Online dating experiences - give me hope!

[Onlinedater2]

I'm mid 30s, looking for someone to settle down with. So basically looking for 'the one'.

I have online dated on and off for about 5 years and haven't met anyone. So I wanted this year to be the one I do. So over the xmas break, I downloaded 2 apps.

I'm assuming its getting worse with age and my age range changing, but pickings feel very slim. And I can swipe through about 20 people and only find 1 I might be interested in. I am opened minded with looks, and the only thing I find non negotiable is if they don't want children or a casual relationship and if they smoke

I've been on dates with 2 different men so far this year and neither were for me.

Its just so deflating. Has anyone else been in the same boat and finally met someone online dating??? Or is it time to just delete the apps and accept life as a lonely childless person?

I met someone using OD in 2016. We’ve now been married for nearly 6 years.
i was starting to give up hope by that point though…

Delete apps and find other options? They are still out there even if you need to take up a new interest!
Found some-one in OD 7 years ago(and lots of other options at the same time ) but the fact is we would never have crossed paths without the internet.
Huge cultural and general differences you don't always notice when you are busy and having fun! Then when you notice it is too late(if in love).
So I would try both methods but still think IRL better!

I met my husband on line. We've been together nearly 17 years now.
You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince. Well not literally, but you know what I mean.
I went out on lots of dates, yes I was picky. I knew what I was looking for. I was 37 and didn't want to waste time on men who were looking for one night stands.
Don't give up, there's someone out there who's perfect for you.

Met my boyfriend last year online shortly before my 36th birthday. Very happy. Not sure if we will have children though. It may be that you have to focus on being happy with a partner at this stage rather than partner and children.

Oh and just to add, I actually didn't go on many dates at all (fewer than 5) before I found someone ideal for me! So it can work!

So if you have tried something unsuccessfully for five years isn’t it time to try to meet people otherwise? How are people’s positive stories from 17 years ago relevant? There is a similar thread on here on a weekly if not daily basis.

I met the love of my life nearly 15 years ago on a dating site. We had over 13 happy years together until he died of cancer a year past in November. So yes online dating does work.

3 years ago I met dp. I'd been playing around with dating for 2 years before that, casual and serious. In that dating patch, I was sexting one guy, seeing another casual lover, and dated a few off the apps. As soon as I met dp, I closed down all those options. But while they were around, it was fun.

I'd suggest not putting all your eggs into every basket you're in touch with. Look at it as a way of meeting people and having fun.

If it sounds like I'm some sort of Mata Hari, I'm not. I'd never behaved like that before in my life and I'm the most ordinary person. But it suited me at that time to play the field, and it stopped me becoming too focused on the progress of any one connection.

@ilovepixie So sorry for your loss. I send you my best wishes.

I met my partner through OLD. 5 dates, he was no 4. Had a date with no 5 between 1st and 2nd date with my partner.

We've been together over a year, super happy. In fact we're a bit bonkers and moved in together after 2 months.

It can work. I used Hinge as it was free!

Good luck.