Patrick (the Adventurous One) You know those dates where you think you’re meeting someone for a quiet drink, maybe a chat about holidays, hobbies, the usual “so what brings you to online dating,” and instead you find yourself mentally checking your travel insurance? That was Patrick. And to be fair, I did  have a clue before we even sat down. Because Patrick arrived on a bike — not a normal bike, not a commuter bike, but one of those impossibly light, aerodynamic contraptions

You know when you go on a date thinking you’re going for a nice glass of wine and a chat, and you slowly realise you’ve accidentally wandered into someone else’s five-year relationship plan? That was this date. David is early 60s, very well put together, very warm smile, very easy to talk to. The sort of man who looks like he knows how to choose a decent bottle of red and would absolutely insist on walking you to your car “just to make sure you’re safe.” He has that old-schoo

James arrived already mid-transformation. You could tell straight away. The clothes were newer than the habits. The haircut had been booked recently, possibly in a mild panic. There was a definite sense of " I’ve decided to get my life together and I’m hoping you’ll notice"   which in theory is admirable and in practice is… revealing. It makes me wonder if this is only found in the "dating over 50" category, on the basis that younger candidates haven't had as much time to "l

This is the one that messes with your head a bit more than the obvious disasters. Not the walking red flags. Not the men who reveal something alarming three messages in and save everyone time. This was worse than that, because on paper — and in practice, for quite a while — this one actually worked. The profile made sense. Normal photos. Proper sentences. No sunglasses in every picture, no talk of “banter”, no warnings about being “drama-free”. Just enough information to thin

Welcome to The Dating Files and dating after 50— a loosely organised record of modern dating after fifty. Names have been changed, details have been blurred, and some men may not recognise themselves. Are you looking for a "Harold"? Dating after fifty is like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions, the Allen key, or the faintest belief in yourself. You know roughly what you’re aiming for, but the pieces don’t always fit, something keeps wobbling, and you’

Ageing is inevitable, but ageing gracefully? Now, that’s an art form. For women over 50 in the UK, navigating midlife can feel like trying to find a decent cuppa in a sea of teabags - a bit overwhelming but utterly doable with the right approach. So, how does one embrace those silver strands and laugh lines without losing their sparkle? Let’s dive into some practical, witty, and downright sensible tips to help you age like a fine British vintage. Embracing Change with Gracefu