We all know that dating when you’re a single parent isn’t easy. I was absolutely blown away by all your kind words when I wrote about it earlier this month after partnering with Match to showcase their new offering for single parents.
All the talk of dating got me thinking about the last time that I went on a real life date. The answer is shocking… it’s been 11 years (yes 11 – I didn’t accidentally hit too many 1s!). I was in a relationship my whole adult life until I had Boo, then became a single parent when she was one. The years ran away with me and research released by Match shows that I’m not the only one – 45% of single parents never go on dates and 35% admitted they’ve not been on a date in the past year. I wonder how many of those people haven’t been on a date in 10 years!
This weekend, Match teamed up with PizzaExpress and the childcare expert, Yoopies, in central London to put on a speed dating mixer with a difference: single parents were invited to come along with their children.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have my doubts as to how the afternoon would go – would it be Awkward with a capital A? Would it feel strange for people to have their children there? Then it hit me: dating doesn’t have to be solely romantic – it’s as much about what you get out of it socially as it is romantically.
The afternoon went as follows: the children got to play with each other and got busy making pizzas while the adults chatted – that was literally it. It was lovely to see parents from so many different walks of life come out of their shell and socialise, meeting new people and making friends.
I think we sometimes see dating as something to endure, as a means to an end, and whilst it can be – our attitudes need to change. Dating is not a dirty word. I’ve said previously that I won’t be sad if in ten years’ time if Boo and I resemble Lorelai and Rory from Gilmore Girls. Being single isn’t a runner up position in life – it’s a choice for many. However, no one wants to feel as if they’re missing out, and Match is there for those who do.
For more information visit http://bit.ly/HappyDating
Match is currently offering three, free babysitting hours in partnership with childcare expert Yoopies. Any new or existing Match member will be able to get a date night free with three free hours of babysitting, plus the usual membership fee to Yoopies waived. The Yoopies premium membership is valid for two months after being credited on the account.
Disclosure: This is a collaboration with Match, a fee was received for my time.
