Single at 50

[TravelMoose]

I'm 50 and raised my daughter on my own since she was 9yrs old. I didn't date or see anyone during this time as I wanted to focus on her. By that I mean, I didn't actively put myself out there. I had a few dates but nothing of much note.

Now she's older I'd like to date but it's been so hard to meet someone.

Have I missed the boat, feel like I should have started a few years ago.

No. Met my partner at 50.

Oh that's amazing, how did you guys meet, did you both have kids from previous relationships?

Met mine at 53 once my DD went to secondary and became more independent. The first person I responded to on online dating so i know i’m lucky! i replied as he lived near me and clearly wanted the same things out of the next phases of our lives.

I haven't tried online dating... Last date I had was a mum from my daughter's school. Was very flattering and we had a nice time but just didn't feel it. Was a good few years ago now.

Please don't feel you have missed the boat.
I raised my sons completely on my own for 12 years.
I was happy enough, l thought if l meet someone fine, if l don't meet someone, l will also be fine.
Last summer just as l had completed treatment for cancer l bumped into a man l had seen in my area a few times whilst cycling and walking, we arranged to go for a walk and ten months later we go out and about all over. The best thing is l have my own home and routines, and he has his. I am not looking for big changes, l much prefer living separately. It has had zero impact on my young adults who still live at home.
I would say just get out and about, maybe try online dating, l did do it for a while and met some decent enough men, no nightmares, but no real romantic feelings either, more like just friends.
I wasn't honestly looking for someone when l met my partner, l was more focused on my health.
Just remember there are still a lot of people out there you have yet to meet, love has no age limit, you can definately find and experience love at a later stage of life.
Broaden your social circles and interests and carry on building a way of life that suits you regardless of whether you have a partner or not.

I was widowed at 50 and fully expected (wanted) to be single forever.

I set about building an interesting life for myself, which I have to say I absolutely loved, and sometimes think I let go of too easily.

I joined clubs and said yes to absolutely every invitation to do or go anywhere. I also went to lots of events, days out and trips by myself. You meet people (male and female) when you go alone, in a way you don't when you go with others.

Anyway, it was genuinely done to build a new life myself amd meet interesting people doing things I loved, but I did meet a man through one of the clubs...

That's good to hear and hopefully the treatment is behind you !

@Runlikesomeoneleftgateopen I used to be a long distance runner but after 8 knee surgeries I had to stop. So my social circle kinda broke there and then moved area after my divorce.

Not sure I'm cut out for dating apps, but your story is encouraging..

Think I'd just go couger and have some fun at 50. Plenty of younger guys like older women :)

Sod tying myself to a man in his fifties for the next 30 odd years. Chances are you'll end up being maid, nanny and cook.

Erm. I'm a guy at 50

I have 2 adult sons (18 year old still living with me). He has never been married or had children. 4 years now and we are just about to move in together. Met through a mutual friend.

Good luck in your search, OP.

Ooh, twist. Well you'll probably be fine then either way.

Met my partner online when I was 47 and he was 51. His dd was 8 at the time; mine young adults. People find themselves alone at all ages; there's no specific time to start looking for a partner.

Get out there and you'll soon be eaten alive 😂

Honestly, half way presentable 50 yo men who are prepared to date their own age don't stay single for long if they don't want to.

I'm 52, been single parenting a long time and started OLD once my Dd left for uni. I'm currently happily dating a very nice man my age who's in the same circumstances - I'm sure there's loads of us out there!

If you are a genuinely decent bloke then you will be fine, they are thin on the ground.

I hope so 😊 Kinda intimidating getting back on the horse again.

Did she ask you out (flattering)? You need to be proactive and prepared to ask a woman out too if you feel a connection/spark. They can only say no!

Yes she asked me out, caught me unaware as I was walking back to my car, our little ones used to talk about each other. I was rushing a little and was kinda in my own zone, so must have missed any "signs" as we did have short conversations a few mornings a week.

I have a very small social tank, plus I find it difficult to fain interest. Suppose I need to get over that.

Difficult to feign interest? Why would you need to?! Only ask out women you are genuinely interested in!!

That's not what I meant, I mean if the date goes south and I'm not that interested after all. I find it difficult to keep a smile going to be polite, and warm.