in an office and my kids are grown. Really any man I’ve met in the last 15 years has either been married to a friend (and wouldn’t take any as a present tbh), or has worked for me (I used to flip properties so know/knew a lot of tradesmen). I’ve met a couple women dog walking but now both mine have died so I don’t even do that. I’ve done the usual courses from wood turning to wreath making to pottery but all women - not that I did them with meeting a partner in mind! I’m thinking of taking Spanish classes but imagine that will be mostly women too!
I think the best way is to accept any invites going - weddings, dinner parties, anything that will make you meet new people. Walking clubs seem to have a fair amount of men. Also tell your friends you are open to being set up, or at least being introduced to anyone eligible. It’s not your age, it’s the opportunity.

You brought back a funny memory for me! I started attending a language class many moons ago. It was a good mix of people and ages. The tutor seemed to think that the majority of us were there to meet someone.

I genuinely was there to learn.

The tutor seemed to delight in 'matching' people together. It became so uncomfortable, a few of us left; including I.

I've often wondered if this was a known place to meet people and I was unaware.

Interested in this thread?