Dippin - I don't think Helena was intentionally trying to be insulting. Granted, she did make references to the attitudes shown on here putting her off dating, but I don't think she meant to cause offence.
I'm wondering why a married woman feels the need to weigh in on a dating thread which she's obviously followed carefully for a long time though, to say it's not for her. As someone with no recent experience of dating, or inclination to do so, I'm not sure that your perspective, advice and input is of much benefit to people here, Helena. I mean, if you have something helpful to say then go ahead and say it, but those who are going through the pitfalls of dating - online or otherwise - for whatever reasons, probably don't appreciate input like yours.
And yes, I know people on the thread are grown ups but some are in vulnerable positions, so I still think people shouldn't date the thread.
Your input, VintageCrap would be valued and interesting if you weren't actually banned from Mumsnet for making repeated personal attacks on other members. And you keep popping up under yet another name, and yes they still know it's you, and yes you'll be banned again shortly. ffs.