Starting to feel like I will be on my own forever

[AHungryCaterpillar]

I’m a single mum and I have been on my own for 5 years now, my ex isn’t involved at all and left me to get on with it meaning I have no nights off like most single parents. So because of that I’ve been unable to date or meet anyone else, is this it for me now then? Am I destined to be alone forever now? The more time goes on the unlikely it seems I will ever meet anyone. My youngest is only 4 (he left me when I was pregnant) so I have a long way to go until I would be able to meet anyone. But I’m guessing the older you get the harder it will be to meet anyone decent? And surely people would be put off someone whose been single for 10+ years?

For what it's worth, I don't think anyone would be put off by being single for any length of time - it's fully understandable if you have kids. Are you on any dating sites, any opportunities to meet people through work/the kids social activities? We're in Ireland and my 5 year old plays hurley - there's a huge community of people involved in that. Sometimes it can be as simple as widening your social circle so you're actually meeting new people.

No Im no on old as seems pointless as I can’t go on dates and don’t really want to mess people around and be a time waster.

Don't lose heart OP. Plenty of relationships break up and people find themselves single and looking for love again.

I've been single for 10 years now but that's through choice. I have sole care of my ds so can't date easily but that doesn't seem to put people off.

And you can't be that old if you have a two year old

My youngest isn’t 2 she is 4.. there was a post on here the other day where a woman was asking what excuse to say about why she has been single so long as if it was something that would put someone off so maybe I’m over thinking that bit.

It will get easier, I promise. I met my DH in my 30s and got married again at 39. But I stayed single a long time through choice. As your child gets more independent, getting child care is easier. I would also recommend joining groups with other parents and children to widen your social circle.

Done the single parent thing, luckily I had family who could look after my son when on a date or a nightshift, so I did get to date on and off. Just met a lovely chap after 15 years and OLD on & off for 12 years. Best one I've met so far, I'm hopeful as it's going well -only been 4 months.
Have you got any friends or family who can support you, you can't be a hermit for the next 10 years?

You could go on dates during school hours if you wish, just initially meet someone at lunchtime for a coffee. If you end up with a connection and you find someone decent enough that you’re willing to pay for a babysitter you could then have the occasional night out.

No no family or friends that have my children. I never get a single night off.