Hope and heart-sinks: what it is really like to date online as a woman in your 40s

As a mother of two, suddenly finding myself single in my 40s was scary. It’s not like women of my age don’t already have enough to do; balancing a hectic family schedule with a busy work life, all while trying to stay sociable – but now, to add dating into the mix? That’s a lot. When I split with the father of my children after ten years together, I threw myself into dating apps and met someone who I ended up seeing for a year. That relationship was full of dinner dates, cosy mini breaks and trips to New York, but he then decided he wanted children of his own and ended it, leaving me shocked, and vowing never to get close to a man again.

On top of that, I found that I’d lost my sexual confidence over the years – I was exhausted and still adjusting to my post-baby body.

Special circumstances come with dating in your 40s, so we’ve rounded up Most people over 40 have many responsibilities that require more.

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At midlife, your purpose shifts from the superficial to the meaningful, from external gratification to internal satisfaction and purpose.