How do I start dating again?

[Pringleismyname]

I’m single in my 40’s and think it’s time I put myself out there, it’s been a huge culture shock in how dating now works. Majority of people meet online. Men approaching me in a bar/club doesn’t happen anymore which is sad as this was the norm back when I was open 20 odd years ago!

what do people even assume when it comes to dating these days?
in the sense, I’m open to dating not to enter into a relationship but more so on the social fun, emotional connection and sex side of things.

it seems like a huge minefield to navigate or am I just overthinking and should just get myself out there and just see what happens?

There's a long running dating thread on here OP which you might find helpful. Also the 'rules' ( tried and tested tips!) are listed at the top. Good luck!

I’ll have a look, thanks for the heads up

Thought I’d give an update on my situation. I met someone through a hobby yesterday and we hit it off quite well, spoke quite a bit during the hobby and exchanged numbers. It felt somewhat comforting that he messaged me last night. There’s no reading between the lines as it’s all on a friendly level at the moment. I’ll let it play out and see where it leads.
I think it’s worth I get into online dating, see what it has to offer and strike up some online friendships first to see if there’s any potential.

are men open to women making the first move these days?

What's the thread called please? I need to read it 🤦🏻‍♀️

when I split with my ex I waited a couple of years (not interested) and then signed myself up to an app, I had no clue, as you say the last time I dated you met at the club/bar… but I actually much preferred it. I had my own rules, like wouldn’t swipe on a profile that had no effort in it. I didn’t give my number out till I’d met someone for a date…I could choose to engage or not, I found it so liberating as I basically looked at it as job interviews for the role of fun companion! I didn't overthink anything, and found meeting people brilliant and hilarious, obviously some complete nutters, but i think because of the attitude i went in with it turned out to just be a really fun process. It was eye opening when I realised I didn’t need to meet a bloke for anything, I have my own house/job/friends/kids, just for fun only! I met the love of my life (which I know isn’t always possible) just celebrated three years together. I did get some good advice from my cousin (20’s) never go on a dating app, if you’re not feeling yourself that day. It’s all about what they can bring to your life!

I’m confused, I’ve been ghosted by the man I met on my hobby. I’ve been reading back my messages to him and I haven’t said anything out of context. It’s just normal conversations. We were planning on where to go eat and maybe do an activity beforehand, next thing I know, my message only has 1 tick by it and I can’t see his profile picture anymore. This is on WhatsApp so it’s clear to know he’s blocked me.

it’s so disheartening, it’d be great if he could tell me he wasn’t into it, I would’ve respected that but instead I’m left feeling disposable. It’s a horrible feeling

People, men and women, now date multiple people simultaneously. When one takes off all the others are ghosted.

You may have been 1 of 3 or 4.

this may have been the case, cos I’m stumped if it’s anything else!

im still navigating the whole dating world, thinking I may sign up to Tinder and see what that brings.

It's awful, and in my opinion, cruel, rude and cowardly.
But it is the way things seem to be now.

You’re right it is. It really left me feeling confused and doubting myself!

I have to remember that he meant nothing to me and it’s just a bruised ego on my side but these men need to man up and just say they aren’t feeling it!

Where is the dating thread? I am dating again but finding it hard to navigate.