I got married at 19 and separated at almost 36.  I've never dated, unless you count early highschool.  I don't know where to meet people and even if I do meet someone I don't know where to go from there.  I would never hang out in bars or anyplace like that.  I like bookstores and I'm kind of a geek.  Where do I look?
210824
It isn't easy getting back into the dating scene but the good news is that it is possible.  Bookstores are a great starting place because you know that you already have that passion for reading in common with people there.  Start paying attention to who you see there and just like back in high school take time to simply say hi every time you see them.  Look into other interests that you have and how you can connect with similar people by pursuing those interests.  The Internet is actually not a bad place to look either though you do have to be careful and fight through all the idiots.  I would say that the Internet is a lot like the old bar scene where there were a hundred losers per every good person there.  Have faith, I survived to find love again and so will you.
414212
Well I am 26 and I've been through a lot of bad dates and got out from one really bad relationship. My last gf pretty much cheates on me  behind my back. But watever. But my point is in order to meet that special someone, you must go through pain before you can enjoy happiness. You're getting tired of dating mainly because you met guys who are jerks, dogs,  or self obsorbed. Thus letting your mind trained to think that all guys are like that. So when you start going out on dates or start being somebody's gf, your mind end up having that negative thoughts already. I'll bet you that your next boyfriend that you ecountered will have that negative image in your mind for him already. You will try to find his flaws and ignoring the things that captures your heart in the first place. \n\nDating in highschool is totally different than dating as an adult. There's a lot of puppy love in highschool. You saw a cute guy and you guys just start going out making out in school, going to dances, writing each others love letters saying i love you this i love you that. It's all puppy love. You're too young to know what love is. Infatuation is a huge effect when you're in highschool cus everything your partner does is "awww, how cute" etc. But as an adult dating, you both are more mature, more experienced and pretty much more down to earth. Sometimes you even think about marriage. Marrying your highschool sweethart is very rare. I have a friend who just got married and she married her HS sweethart. She's around my age now. \n\nBut keeping it simple in the dating scene is the key to a successful relationship. When somebody end up hookin up, they should know that breaking up is very painful so when they do hook up, make sure they need to know their partners really well. I see a lot of couples end up hookin up and just saying "lets give it a shot, see what happens" and than they end up breakin up and hating each other to death. I always follow this song I listened to back in the days, it's by Shai " If I ever fall in love"  the lyrics is. If i ever fall in love agian, i'll will be sure that the lady is a friend."  It means that becoming somebody's friend first is always easy because you respect them as friends already and love them later is a peace of cake. \n\nSo to survive the dating scene, you dont need to try to survive but to cherished the fact that you're able to meet new friends and maybe if you're lucky, meet a life partner. The dating scene is fun and having a partner that you can come home to is not bad at all. Dont put a dark cloud over something that is beautiful. And not all guys are dogs, jerks or cocky so you shouldn't be afraid.
134021
First I was single and sometimes lonely.  Then I was married but not bored, even though he could be very boring!  I kept my life active.  Although we were both satisfied with our marriage, it did end 9 yrs later.  When I found myself single again, I decided not to be lonely or bored.  I got online and dated a lot.  Had an absolute blast!!!  Then I stumbled upon Mr. Right and we're still having fun.  The two options you gave are not the only ones to choose from - in this life, YOU get to create your reality every day.  If you didn't like yesterday, tomorrow can be different.  I like the old axiom: if nothing changes, then nothing changes.
169217
Don't date online. I have too many friends that have been roped into becoming emotionally invested in somebody they're "dating" online who turns out to be nothing like the person they presented themselves to be. Just stay away from it.\n\nAnd don't worry about inexperience. Most guys your age arn't all that experienced, either.\n\nJust make sure you know that none of the first 5 guys you date are going to be the guy you marry. The thing people learn in those young romances is that falling in love with the idea of being in love only leads you to heartbreak.\n\nI started dating by picking a guy I worked with who was a lot of fun to be around, who had a great sense of humor, went to my best friends' church, and had a reputation for getting around. I picked him because I was ready for a lover, but not for a relationship. That's exactly what we had, and nothing more, and I've never regretted it.\n\nDon't get a boyfriend. Get "guys you're seeing" and then get "lovers" and someday get a "significant other" and someday you'll have a husband. But the experiences you'll be having now are to get to know yourself, to get to know what kind of men are out there, to get to know how relationships work, what you have to put into them, and what you can expect to get out of them.\n\nObviously, your parents had problems. In my opinion, many married couples have problems because they didn't date enough first. Sometimes, they get curious as to what it would be like to be with someone else. Sometimes, they don't realize how much work needs to go into a relationship to keep it going. Sometimes they think they should be getting more out of the marriage. Sometimes they realize that they are with someone who doesn't treat them the was they deserve to be treated. \nThe reason people date when they're young is so that they know the answers before they make a commitment.\n\nSo remember: \njust because you feel strongly for someone doesn't mean you're in love with him; \njust because you don't think you'll spend the rest of your life with someone isn't a reason not to go out with him and have a good time; \nbe yourself: misrepresenting yourself won't ever help you to be happy; \nand you're only young and carefree once in your life, take some chances and enjoy it. \n\nOnce this time is gone, you'll never get it back. Be brave, be forward, be confident in yourself, be a woman.
438526
I'm pregant and a mom of one with a hubby in the Navy, by the way I'm only 23 yrs old. Someone needs to cheer me up. \n\nThink about it this way your life could always be alot worse than it already is. And just because you have no one to go out with doesn't mean you can't go out and have fun meeting new people.
161091
Whats the difference between meeting from a dating agency and online dating agency. If you are happy don't be bothered by what people say. I have been married almost two years and we met online 6 years ago!
248803
just one word of advice! You sound young, i got married at 19, and am about to get divorced (i'm 20) we rushed into things wayyyyy too fast. We barely knew each other well enough to move in together and be married. Take things slow! Stay engaged awhile!
69612
I am married. 2 kids. We DO NOT go out socially,at all, ever...\nYep. It sucks to be me.
645760
Ask your friends if they know of someone who is single. You need to be out in order to meet someone,but it doesn't mean the bar scene. Music in the park? (if you have them where you live) Social events.Good luck.
343139
You still talk about your "other stuff" on a date, but you don't dwell on it.  No one wants to hear all about your painful divorce or terrible ex on the first date.  Mature people who date are looking for someone who is fun to talk to.  They look for someone who is a good listener and has a great sense of humor.  Lets face it, by our age we have learned to laugh at life's efforts to knock us down.  We see the humor in the world around us and no longer take everything so seriously.  Just keep things light and fun on your first few dates.  You will get the hang of it!  Dating is different at our age.  We tend to skip most of the games that we dealt with in our youth and just get straight to the talking and getting to know the other person.
134245
Just give it time, you'll meet someone eventually. Until then, go out and have fun. Go to places where you can meet people and just open to anything. Maybe have one of your friend's boyfriends set you up on a blind date.
307096
NO. but i'm only 35. i've done the online dating thing, too. it's tiresome. so is the bar scene. the only suggestion i could give you is to find groups of people with same interests. join local clubs related to your favorite hobbies, or find some that are interesting but you have no knowledge about it. someone there will gladly share their knowledge, and maybe something will click. the more you put yourself out there, act naturally, and just be yourself you'll get results. at least you'll be meeting new people and making new friends. one can NEVER have too many friends!
157600
Im in the same situation, except I don't have a bf, never been married, and do not have kids!  If you are in Jax, good luck!  I have been here 2.5 yrs and can't wait to get out!
114003
why dont u find yourself first.  i mean, dont u just sit there and expect that a girl from heaven will fall in front of u.  give yourself a time to have fun.  most professionals are too busy to collect money.  that's not how it is.  yeah u are right...being alone is boring.  why dont u go out once in awhile.  but hey, 29 is not old.  dont rush buddy.  dont expect that love will find u if u are hiding.
363906
i didn't get my first kiss or first relationship til i was 24. it was a long wait and i know it can be frustrating.. but try not to let it bother you..  there's not much you can do other than live your life and try to keep a possitive attitude..  feel free to click on my profile and send me a message if you'd like to talk further..
498913
It's totally normal. I just realized last night (one-year post break up) that I spent nearly 5 years with a man who never loved me. Wow, did that ever change the way I look at the world. Who knew I could have been so STUPID, let alone for so long? Sheesh, part of my identity is being the smart, nerdy, goody two shoes, and I really don't know what I am if this isn't what I really am. Time to reinvent myself, I guess? \n\nHopefully, it is not circumstances such as this that have led to your revelations. Don't let it get to you. Look to the bright side and take the opportunity to find out who you are, and who you want to become. \n\nI was just watching a clip on CNN today that was discussing young married couples in Hollywood, and why they fail even after it seems like they were going to make it. Turns out your brain does some major changes during the ages of 20-25 (for women, I bet for men that change doesn't happen until like, 39 or something, given their slower rate of maturity, hehehehe) and that if you are married after 25, the chances of success/happiness are much higher. Now, interpreting this to a non-relationship type situation would lead me to believe that you can't really know yourself until about the same time. Experiences you have between now and then could be the most important ones in shaping who you eventually, um, turn out to be. So live life, have fun, and don't do anything you'll regret (more than once!)\n\nGood luck!
323926
Start speed dating and be truthful about your self (your a virgin). There's many people out there like you. You just keep searching instead of waiting. \n\nOthers:\n\nInternet match making\nChat forums (be careful though).\nArrange marriage services.