Is it too late for me to find a partner?

[HildegardeCrowe]

I know I should be on Gransnet but Mumsnet has been my spiritual home since I was pregnant aged 40. I’m now nearly 64 and have been single for 11 years. I did a lot of online dating and had a serious relationship which ended in an engagement but haven’t done any for 10 years.

I’ve wanted a partner for a long time but just couldn’t be arsed/wasn’t in the right frame of mind to start looking again. I think I’m ready now but am wondering if it’s pointless as I’ll never meet anyone at my age. I’m attractive (often mistaken for someone 10-15 years younger) and very young at heart. My 21 year old daughter says I’m her best friend and I go out with her and her mates sometimes. I’m fine on my own but there’s an ache deep down inside and I think I’d really love someone in my life and feel desired again.

It’s never too late. We have several friends who met new partners in their 60s and 70s so go for it! Don’t get too serious too quickly, be careful about your money and have fun.

Thank you @mdh2020. Can I ask how your older friends got together?

It’s never too late OP and hopefully you have the savvy to avoid cocklodgers et al

At your age though i’d definitely be avoiding anybody who has never been married or in a committed relationship - but I’m sure you already know that ♥️♥️

@HildegardeCrowe me and you both
Let's have a night out on the pull
😂
If you find one , ask if he has
a mid 50's brother ...

Has mumsnet been going for 24 years??

When I was a child my parents ran a hiking club. I went to more weddings of the over 60s than I did of the under 40s. It's never too late!

My great-uncle got married a few years back, when he was 92!! His fiancee was, I believe, 2 years younger. They had been together for a good few years, but not decades!

Ah thanks everyone, very encouraging. I do a lot of dog walking and often speak to older chaps when I’m out and about. I did actually have something not that long ago with someone I met that way but it didn’t work out. There’s one I bump into quite a lot (he always seems really pleased to see me) and he’s really good to talk to and attractive but know I could never suggest a coffee in a million years as he’s probably got a partner. I do know he got divorced not that long ago as I know his ex-wife but not well enough to ask if he’s in a relationship.

Sound advice to keep money out of it, no loans, bailouts.. what’s that show on BBC 1 Mondays about all the love scams.. but enjoy the rest!!!

Why can't you ask him for a coffee ?
You don't have to make it out to be a date ... you just say something like " bloody hell it's so hot/cold/windy/wet out today , do you fancy grabbing a coffee "
Be prepared that it might not be convenient, he may not bring his wallet out when walking the dog or he may have plans
And before all the hovering hawks attack me .. yes of course us women can pay for a coffee but he may feel uncomfortable with that

Awww go on OP what is the worst that could happen ? 💐

He sounds like a decent prospect - any way you could figure out if he's single?

"What are you up to these days? Seeing anyone special?" - is that too cringe?

Have you tried meet ups ? If you search it, it’s people in your area and various hobbies that you can join. If you don’t want to go the online dating route. Let us know how you get on!

Oh god yes @category12! I could never! Maybe a casual suggestion off coffee is best @66babe but if he makes an excuse, I’ll have to avoid the park forever!

Nooooooooo he may genuinely be busy that day ... just go with the flow and ask him , I'm feeling optimistic for you and hoping he has a brother lol

@Beeeeeeeeeeeeeep

Has mumsnet been going for 24 years??

Nope.

Created in 2000, so it's not far off.

No Mumsnet started in 2000 I think so maybe I started using it shortly after DD was born in that year.

Go for it with that guy, you never know.

My 70 year old friend loves Meet Up. She hasn’t met the one yet but has a good circle of friends through it. Walking groups are also good, as are many special interest groups - one friend met her partner in their 60s through getting involved with Extinction Rebellion.

Well the guy dog walking sounds great! Agree with 66Babe just keep it casual and see what happens.You wouldnt need to avoid the park forever though anyway just go at a different time ? Not quite the same thing ,but chatted to a lady and got on well . Just asked if she wanted to go out somewhere one day and now have a new friend! Npthing ventured nothing gained as they say .64 is not too old by any means to meet someone new !

How's it going OP ? Did we go for a coffee or chat anymore with potential nice fella ? @HildegardeCrowe

@HildegardeCrowe

Oh god yes *@category12! I could never! Maybe a casual suggestion off coffee is best @66babe* but if he makes an excuse, I’ll have to avoid the park forever!

Ask him how come his partner never walks his dog. That'll get you a better idea of his position, and maybe give him an idea of what you're thinking.

When you're about to say goodbye to him on your dog walk, mention that you're off for a coffee at x cafe - make it like you've already got the plan to do that. Then, like a casual afterthought 'Oh, d'you fancy a coffee yourself..?' That's very low pressure. Even if he says no, you'll be able to tell if he's warm to the idea.

It's quite exciting! Let us know how you get on