Take up dating – sounds like I am turning it into a sport which I suppose for some people they might see it that way. As you will be aware if you have been following the blog, I am currently contemplating jumping back on that dating horse and throwing my hat into the ring. I still haven’t made up my mind yet (I know I know I am incredibly indecisive) but I have been thinking about how I would do it or go about it if I were to give it a go. Thanks to modern technology there are so many different ways to find a date now the possibilities are endless, but I don’t want to have to get a bank loan to find love and actually don’t think you should have to either. So I did a round-up of free ways to date or meet someone if you just so happen to be looking…
Online Dating
Most people’s go to these days when it comes to dating has to be Online Dating though to be honest this is a prime example of where you might have to remortgaged your house in order to maintain your online profile. There are definitely some free dating sites out there if you are willing to look around. A lot of people worry that they will only meet decent people if the site is paid for, but you have just as much chance meeting the same kind of people on any site. From past experience I’d say you have to soft through a few before you’d find someone you want to go on a date with.
Speed Dating
You may instantly think HANG ON THIS ISN’T FREE well actually you’d only be mostly right. When joining certain online dating forums, they often run meet-ups alongside for free. Furthermore, you’ll often find that local bars and venues will also host singles nights that are worth going along to as you only need to pay for drinks, unless someone offers to buy one for you but if you were going on a night out you would anyway wouldn’t you?!
Hobbies
No hobbies aren’t free dating but they can be a free way to find a date especially one that has a mutual interest. If you don’t have a hobby, think about taking one up such as running, geocaching, Pokemon catching, photography – all you need for these is either a phone or a want to go and do it. Choose popular spots to go and have a go and make the effort to say hello, talk to someone or even just catch their eye. If nothing else, you may just meet someone you can be friends with and we could always do with more friends.
Through Friends
The amount of times I have heard people say “Oh we were friends for years and then it just sort of happened.” I think this is a lovely way for a relationship to form and in an ideal world this is actually what I would choose though of course that does mean actually going to meet friends and also convincing them not to try and set you up with Tom, from when I went travelling fifteen years ago who’s single and ready to mingle and just let things happen naturally instead.
Fate
Then there is this final, crazy, somewhat wacky idea of leaving things up to chance and fate. I do actually believe in fate which probably ties in with my very Disney approach to romance and love which obviously hasn’t served me very well in the past. I’m not sure you should rely entirely on fate… perhaps use one of the other suggestions to give it the tiniest of nudges in the right direction.
One thing I just wanted to finish with or add a note about. If you do decide to meet anyone for a date, particularly someone you have never met before, please make sure you are SAFE! Make sure your first couple of dates are in a public place and perhaps DON’T let them know where you live until you are sure about them.
There is also the wonderful Ask For Angela campaign, which when out on a date and feeling uncomfortable or unsafe can help you get away quickly and safely. We all want to find love but we shouldn’t put ourselves in danger to do that!
*This is a collaborative post
15 Comments
Fate has to be the dream – it’s the most romantic one. Although meeting in a pottery class has a touch of ‘Ghost’ about it… x
Definitely safety first. Also fate is so romantic. Sometimes it’s when you don’t seek it that it happens. #ablogginggoodtime
I agree about meeting in public if meeting someone for the first time, not through good friends etc. I think most people are genuine and are looking for someone to date, but unfortunately the creeps wreck it for the nicer guys. I think if you open yourself up to new possibilities and feel ready within yourself and your own self worth then you are more open to meeting a nice guy. Good luck if you go ahead, keep us posted.
I met my husband on a blind date. Best thing to ever happen to me. I was 43 and we were married 3 years later. Our first and only marriage. He was worth the wait. #ablogginggoodtime
Good luck if you do take the plunge. #ABloggingGoodTime
Great safety tip at the bottom. I also am a huge believer in fate and friendships developing into love. #ablogginggoodtime
good luck whatever method you choose. I’ve been with Hubby 23years , the thought of dating again in my 50s is terrifying, lets hope i don’t have to start!. #ablogginggoodtime
I think anyone who has had bad experience or hurt who tries again with dating is very brave. I am not sure I could do it but how wonderful if everyone could find real love and romance in the world #ABloggingGoodTime
I swear that look for something the changes are you are more like to find it, sod’s law. X #ablogginggoodtime
I met my husband through friends. If I was single now I think I’d have to resort to online dating! #ablogginggoodtime
These are all great ways in which to meet people. I whole heartedly agree with you that safety should be put first. That means telling your loved ones or a close friend where you are going and what estimated time you may get back. #ablogginggoodtime
Hm… I’ve never really got the concept of dating. Maybe I’ll get the hang of it in my next life, lol ☺️
So far, in this life, my relationships have just kind of happened. Then again, I’ve been ‘stuck’ with the same guy for over 20 years now, so I guess it was almost a different world back then! The concept of dating has clearly changed a bit since then… x #ablogginggoodtime
It must be kind of scary, the prospect of starting dating again. If I was single I would try out speed dating, just for fun, but I doubt it would be likely to lead to a relationship! #ablogginggoodtime
How exciting & good luck! I wouldn’t know where to start! #ablogginggoodtime
Serendipity works best, I found, anyway! #ablogginggoodtime xoxo