To ask about internet dating - over 50

[brightbluecast]

Can I ask for the low-down on dating websites? I’m assuming the ones that charge a fee might slightly weed out some of the chancers, as opposed to the free ones??

I’m mainly lonely and sad and would like to have some nice dates with interesting men. Not looking for sex or a relationship. Platonic with a bit of flirting.

I’m 52.

I met my partner of several years, who I now live with, on Tinder. He's in his 50s. Don't discount the free apps or the ones that people say are hook up apps as that's not everyone's experience. Maybe I just got lucky though.
The only thing though is if you aren't looking for sex or a relationship what are you looking for? Men on dating apps will be looking at one or the other. It sounds like you might be better on friendship apps - I'm sure they exist - or doing Meet Up or something like that.

Definitely friendship apps, or at least be very clear that you're looking for companionship only in your profile. No point in wasting anyone's time.
I think Match is the best of a bad bunch, but again, this is with a relationship focus in mind.
Good luck and have fun!

I just cant right now contemplate anything physical although I could imagine with the right person it could develop. Perhaps. Slowly. But I wouldn’t want to be misleading so easier to say platonic.

I’ve looked a bit at friendship websites but find them nowhere near as plenteous as those for dating. And when I quiz myself and my motivations, I realise I very much want to be in the company of men rather than women. Although more female friends wouldn’t go amiss either.

What sites would you recommend? I don’t really know how to use apps. But if that’s the way forward I’ll have to learn.

I sill just mention this, I am sure you already know, but just so you don’t make the same mistake as me...

I thought Friends with Benefits meant I could find a wall plasterer to do some house wall rendering for me, and in return I would provide dog activity holidays for his pets....

How naive am I?

😂

If you’re looking for companionship but no relationship or sex then honestly, your dating pool is going to be very small indeed.

There will be a vanishingly small number of men on traditional dating sites who just want to meet for dinner and a nice chat.

I wonder if meeting men with whom you share similar interests might be a better way to go? Do you have any hobbies where it might be possible to connect with like minded men as friends?

@SynchroSwimmer - that made me laugh! I recently realised the meaning of FWB so hopefully I won’t make that mistake!

@Oryxx - yes, it’s a bit niche, isn’t it? I’m probably asking for the impossible. I already do a couple of hobby things (although suspended at the moment) and it’s hard to make friends with either sex - cliquey or weird or both. I planned last year to get fit, lose some weight and join a walking group but for one reason or another it didn’t happen. I should resurrect that plan.