Internet dating experiences

[Parisflowers]

Has anyone had any success with internet dating?

I have name changed for this as it's quite embarrassing to admit.

Late 20's, no DCs. Split with my ex earlier this year - he was emotionally abusive and I've had counselling which has helped me realise I'm a bit co-dependent and seem to be attracted to people who are a little narcissistic and just generally get taken advantage of.

I've since been using a few dating sites but I'm having no luck at all. Been on a few dates (one asked how soon I'd want children on the first date! - another asked me to go on holiday with him before we even met but then changed his mind within hours). Met a lovely soldier who after chatting for a few weeks asked to meet me at a hotel but when I said no (i.e I'm not looking for just casual sex) he told me he has no time for a girlfriend and can't commit to anyone right now. It's so frustrating when you spend a bit of time talking to someone and then they go cold on you.

Does anyone have any success stories? Ways of filtering out these people? I'm very cautious not to make the same mistake as I did with my ex.

I matched with a guy on tinder who lived in the same street as me (who I had never met) 5 years later wer married and baby on the way!

I may add that I did get A LOT of messages from guys who just wer me after sex and I did get A LOT of conversations where "send nudes" was mentioned.

You just need to be clear what you want. Good luck!!!!

In my mid 20's I used POF/match for approx 4years and chatted to 50+ people and had 3 semi-serious relationships of approx 6months each.

After the third one break up I decided to be more ruthless and set up some rules ...

1. only date people within a comfortable commute distance (for me this was 45mins)
2. don't waste weeks of time on chit chat over email - arrange to meet up ASAP. A 40min coffee tells u much more than 4 weeks of texting.
3. if there's no spark after the initial meet - say thanks but no thanks and move on. You cant make chemistry
4. no sex until the 5th date - if they are really interested they will wait.

After 10months of following the rules I met my hubby - he ticked all the boxes and we have been together 8y (married 3y) and expecting our first baby in April!!

Decided what u want, Set urself some rules and persevere :)