Dating in Your 40s: The Unexpected Adventures of a Newly Single Woman ❤️

After spending two decades in a marriage that began when I was just 18, I found myself navigating the dating world at 40. The journey from a messy divorce to re-entering the dating scene wasn’t something I ever anticipated. But after the chaos of COVID and lockdowns in 2020, I decided it was time to take the plunge. And oh, do I have some stories to share. Dating in your 40s is a whole new ballgame, and it’s been a wild ride.

The McDonald’s Date (Yes, Really): Imagine getting all dressed up, excited for a night out, only to find yourself at McDonald’s, sharing a box of 20 chicken nuggets. Yes, this actually happened to me. I couldn’t believe it either. I mean, who in their right mind thinks that’s a great first date idea? It was a stark reminder that dating at this age comes with some unexpected twists.

The Disappearing Act: Then there was the time I was having a drink with someone I thought I was having a good conversation with, and they excused themselves to go to the bathroom—only to never come back. One minute we were chatting, the next I was left sitting alone, wondering if I had somehow slipped into a bad rom-com. Ghosting has taken on a whole new level, and it left me questioning whether dating in this era is something I’m even cut out for. What made it worse is when I asked the barman to go into the bathroom to check on my date…he said ‘oh, he left 15mins ago’ – Cheers for telling me dude!

Is It Me or Is It the Modern Dating World? I often wonder if the challenges I’ve faced in dating stem from my expectations being too high or if it’s simply because I’ve learned to read people too well. After all, 20 years of marriage gives you a pretty good insight into human behavior. Or maybe dating in today’s world really is a whole different breed—one where honesty and genuine connection seem harder to find.

The Trouble with Dating Apps: Then there are the dating apps. They seem like a great idea in theory, but in reality, they just suck. Judging people solely on their appearances? It feels shallow and superficial. No wonder shows like Love is Blind gained so much traction—people are desperate for a connection that goes beyond a profile picture.

Choosing to Date Myself: Through all of this, I’ve come to realise something important: I’m happy being single. I’m not available, and I’m okay with that. Until love finds me when the time is right, I’ve decided to date myself. I’m taking the time to enjoy my own company, learn more about who I am, and relish the freedom that comes with being single.

Dating in your 40s isn’t easy. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, bizarre experiences, and unexpected turns. But it’s also an opportunity to rediscover yourself and learn what you truly want from a partner. For now, I’m content with my own company, knowing that when the time is right, love will find its way to me. Until then, I’m perfectly fine with taking myself out on the best dates—and no, they won’t be at McDonald’s! ❤️