Saving money & fixing a lonely heart?

MassEffectFan

Hi all,

Been a lurker for quite a while but finally decided to actually register and post something! Found a lot of the info on here very helpful over the last few years and am really hoping a few of you will be able to give me some advice.

Had a rocky couple of years after my father passed away in 2008 but have managed to really pull myself out of it since - got a nice house and a great job that I'm enjoying very much. One thing I've learned in that time is that life is too short to be alone and I would really love to meet someone special and maybe make some new friends along the way.

Unfortunately a lot of my friends have moved away and work means that I don't have as much opportunity to meet new people as I did a few years ago so I'm wondering if someone on here could recommend a good meeting/dating site? I'd never really tried that sort of thing before until recently when I tried one called PlentyOfFish - it was free but not very good at all, I found it to be a waste of time so I'm wondering if someone can recommend a good pay site that they've had good results with?

Also, apologies if this is the wrong part of the forum to post in - this one sounded like the closest match for this type of message.

Thanks

- G

savingmummy

Sorry to hear about your dad.

I have never been a fan for online chatsites to be honest (my sister and bro have both run off with internet lovers) and think you are better off gradually becoming more social and building up relationships.

I know there are a lot of sites available though so hopefully some people can help.
Good luck x

rainbow81

Hi

I am on POF and met my ex on it. I do agree it is a bit of a waste of time trying to sort the wheat from the chaff.

I have a couple of friends who have had some success with Guardian Soulmates. I am trying to make more friends myself and hopefully they might know someone who knows someone...you know how it goes...

It is not easy though, I do agree there.

MassEffectFan

Hi savingmummy and rainbow81,

Thankyou for your replies.

I'll take a look at that Guardian Soulmates one (although I'm not a Guardian reader myself).

Anyone know anything about eHarmony? Keep seeing it advertised and have had a look at it but looks a bit expensive... wouldn't want to spend all that money only to not get any replies from anyone! On the other hand I guess it would all be worth it if I found that special someone...

- G

AbFab

Hey.

Welcome to the forum!
I know I am not exactly answering your direct question, but I think you should do something outside of work to meet new people and widen your social circle in your area - my first suggestion would be to join your local gym, and do some classes, go for a sauna/steam afterwards, and just be friendly and chatty. Even if no one there is romantically right for you, you might make some friends who might have a friend they think is right for you, or you can go on nights out with them and meet someone that way etc etc - it's just a good idea to get yourself out there.
Or find a local charity you can help with, and you could meet people that way.

Sorry, I can't really advise on dating sites, though I hear Match has proved successful for a fair few people. I know it costs, as does eHarmony, but if you factor in how much you'd spend on a night out at a bar hoping to meet someone, it probably balances out.

youluckypanda

Hello!

Well before I met my partner I tried match.com, which I have to say I quite liked. I would suggest if you go down that route you can join without becoming a subscriber first and then do a bit of a search to see if there are any people that may fit the bill so to speak(!) before you decide to hand over the money for it.

When I joined, I went on about 4 dates in the month, which I'd say is pretty good value for money. If you think about it people go to bars to try and meet people, but for less money than a night out you are able to speak to a wider pool of people for longer.

However I met my partner at a book group, a good way to make friends as well as a possible lover?! Two birds, one stone. Not an online solution but more MSE!

Panda x

DigitalJedi

POF can be souldestroying for the uninitiated.

Match is fairly good.

You could also try something like CitySocialising which is more geared towards meets and making new friends.

Also, what about events like speeddating? Its fun if nothing else.

Bronnie

Hi!

Did you read this recent thread, I wonder?

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2211815&highlight=social+events+for+singles


This organisation was mentioned for activities for getting people together to enjoy activities, outings etc....not a dating site though. I wonder if there is one near you?

http://www.ivc.org.uk/

HTH

mackemdave

Hi
Try a site called makefriendsonline.co.uk

Good Luck

Agree that POF can be soul destroying but Ive met somone really nice from it so it can work

MassEffectFan

Hi all,

First - many thanks for the suggestions! Really appreciate the information and will check out the links mentioned also. The ones for meeting new friends and activities sound particularly interesting!

I might also look into finding some e-pals or penpals as it would be nice to have someone to just chat to, if nothing more.

I don't suppose anybody on here knows of a penpals website? I don't mind paying if it's a decent service. I did Google for it but what I turned up looked a bit dodgy and I wouldn't fancy putting my credit card details into somewhere like that!

Thanks again

- G

mackemdave

Try midsummerseve.com its free and a lot on there are interested in just chatting

Good Luck