50, single but hopeful!

eastofeden

Has anyone any constructive advice for me, please? I am a fifty year old mum, living in East London with two teenage sons 16 and 14.

I have been apart from my husband for seven years and cannot believe where the time has gone! I would dearly love a new relationship, have tried internet dating (which is OK and I have met a few nice men, but none that I would like to see again really. All the men of my age seem to be looking for 18-35 year olds, which is a bit annoying!

I have a social life, but if I'm honest, it does not really expand my horizons or take me where I can meet new people. Without boasting, I have a good job, lovely home, am quite attractive and funny (sorry, I'm not turning this into a new dating ad I promise!) and plenty of interests (like running, which I do on my own!!), but I can't seem to think of new ways of meeting people.

I joined a Book Club, only to find it was women only! AAAAAgh! I suppose what I would like is some kind of social club (god that sounds naff) for people who are a bit older, but certainly with plenty of life left in them!!

I have recently volunteered to be an Independent Custody Visitor, but let's face it, not really going to meet Mr Right in the lock ups!!

Although I would like a new partner, a new group of friends would also be great. So please please, any advice would be welcome!

Thank you Money savers. Eastofeden

RibAd

Hmm... there's only a couple of things I can think of...

Maybe you could meet someone through your kids' school?
work is probably the best bet, especially work nights out where you meet your colleagues' friends...

Join a local gym just for the fun and see who you meet!

eastofeden

Thanks Ribad. Was getting paranoid that everyone was busy answering christening and new baby posts. I already feel a bit anonymous. Sorry to be negative, but as I work I don't have much contact with school, and my office is 10 women a married man and a gay man! Gym is a good idea, will investigate. Thanks a lot!!

RibAd

You're welcome!
Some months ago a colleague of mine who was recently divorced dipped her toes into the dating game, starting online... your post reminded me of her.

If you live in a neighbourhood, maybe you could get a few neighbours together and/or organise something like an area barbeque?? May sound a bit odd but at least you'd have a reason to get to know people who know people... alternatively, your kids may already have a friend who has a single parent...or go on a singles cruise

MortgageMamma

Have you considered having a go at speed dating or singles nights at local pubs and clubs? How about booking going on hols alone and seeing what happens - go and do something active like skiing or an activity holiday

mae

Have you considered a bar job? I mean in a local country pub or something of that nature not the town centre type. That way even though you are working you are socialising and its harder for a woman to go in a pub alone than it is for a man. You could maybe just do a couple of evenings a week.
The gym was a good idea someone sugested too.
If you like running are there no local running clubs? Surely that would attract a mixed sex group?
Good luck you sound like you have a lot to offer a partner.

MortgageMamma

I met the most amazing bloke when I worked in a pub once. I just remember looking up and seeing these amazing blue eyes staring right back and me and a "come and get me then" look on his face. I wasn't even looking for a relationship. It didnt last long but what there was could only be described as the creme de la creme of a relationship! I still smile to myself when I think of him now.

Get a bar job! Bloody marvellous idea

Errata

Have a look at Nexus - they always have loads of social events happening in London, it's not a dating organisation. Don't forget there's lots of nice coppers around, so your custody visiting may have a benefit you hadn't thought of! Agree with you about the book club thing, my mate says they were invented for women who's husband's were no longer interested in
erm.........kissing them goodnight - IYKWIM!

eastofeden

Thanks to all of you; some great ideas. If I'm honest, I have lost some of my confidence, and the thought of speed dating would be too too utterly scary! I love travelling, so a holiday of some sort is a great idea, as is the Nexus thingy. This is what I love about this site, kind people wishing you well and wanting to help. I can retire for the night feeling all happy inside! PS Not my usual bedtime... I'm sad, but notthat sad!! x

NAR

I met my wife through an internet forum similar to this, we had meet ups. Maybe you should try joining some of those. You are definitely not too old to find the friendship that you are looking for.

eastofeden

Thanks, Nar. Could you be a bit more specific and give me some site names if that is allowed? I get your drift, but don't know the type of ones you mean. Thanks!