It can often be hard to meet people and even harder to date, especially if you’re a single parent. But one way that many single parents have found to make dating easier is by using dating apps and online sites. Although online dating is still, even today, often looked down upon as a ‘lesser’ dating option there are a lot of reasons to consider giving it a try. For one, online dating has been good to single parents. According to a recent survey, not only are around 44% of women dating online single mothers, single mothers are also actually finding love 10% faster than women without children. But that’s not the only reason these apps are a great option for single parents; there are a number of benefits to dating apps, including, surprisingly, economic ones.
‘Romance and Coffe’ – Susanne Nilson via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Options
If you’re having issues meeting people, of course, one of the big appeals of dating apps is the number of options they open up. Online dating apps like Badoo have around 345 million people worldwide, which can open up a lot of choices for you. Not only does it increase your chances of meeting someone that you actually like, but dating apps can give you the chance to be picky. When you have so many options for dates you have the luxury to really shop around and find someone that you truly like. In the long run, this will probably help you find your truly perfect match.
In addition to pure numbers, there’s the option to indulge a curious nature, with a high LGBT following you have the freedom to pursue what you really want in life. You also have the option to specify what you’re looking for, as well as the flexibility to reveal as much or as little about yourself as you like – something which will be discussed further later on.
Flexibility
Another benefit of online dating is the flexibility the apps can offer you. Chances are, if you are a single parent, you have enough trouble finding any time for yourself, let alone to schedule a dinner date. Meeting someone on an app means that you can get to know them on your own time, and in accordance with your own schedule. Messaging is fast and quick so you can converse whenever you have a spare ten minutes and you don’t have to try and schedule a whole night simply to get to know a person. Your time is valuable getting to know someone this way can also help you weed out the duds in advance, so you don’t have to waste potentially a whole evening’s worth of time only to come to the conclusion that this isn’t for you.
Finding likeminded people
It goes without saying there’s a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of single parents, sometimes it can be easy to forget you’re not the only one! Using an online service allows you to get out there without physically being anywhere else.
You are in control of sharing as much (or as little) information about you as you wish, mentioning you’re a single parent may help you to network with someone similar, Whether or not you’re compatible, it’s always great to chat or meet with people can identify with.
When it comes to putting a profile together, you have the option of including your likes and dislikes – from film, tv, music, food, and more – the right person could very well be encouraged to start a conversation with you about any of these things, and likewise you may find someone the same way.
Getting to know them
‘Money’ – fsecart via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Apps can not only save you time but also money. Dating can often be expensive for single parents. Not only are you paying for a date, but unless you have friends or family available, you may also have to pay for a sitter. Dating apps let you weed out the sort of people that would never make it past the first date, and save you the money of going on an actual real-life date. Most dating apps are also free, so they’re a great budget-friendly way to meet someone.
You can pick up and put down conversation as you wish, taking it at your own pace and fitting this into your real life no problem. Even if you don’t feel like you romantically click with another person, what’s to say you can’t become friends due to common interests?
Some time away from the kids
Getting a babysitter in and getting out can sometimes be a rare opportunity, so why not make the most of the time by meeting up with someone new? Perhaps the more traditional cinema or dinner are on the cards. With options available to suite almost every taste it’s a sure-fire way to organise a nice easy date.
The more unusual idea could be the best way to spend your night out, however. Perhaps a smartphone pub quiz could allow you to get to know the niche knowledge of your date, bringing an element of fun competition to your night. There are hundreds of unusual dating activities out there, from exercise related fun on trampolines, puzzle solving escape rooms, and comedy clubs, thinking outside the usual options could really make your evening.
What you want
Lastly, you have the option to specify exactly what you’re looking for. Whether it’s friends, relationship, or something more in the short term, you can be honest with the dating world about what you want and actively pursue this. This helps you stay true to yourself whilst balancing your needs with the other aspects of your life.
In fact, being honest about what you’re looking for will likely be the most important factor in finding someone like minded. Is online dating something that you’ve thought about? Has this article convinced you, and are you going to give it a try?