Oh single to be
Introducing our brand new columnist, the fabulously honest, super stylish but (somehow) still single, Janine…
It seems that being single is a growing trend right now and there is a huge market making tons of money trying to help us to find “the one”. For those of us who are still single there appears to be so many ways to help us find what we are looking for - if only it were that simple!
Too much choice?
From TV shows, websites and speed dating to matchmaking, cooking, and cocktail making there are more than a few options in the mix - all of them trying to entice you with something a little different and appeal to what you fancy. This can often feel much the same as choosing a drink in a coffee shop! From skinny vanilla iced lattes and frothy mocha cappuccinos to intense espressos and tall dark Americanos there must be something on the menu for us all? TV dating shows have evolved from the 80’s classic ‘Blind Date’ with good old Cilla Black paving the way for the more recent Sing Date (a novel way of getting you to sing to each other via Skype before performing a cosy duet together), ‘Dating in the Dark’ (where you don’t even see each other) and the latest show, ‘First Date’. Watching a variety of couples on their first date, Channel 4’s‘First Date’ is the next step in the world of TV dating - if the date is unsuccessful we ourselves can write in and become their date the following week! Talk about love in the public eye. Then we have the whole on-line dating world. I think most singles have dipped their toes into this at some stage and, again, there is a huge variety to choose from (Plenty of Fish, Match, Zoosk, eHarmony and Flirtbox to name just a few). Feeling fussy? Take your pick. With some sites catering for more specific needs, if you want a sugar-daddy or someone in uniform you can find them. In reality, on-line dating is really hit or miss as far as I’m concerned. There are, in fact, some really nice, genuine people on there. The hardest part? Finding them.
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What’s Happening Magazine | www.whmuk.com
WHAT
Women
WANT
I asked three single women the following questions:
“
Q. How long have you been single? Q. How does it feel to be single ? Q. What are you looking for?
It’s quite interesting that some of my married friends believe that it’s cool and exciting to be single!
“
I have many friends (male and female) who are single and so have now been immersed in singledom (is there even such a word?) for a little while. Like many other singles I have tried the whole on-line dating thing too. I also know for a fact that it can work. It’s quite interesting that some of my married friends believe that it’s cool and exciting to be single! Really I ask them? They feel they are missing out on something, what that is, I have no idea, surely I have missed that. When my girlfriends come over for dinner or we meet up they are always keen to hear my latest stories. That is one thing that single people can talk about. We all have funny dating stories. Someone has even created a book about them; it’s a funny book called ‘Crap Dates’. I once went on a first date with a guy who gave me that as a present. We spent the evening going through the horror stories that are In fact true. It gave us a lot to laugh about that’s for sure. I hear all kinds of sleazy stories about people’s experiences in the dating world and I’m sure we all realise there are lots of men and women online who don’t want anything but fun. When it comes to falling in love I think it comes down to what people are looking for. So, fellow single ladies and gentlemen, what do we all want?
Miss M aged 34
A. I have been single for nearly 4 years. A. It feels good most of the time as Brighton & Hove has so much going on; there are lots of opportunities to meet people. A. I am looking for someone who likes doing the same things as me, has ambition, drive and is not badly bruised from previous relationships!
Miss R
aged 42
A. I’ve been single for a year. A. It feels hard getting out there and meeting someone! A. I’d like to meet someone with a good sense of humour, good hygiene and, above all, is caring. However, when men come across as too desperate it’s such a turn-off.
Miss J
aged 48
A. I’ve been single for 1 year. A. I like being in a relationship but am also happy having fun on my own. I do feel ready to find someone again, I miss the lazy Sunday mornings cuddles! A. I’m looking for someone who is like me; fun, confident and outgoing but also happy staying at home and chilling out. Be a gentlemen, don’t moan or be negative and have some drive for life.
www.whmuk.com | What’s Happening Magazine
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WHAT
Men
WANT
I asked three single men the following questions: Q. How long have you been single? Q. How does it feel to be single ? Q. What are you looking for?
Mr E aged early 50’s
A. After being married for 25 years I have now been single for 18 months. A. It’s great, a new found freedom at a time in my life when I have the time, money and confidence to maximise on it! A. I am looking for good looking, fun and independent ladies to enjoy pleasant times with. I am not after a relationship but if one develops along the way, that’s fine by me.
Mr C aged 48
A. I’ve been single for 5 months. A. I’m looking for a female in her 30’s, or her 20’s if I’m lucky! A. It’s ok being single but I miss having a partner. And I’d love a woman to ask me out for once!
Mr P
aged 32
A. I’ve been single for a year now. A. It’s not bad being single, we can do what we want but I would like to settle down a bit. A. I’m looking for someone to have fun with. Nothing too serious. Just good conversation, common interests and she has to take care of herself. A real lady.
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What’s Happening Magazine | www.whmuk.com
Since being single I created my own, more sophisticated, addition to the dating scene. Monday Mixers is the perfect way to relax over a glass of bubbly, mingle with new friends and, who knows, maybe meet that special someone. I look forward to seeing you there!