My last husband Andy and I met online in on Dating Direct, so when I lost Andy in and was eventually ready to meet someone new, I wasn't a total novice when it came to online dating.
After a long period of shock and grief, I went back online and tried the mainstream dating apps; Tinder, Bumble and Hinge, and it felt like the Wild West.
So much had changed in 20 years. I was dealing with ghosting and catfishing, and it was hard to navigate. I experienced plenty of scenarios that left me with battle scars. Online dating is a challenge. At times it feels like a full-time job! You have to be proactive, you indeed get out what you put in. I enjoy the flirting, the late-night banter, particularly as a solo parent.
It can be a minefield but there are some very sweet, nice and generous people out there. I have enjoyed it and have had some wonderful dates and short-lived relationships. I have made some wonderful friends and had two relationships. One of the first dating encounters I had was with a gorgeous man who had a job that meant he was forever in an airport travelling - similar to me at the time.
We met in real life a few times and it appeared to be going very well. After a while, it dawned on me that we only ever spoke Monday - Friday, when he was travelling. He was, of course, married and returned to his family at the weekend. I cut off contact with him as soon as I found this out. I got talking to a very attractive man on a dating app. He said he was a retired medical professional. After a short time speaking on the dating app, he suggested we meet and moved our conversation to Whatsapp.
