We’re dating again after divorce – but where do we start?

DEAR DEIDRE: MY best friend and I are single and in our 50s – how do we get back into the dating game?

We’ve been on our own for almost ten years and have been happy enough. She’s 52 and I’m 55.

My ex-husband had been controlling during our 12-year marriage, so I’ve enjoyed the freedom of being single.

My friend’s husband died of cancer in 2011, and while she still misses him, she’s happy he’s no longer in any pain.

But the pandemic has made us realise that life is too short. Why shouldn’t we have another shot at finding love?

The issue is we have no idea where to start. We’ve heard horror stories about online dating, and social distancing makes it hard to meet people in person.

DEIDRE SAYS: Strong unions are usually based on friendship, and so widening your social scene is a good place to start. Is there a skill you’d like to master?

As lockdown rules ease, there will be others just like you looking to date. Be open to talking to new people when out and about.

But people do find lasting relationships on dating sites, so don’t discount them. My support pack Love Online has tips on how to get started and stay safe.

NEXT IN TODAY’S DEAR DEIDRE I’m more than £12,000 in debt and feel like I’m failing my son

READ DEIDRE’S NEW PHOTO CASEBOOK Jane works up the courage to ditch her boyfriend Ryan