Is online dating the way to go?

[PinotPirate]

I'm fairly recently single (since April) and friends have been encouraging me to go onto dating sites but just not sure they are for me!
Last time I was single they weren't really a big thing and I don't know how I feel about writing stuff about myself and putting up pictures.

I'm definitely not looking for a new relationship but would like to meet people and have fun. Just seems if you go onto a dating website and say you're not looking for a relationship that you just get dick pics sent which is not what I want either!

Since being single and being out with friends I have been approached twice but both times by married men 🙄

I've found a lot of people around me surprised that I'm happy to be single in my late 30s?! I said to a small group of friends that I would like to continue having sex but don't want to live with a man again and there were shocked faces! I have kids, been married and divorced and just not interested in going through it all again.
Is this it?! Am I destined to be sexless for the rest of my life or inundated with dick pics? Is anyone in a similar position?

It's your life, I'd date and I'm sure if someone wowed you you might change your mind.
You don't have to settle and you don't have to live together to be in a relationship.

Since divorcing in my late 20's with 1 young baby (10 years ago)

My dating history has been as follows (ALL from OLD and never lived with any of them)

3 year relationship, I ended it as I got busy at work and it was like college dating, hang out at his watch films go to gigs cycle together together. Nice but not very adulty. He had no kids

10 month relationship, I ended it because he was a narcissist, he would have proposed, looked after me financially and controlled my life

Dated a few guys not much came of it
Covid happened

Dated a guy for 2 years, would have moved in with him and done the whole family thing but he was recently divorced and struggling with his mental health and he grew distant and stopped seeing me until we had 'the chat'

Single for 1.5 years

5 months dating a guy, not enough there to keep going

Single for a year

Dated someone I didn't really like, 1 date

Dating someone now for 2 months

I just date them and see what happens but the guys aren't competing with each other they're competing with my alone time.

I know how to 'date myself' I work hard, do everything around the house,bills, garden, car etc. and keep fit.

And I make time to treat myself 😊

My ex husband did used to have my DD every Friday sometimes Saturday which freed me up for dating.
He has since moved and only sees her once a month on a weekday!

It can work if you work hard at it!

OLD is worth it. I find it very convenient in that I can sit at home and make connections without actually going out. I understand your concerns but you can't allow anyone else to live your life for you. Do what makes you happy. If you want to have sex but live alone that is your choice.
I recently got back into OLD dating myself after taking a break for a couple of years. I am enjoying my independence at this stage in my life. We seem to have a few things in common so feel free to reach out if you need any advice. 😀

Thanks for replies. @shakeitoffshakeacocktail you have definitely had a wide experience of online dating, really helpful to read how you've done it without living with anyone. I'm quite happy being by myself and have filled in my time so the only thing I feel I'm missing is the sex and connection that comes with it. Just not the same on my own. I wouldn't be totally against dating but I'm not ready for anyone to be involved with my kids or even stay over at my house which I feel quite protective over so didn't want to fall into a relationship rather than casual dating.

@Flirtyou thank you I will drop you a message and see how you're getting on with OLD - mostly hear horror stories about it which hasn't helped!