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Relationships

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Original poster

Where are women in their thirties meeting serious partners offline?

59 replies

Clmtrrtox · 30/09/2026 19:19

Where are we meeting partners or potential partners these days?

I absolutely cannot do online. I just can't.
I go salsa dancing but most men there just want a leg over.

Other than that, I don't go out really. I work with all women. I'm 31 and have a young son so a bit limited sometimes.

I find most men 30+ just don't want anything serious these days or they just pretend to...

I'm happy on my own I just don't want to be. I want a family and a partner

OP posts:

JT1999 · 05/10/2026 10:00

Excited101 · 03/10/2026 14:50

Parkrun! But we’re 20 years apart in age and Mumsnet hates age gap relationships…
he is the best man I’ve ever met though, and a phenomenal dad to boot. I’d never really choose to be with someone so much older than me but here we are, I’m enjoying it while I can- obviously older age brings challenges to everyone.

Mumsnetters hate age gap relationships? Bad news for me then, my hubby is ten years older than me. Personally I think it works great.

Eatyergreensorelse · 05/10/2026 10:03

Thatsthebottomline · 01/10/2026 11:39

If you buy three boxes of Coco Pops there's an address on the back where you an order your ideal man.

My colleagues neighbour did it, she's 37, a larger lady with three kids. She decided she wanted a tall, dark handsome man with about three million in spare cash and in a fortnight he turned up, swept her off her feet and now she's married and they are all living in his eight bedroomed house in Kensington.

It could happen to you too, just make sure you buy those Coco Pops.

😆Does he have an older brother ??

Eatyergreensorelse · 05/10/2026 10:05

I met my second husband at church.

Eatyergreensorelse · 05/10/2026 10:21

StandingDeskDisco · 01/10/2026 13:02

most men there just want a leg over

Most single men everywhere just want a leg over (and a fair good few of the married ones too).

All the good men who want long-term, stable relationships will have got married already by their mid thirties and will still be in those relationships.

When I left my DS's father, I wanted another relationship. I was single for over ten years, and not for lack of looking and trying.

Sorry.

Show quote history

I was single in the same situation for 20 years but I used the time productively getting new skills etc. and building a sucessful business.

HorseandHeron · 05/10/2026 10:25

All the women I know who have recently found love offline did it through interest groups - ones they went to because of genuine interest, not as a way of meeting a man. So they got chatting about something they had in common, rather than the pressure of a date.

FWIW they include:
photography course
spiritual/dance retreat
at a local club that puts on small indie bands
creative writing class
running club

HorseandHeron · 05/10/2026 10:34

BeautifulLittlePumpkin · 01/10/2026 14:48

I do think this is true. The good ones have been snapped up.

Show quote history

I don't think it's true. A friend's son is really looking for a ltr. He is about 30, has a good job, brilliant cook, lots of interests. Somehow never seems to get beyond a second date on OLD. Imo he is good looking - slim, floppy hair, sweet smile. He's probably not bursting with self confidence like some men are.

DH was similar - quiet and a bit shy and earnest when I met him. Such a refreshing change from the selfish egotistical men I'd met before. Once we got to know each other, I discovered he was hilariously funny, had loads of similar interests to me, and similar values in life, was a great cook and a really romantic, thoughtful man.

Eatyergreensorelse · 05/10/2026 11:11

BeautifulLittlePumpkin · 01/10/2026 14:48

I do think this is true. The good ones have been snapped up.

Show quote history

I would disagree.
My second husband was in the Armed Forces and was away from home a lot. Then after his dad died he took his elderly mother in to look after her.
He also had quite few hobbies that took up his time.
So he never married because he didn't 'click' with anyone until he met me.
I was new to his area because I had an elderly relative who needed support, and we met at church.

Jk987 · 05/10/2026 11:15

At work. We used to go into the office a lot more then and there was a good social scene in the evenings. The Meeup app is good, doesn’t need to be specific singles groups but I know a few couples who have met via their socials. Also through friends.

FestiveDiscoBall · 05/10/2026 11:28

Hinge - I was 34 and he was 38(both no children). Took a long time to get there and lots of bad dates, but absolutely worth it as he is amazing in every way.

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