I am a single parent and I have had a lot of trouble meeting the right person. I do not go out drinking and every guy I meet is married. How do middle age singles meet people?

Think lateral..... pubs/clubs are not then only source, in fact, usually the worse, especially once a few drinks have set in, the flirting happens and often the person you were talking to was not what you would even go for in real life, their hobbies, beliefs, thoughts, work, ...

It is difficult if a lot of your friends are also married, but then you know, they have friends whom are single. And your friends know their personalities and traits and can give you inside information.

Don't be frightened either to mix with a slightly younger crowd, work colleagues as they to know older people in their circles and you always feel that little bitter younger around them.

Even coffee with girlfriends on a lazy Sunday in a busy street of cafes... Always make the effort to dress. You never know who sits across from you or pops up to say hi to your friend, just passing...

Lots of internet sites of things you enjoy, just friendship sites, dating sites, games, hobbies, a lot have "friends" areas now and again you never know who you meet, or whom you get introduced to.

With internet sites, just be wary, never give your address, phone number and make your email address anonymous, until you feel comfortable to meet, then do so in public.

The most important thing i think is to smile at yourself in the mirror and know you look good to yourself... And walk with confidence always.

Don't think because your middle aged, have a child that it's all too hard....

With all those areas above to explore you'll be meeting people before you know it....

Hi Ralph - you dont have to be a drinker to go in clubs and bars - how about just going and having shandy, coke or something . Presumably the "wives" of your male friends do let them off the leash for 5 mins to go out and socialize with the guys !.

Pubs can be a great place , they are in this country depending on which type of pub you choose from a country pub ,surrounded by fields little log fire and cosy little farmhouse like place you could have ploughmans lunch and a beer and chat , to the trendy type of place ..to the place with live music , jazz bar ect , great places to meet and chat , and theres also lots of places to go on for a dance too . You will be meeting people face to face , getting opportunities to speak to people face to face and enjoying the whole fun of the place , or relaxing depending if you wanted the quiet place . But remember you dont hacve to drink alcohol . Or you could try night classes at college agin your mixing bwith people who have an interest in the same thing youd be studying and usually you make friends and socialize with them . Get out and have some fun but i wouldnt advise the internet , your still alone in a room waisting time sitting on a chair not speaking (if you live alone) a lot of people on the internet are very strange or odd ...id try your local library or get some leaflets on something whats going on and around the area you live .

Also travel, book holiday , to the place you always dreamed of , if you dont want to go alone go with a singles group !! the thing is you will be with people speaking and having fun and meeting people face to face theres no substitute ..Good luck and have fun

Regards cathy

What about a pottery class ??? remember the scene from "Ghost" with that Patrick whatshisname guy!! the potters wheel ! wet clay??? sounds like fun to me think il check out my night classes i fancy moulding something fancy !!