42 and single - any suggestions?!

[Lostlou]

So, I've been single for around 16 months. I split up with Ex bf of around 2 years last February. He had a DD from a previous relationship (not cause of split - she was lovely bless her). Previously married for 13 yrs and no kids of my own. I feel like I wasted my entire 30s in an unhappy marriage and I have a massive amount of regret that I'm wasting my life away.

I'm 42 and facing the reality of maybe being on my own. It scares me. I'm fine living on my own. I have a great job and have my own house and I'm saving money sensibly so can manage financially on my own without any worries.

I just have this feeling that it would be nice to share my day with someone. It would be nice to have someone that actually fancies me and wants to be with me.

I've tried OLD sites including Match, Fitness Singles, Eharmony and now Tinder and POF. A few dates but not much success. A couple (well 3) drunken encounters, not from the dating sites, since last Feb but nothing else.

I just need cheering up. Someone please tell me there's still life out there!! I consider myself a young 42 and some of the guys on these dating sites who claim to be around my age look between 10-15yrs older.

I've had great advice from friends who say it's OK to be on your own (they are all in relationships though lol) and I know it is. I just wish it was different...

Any thoughts?!

Thanks :-) x

No problem Accordingtome. Must have been slightly stressful seeing your ex on there.

I was 42, and had been single for 18 months. Went out with a friend for some drinks on her birthday. We popped into a wine bar near her flat on the way back to hers (I was staying the night) and got chatting to a guy. We went out for a drink the next week and we were married within 6 months. That was 20 years ago. He is 8 years younger than me. I never thought I'd get married but at 42 I had definitely NOT given up hope of another relationship. You never know what's round the corner OP!

I met my DP on Tinder I was 43 he was 37. Eighteen months later it's all good. Just keep swimming as Dory would say

Cherrypepsimax

I met my second husband on POF! It works! I dated around 12 people before that tho !

I agree with PP about looking outside of your physical 'type'.

I had a very, very strong preference for tall (6'3" +), dark hair and rugby type build.

My DP is 5'10", bald with a distinctly gingerish tone to his beard and not at all the stocky type build I prefer but I luff him.

FWIW...I went on 43 first dates from OLD before meeting my DP. There were many bad dates, arseholes and wrong choices along the way. Stick with it!

Read this and laughed op as you sound like me! After just nosing at the weekend as a friends on one I signed up. I didn't think I was picky but seems I am! I 'thought' I had no actual requirements but as someone said looking at my searches shows men who all look the same! Need to widen my horizons! All I do know (and as shallow as it seems!) he has to be attractive..my first husband wasn't yet we lasted 12 years and my last partner was and it certainly helps. Good luck op someone will come kng when you least expect it!