Dating for Single Parents: How to Get Back into the Game

That’s it! You’re done with watching yet another Pixar movie on Saturday night… You need some grownup time.  And maybe even some romantic time! 

Whether you’re ready to test the dating waters, or want a serious relationship, dating for a single parent can be both daunting and difficult.  And since many single parents are pressed for time and money, we’ve put together some fun, easy, and affordable ways to get you back on the playing field.

Online Dating

User-friendly dating site SingleParentLove.com is free and simplifies finding your match made in heaven. You can quickly create a user profile with drop down boxes to describe both yourself and the type of person you’re interested in dating.  The advanced search questionnaire is very detailed and allows you to be highly specific about your dating criteria including astrological sign, eye color, and income bracket.

The site also has gold and platinum memberships that range from $8.33 for 12 months to $29.98 per month, with features such as VIP profile highlighting, doubled profile space, and live chat with instant messenger.

OkCupid.com is also a free dating site that’s easy to join. After signing up, you can create a profile that begins by asking how your best friend would describe you, and then moves into seven yes or no questions, including “Are you a morning person?”  There are several pictures of local single candidates of different ages, and you’re asked to like three of them – just to get a feel for your tastes.

There are also more in-depth questions, including the “Six Things You Can’t Live Without”, as well as details about your appearance, personality, lifestyle, and whether you have kids or pets. Lastly, you fill out the type of person you are looking to find and if you are seeking short term, long term, dating, or just new friends.

OkCupid also offers what’s called “A-List” premium features that include “Advanced Match Search” for six months at $9.95 per month, and the “See Who Likes You” option that will give you the full list of people who like you, your visitors, favorites, and rating pages.

Among the most popular dating sites designed to foster long term relationships, eHarmony.com has a very impressive track record.  The company boasts that 600,000 couples who used their service have tied the knot. In their video tour, they also take great pride that their divorce rate is only 5%, which is better than if you were to meet your partner at a bar, church, work, or through friends.

Instead of “yes or no” questions or drop boxes, the lengthy eHarmony questionnaire asks which answer (Not at All, Somewhat, or Very Well) best describes you across a variety of characteristics such as Vivacious, Opinionated, and Attractive, among many others.  Next, you’re asked to select characteristics your friends would use to describe you, followed by more seemingly endless multiple choice questions.

While the process is highly time consuming, it definitely helps you hone in on who you are and what type of partner you are seeking.  The eHarmony experts then work their magic, select your ideal matches and deliver them to your inbox each day.  Membership plans range from $29.95 for six months to $51.95 for three months.

Activity and Social Groups

If you’re not quite ready to date, there are many groups based on interests and hobbies across the country.  This option can be less intimidating, and you can meet many people at once. Meetup.com has a vast selection of groups including single parent, foodie, board game, and sports meetups, to name a few.  Attendance for an event can be low cost, by donation, or free.

If you don’t find a group that sounds appealing, you can start your own.  The effortless process involves selecting a location, choosing a name, and then explaining who should join and why.  The $9.99 per month basic subscription is for up to 50 members while the $14.99 per month unlimited plan can have as members as desired.  Meetup.com will also help you to promote your group to its members.

Social Events and Vacations for Singles
 

For the best of both worlds, Match.com is both a free and subscription dating site that also hosts singles events and vacations known as Stirs.  From speed dating, 90’s music game night, to rooftop happy hours, the lively atmospheres ensure a good time for everyone.  What’s even better is the cost of attendance starts at only $10.

Are you a travel enthusiast?  If you are a sports lover, consider the Aspen Ski Week, or the Colorado Springs Adventure.  If you are looking for a more relaxing getaway cruise, the Caribbean, Cancun, and Bermuda trips will likely be just your cup of tea.  Starting at a little over $900, you are sure to love these exotic locales. Who knows, you may even find your soulmate!

Social Media

For reconnecting with old friends, acquaintances, and possible dates, Facebook is an excellent resource.  Just click Find Friends on your newsfeed.  Using the filters name, hometown, current city, schools and employers will narrow your search.  Many schools and companies have alumni pages that post reunions and activities throughout each year. Imagine the fun of tracking down classmates and maybe even some old crushes!

Are you a single parent? What are some ways you’re getting back in the game! Don’t be greedy—share your resources in the comments below!

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