READ MORE FREE DATING ARTICLES, INTERVIEWS AND DIARIES...

Are you an older woman dating a younger man? - Read more about the new social norm

Composing your personal ad - Hints and tips on writing your online dating profile

Attention grabbing dating headlines - Ideas for writing your online dating profile headline

Honesty is essential - but remember to exercise constraint in your online dating profile!

What's in a dating username? - What will your online name be?

Is that love in their eyes ? - Seven ways you (or they) can interpret an online dating photo

Online dating safety tips and advice - Some simple ideas to keep you safe

The most common dating disasters men cause - Some male dating delusions revealed!

Dating as a single parent - Introducing a new partner - Advice from other single parents

Meeting your partners kids - Help if the date of your dreams turns out to be a parent

First date advice for women - Don't be nervous, read this article before you go!

An interview with a successful dater- Find out more about this online daters experience

Dating younger women - Some advice on how to make it a success

Example dating headlines - Real life examples to make you laugh, cry or inspire you!

Funny or foolish? - Real life example dating usernames for you to consider.

First date advice - If you are nervous about your first date then get some help here

Ten great first date ideas - Don't know where to go? Here are ten ideas to help

Getting your dating photo right - Your dating photo is key to your success so get it right

Do you need a photo in your dating profile? The answer is undoubtedly yes! Read why

Dating an older man - Can be a daunting experience so read more about what to expect

Emailing for attention - You've seen a profile you like; now how do you get their attention?

Are you putting off online dating? - Why you should just do it instead!

First date tip - watch your body language! - Hints and tips for first date success

Are you ready to date? Getting yourself back on the dating scene can be hard sometimes

Get back out there your friends keep telling you … It’s so much easier said than done isn’t it? There is always a good reason for putting things off just a little bit longer. Maybe next week, maybe next year, maybe never! If you’re making excuses to put off dating, now’s the time to take the plunge. After all, what have you got to lose?

I’ll do it when the kids are older
OK, how much older? Anyone would be wary of starting out dating again with children to consider. It’s natural to be concerned about bringing someone new in to their lives, particularly if there has been a difficult break up with their other parent. But most children will be happy to see you happy again. If your kids are stopping you moving on with your life, ask yourself; Is it really them or are you using them as an excuse. We have lots of advice for anyone who is dating as a single parent, remember you’re definitely not alone.

I’m not over my ex
Well, it can be very difficult to move on after the break up of a long term or serious relationship. But even if you don’t feel able to commit to someone new, are you really not ready just to meet new people? Why not give online dating try and give yourself a chance. Don’t compare everyone you meet to your ex, appreciate people for who they are. You never know, someone may be waiting to help you get over your ex forever.

Who would want me?
Why would anyone not want you? There is someone out there for all of us. Be honest about who you are and what you want out of your life. Remember to be positive about what makes you special and don’t put yourself down. If you’re planning online dating, take a look at our articles on writing your personal for lots of ideas and help. Your ideal partner may be looking for you right now! 

What if it goes wrong?
If a relationship doesn’t work out, it can be a painful process to go through. However, we’ve all head the old saying “It is better to have loved and lost than never loved at all” and besides, what if it goes right? You may be worried about something that isn’t going to happen to you. There’s only one way to find out!

When I’ve lost some weight
This includes anything that says you’re not good enough to be happy today. We are all unique and special and worthy of being loved. OK, so you may want to lose a few pounds and get a little fitter, so go ahead. Just don’t put life on hold in the meantime. If you do lack confidence about how you look, make sure you give yourself a boost by perhaps updating your hair or make-up to be a little more flattering, or treating yourself to a new outfit that really makes you look and feel great.

I’ll just wait and see if anyone turns up
Well, you could be lucky but not many of us meet the partner of our dreams by waiting for them to knock on our front door. By starting out on online dating, you’re simply allowing yourself to meet a larger circle of people and increasing your chances of finding your ideal mate. When you’re doing everything you can and having fun in the process, someone will turn up just when you’re least expecting them.

I can’t handle being rejected
Many people feel that online dating could be demoralising as you may well find that you are in contact with several people who will chose to take things no further than an initial date or a few emails. This isn’t rejection, its honesty. You will also feel that you do not want a relationship with many of the people you contact, any more than you would with everyone in the supermarket on a Saturday afternoon! It’s not a reflection on you or your worth, just that this isn’t the person for you.

I don’t have time
Really? You have no time to find someone to spend the rest of your life with? You must have a very exciting life for everything in it to be more important! Obviously there are some things that have to be done but surely your happiness should take some priority in your life.

Online dating is dangerous
There are some risks associated with online dating but there are risks associated with meeting anyone anywhere. There are also plenty of ways to minimise personal risk. Check out the advice in online dating safety to find the best ways to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. But remember, most people are genuine, so after you’ve taken all sensible precautions, relax and have fun.

There’s always the cat to keep me company
Yes, of course. But the conversation is limited.

OK, do you still have a good reason not to try online dating? Or is it just another excuse. Give it a go, you never know where it may lead! Read our article on 'composing your online dating personal ad' for some inspiration about what to write about yourself.

Show me more dating articles

Click here to find out more about our unique dating profile building tool which can help you create your own original headline, username and profile.