Online dating at 40

[Poppy212]

I was married for 10 year, divorced 2 years now, it was a very controlling relationship and it didn’t end well.
I’m finally starting to feel like I could consider dating again, but where do I start? It all seems to be online dating and apps now, which are the better ones? The thought is so daunting!

Develop a thick skin and find some really good boundaries would be my piece first advice!

OLD is pretty shit on the whole but there is the odd gem out there, you might just have to kiss a few frogs first and fend off those who are just plain odd 😂

Personally I've had most success on POF (met current bf on there) but many people hate it. Bumble is supposed to be good and many like Match. Try a few and see what works for you.

Most of all enjoy it. Despite all the bad bits you will meet some great people (even if they're not the love of your life) and go to places you've never been before. Just be safe and don't take any crap!

Good luck x

Bumble and Match were good for me. I would say, take your time getting to know people as it can take months before people show their true colours. Treat it like a hobby if you are able and see it as an experiment, it can take a while to meet someone suitable but it can work it well. It is a bit of a roller coaster sometimes so be prepared to take breaks if it's doing your head in. Good luck

I’m 50, and decided on Hinge; easy to use. Have been on for 2 months, had a few first dates - and finally hope I’ve met a good one! Date 3 looms 😀

POF worked for several of my friends. Also one couple I know met on Match.
Agree about developing a thick skin.
Set your boundaries and stick to them.
Ignore any replies from dickheads.
It’s the same as other aspects of life,
You might come across 1000 in your daily life and not meet anyone you fancy, treat on line dating the same.

PoF worked for me. OH and I are still happy ten years later.
To me the key is perfecting your profile to discourage the type you are not interested in and communicating over time before agreeing to meet.
My best tip is to sign up as a man looking to meet a woman of your age. You then get to see the profiles of your competition. Take time to get your profile perfected then sign up for real. Keep refining your profile based on the responses you get. Enjoy.

Come and join us on the Dating thread, lots of women (and a few men) of all ages trying to navigate the world of dating.
Some are on breaks from dating, some are dating, some are in early stages of relationships, some are in longer relstionships but we are there for support to anyone.
Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry but most of all we hold each other up with words of wisdom when things are tough.

Before you start have a good think about what you are actually looking for, mindset and lifestyle-wise. Helps you not get too distracted by a pretty face

For me, it was: childless, but wants kids in the future, owns home, professional job, good relationship with family, like animals, affectionate and ready to start a relationship with a mind to marriage if we worked.

Sounds cold, but I meet all of tye above criteria and didn't want to compromise my lifestyle for a man.