Single parent and saying?

[lyssie29]

My fiance passed away over 2 years and I think I'm ready to start dating but how do you meet someone when you're a single parent? I can get a babysitter sometimes but I can't really get out to meet anyone properly. Has anyone tried dating sites? If so which ones are any good?

Meant to say single parent and dating!

I tried dating apps but their consistent desperate need for sex put me off. When I told them I was there for chats or dating they soon stopped messaging me back. It's like if i had replied "I'm looking for sex" they'd be very keen lol there's no normal guys on those sites imo.

There are normal guys on dating sites - but we are all hiding from the crazy women you can get on there! 😂

Personally, I'm not a fan of the online dating thing. I use match.com, but only very half heartedly. Had a few dates, but nothing that had the potential to turn into something. A lot of women seem to be put off by a dad who has his kids half the time, and it can be very difficult for us fellas to even find women who will respond to messages. But I think it's different for women - I have a few friends who use dating sites, and they seem to have the opposite problem. They get deluged with messages from guys - most of whom are (shall we put it kindly?) not dating material. So they seem to struggle to sort the wheat from the chaff.

So I figure it's worth trying the old fashioned way as well. Try to get out and do the things you love (whatever that is - for me, it's outdoor stuff like kayaking, hiking etc), and you can meet like minded people with the same interests that way. It's not about the dating - it's about having fun and filling your life with stuff you love doing - and any romantic interests that come along are just bonus! But I recognise that will be harder when you struggle for childcare. You could try the Meetup app, which has lots of parents / single parents social clubs on there, nd they often arrange activities that involve the kids. It's not about dating, so it's way more relaxed while still providing a way of meeting new friends or more.

I found a great guy through Bumble (he was 4 kids!!!). Plenty of Fish seems ok too.

It is fun to get back out there, the bad dates will turn into funny stories you can tell your friends and the good dates boost your ego.

There are a lot of fathers on the sites so they understand the whole parenting thing. Just watch out for the guys just interested in sex (unless that's your thing!). They are everywhere but pretty easy to spot!

Good luck!!

@Lonelyjemma, I’m glad you said that. I’ve been on my own since ds was 3. He’s 9 now. Last year I tried POF and the responses I got were so sex obsessed & graphic I gave up.
At this rate, I’ll try again when ds goes to university.