If you are looking for a new partner, it is tricky these days, especially with Covid stopping many social events. However, things are beginning to relax so bear this in mind.
Look at your own interests first and what you like doing.
For instance, you might like reading. Most Libraries have a book club, which is usually free. They also hold events, talks and day classes at very reasonable prices.
You may like some kind of craft-work, look at your local council, community, college and schools as they usually hold a variety of interests.
If you like exercise there are local Gyms but if you can, go to one with a café so that you can sit and chat and talk to others. Go to the classes they have too, not just go on the equipment and you will soon start conversations.
There are rambling groups that you could join and if you like swimming, there are swimming times where adults only attend. If you go regularly you can soon get talking and widen your social life.
There is a lot out there if you know where to look.
For retired or semi-retired people, men and women, the U3A is very good. It stands for Universe of the Third Age, the last third of your life!! There are over a thousand of these clubs in the UK.
It is a club not a dating agency, although you may well meet someone there. It is reasonably priced, about £18 per year, this varies from club to club but only by a little.
The format is usually business of the day first, where people explain what is on offer, for example a day out to Whitby and the cost and the details.
Then there is usually a speaker for an hour, which could be on any subject from Tudor History to Bird Watching.
There are often about thirty interest groups which are held once a month that you can attend as well. These interest groups can be on anything like a lunch group, rambling group, poetry, tenpin bowling and so on.
Most details are on the web sites. It is a great way to increase your social life.
If you want to look specifically for a partner, then of course there are the dating sites.
You could Google the best ten, however it is better to pay for the site, although you could try the free ones first. But in my experience of doing readings the majority of people find if you pay you tend to get more genuine people.
It would be better if you gave a nick name at first, to prospective dates, and never give your real name and your e-mail as it is possible for them to hack into your bank. I have seen it done.
Of course, when meeting someone for the first time it would be better to take precautions, meet in day light, just perhaps for coffee, if you meet for the whole evening it could be boring and it can be awkward if you want to get away. Also ask a friend or relative to ring you when you first meet. You then have an excuse to leave if you want.
Pubs and nightclubs are ideal for the younger element, and some older!! But the majority of people will not meet a partner this way.
If you Google holidays you will see plenty of holidays for solo people. Also travel brochures advertise solo holidays.
Cruises are also a good way to make new friends.
There are solo cabins, and on board there are solo coffee mornings, where passengers can get to know each other and arrange to meet in groups.
Often they provide a solo afternoon tea for people to chat.
For those you have had bereavement, Cruse is available and the people there will be in the same boat as yourself.
So basically, to start your journey, look at your own interests, then see if there are any interest groups that you can join. If there is not an interest group, maybe you could start one yourself.
Remember doors open doors, you may join a lunch group and meet new friends but then you may also meet a new partner too.
So it will make you feel a lot better increasing your social life and widening your interests even if you don’t meet Mr or Mrs Right immediately.
After all it is only a matter of time before you do.