Where/when do I start with dating?

[FiveStar2805]

So DH and I recently decided to part ways, I am moving out soon and have started telling family/friends (but not work!!! - for some reason I am really afraid everyone will judge me there). I’m 29 but not originally from the UK so I don’t have the usual local connections/that many old local friends. Do I go online? What other options are there? I obviously got in this relationship young so didn’t have to do all of this. I started seeing DH at uni so I’ve never even been on a proper adult date where you go to a restaurant + movie or whatever. And when is a good time? I feel ready to start testing the waters once I’m in my new place, I think.

How long were you together with your DH? I have read that you should wait one month for every year you were together. Seven months on from the day I split (after 11 years together) from my 'D'H after discovering his infidelity, I feel ready for some fun. Nothing serious though. It depends, I feel that the last year with him was really part of the process too so have taken off a couple of months .

8 years...but we’ve been over a long time. I’m quite keen to move on tbh. I just don’t know where to start

Don’t start until you feel ready to start dating and having sex with someone else.
You’ll know when you’re ready.
On line dating is ok for getting you out, it does have pros and cons. If you think you can deal with the people you meet online —there are a lot of knobs—

Do you think, sox? I tend to think the opposite, that it can be easy to get stuck in your own little bubble.

The Match.com events are popular now. I met my husband when I was running meetup.com events, they weren't specifically for singles but just by the nature of what it is, proactively going out to make new friends, most of the people there were single. X

I know what you mean. Have some time out with friends, don’t get stuck in that bubble. When you do start dating, a lot of it will be just for fun, you may have some great or dreadful - - sex- - dates.
Just don’t expect to find your next mr right immediately and enjoy yourself.
I did OLD in the past (long story short, it’s kinda how I met my now DH, but not, iykwim)
I would do OLD in the future, if I was widowed, it’s not all bad. Go with an open mind and a light heart 💐🥃 enjoy this bouquet and drink with me.

Definitely go online. There are a lot of knobs I agree but also some nice people and I met my husband on there. Even if you don't meet the love of your life on a dating site, it gives you confidence and is an easy way to chat to a variety of different people. Also, you don't have to meet up with every person you chat with. Sometimes it's good just to talk to people and give you an idea of what you do or don't want from a potential partner.

I think I’m too insecure to go online

Thanks for posting this thread OP, I'm in a similar position myself. I've dated a couple of guys I've met in real life since splitting with my long term ex partner a year ago but common theme has been "not looking for anything too serious." I don't think I am particularly looking for another serious relationship yet myself but would much rather let things run and see what happens.

Any recommendations for decent sites to try? Can't help but gringe at the thought of Tinder .

X

Thanks everyone!!!

Isn’t it Bumble that everyone recommends?