Today is National Singles Day in Ireland, chosen because the date (11/11) consists of the number one, which symbolises a single person.
Love is wonderful and all that, but being single is fabulous too. The reality is that single people aren’t losers in life’s lottery. Free to embrace our ambitions and aims and without the constraints of having a family, we’re always up for adventure.
As a single person in my 50s, I love my life and I’m really happy. I can do what I want without consulting anyone else, nobody’s sulking when I want to watch the soaps, and there’s nobody disturbing my sleep at night by hogging the duvet. Well, apart from my six-pound Jack Russell, Rosie, who snores louder than a six-foot trucker.
As at the time of the 2022 Census, 18.3pc of women aged 50-59 were single. That figure rose to 35.4pc when women who were separated, divorced or widowed were added in. In total, there were over 120,000-plus single women in this country over the age of 50.
But what if you do want to meet someone? In this busy life it can be extremely hard to connect with new people. It can feel like people are already in their own little groups, maybe in cliques that formed in school, in college or in workplaces gone by. Maybe you feel that you don’t have a chance at breaking into a group due to the lack of shared history.
However, every single friendship had a first interaction, and there are plenty of other adults out there who are looking for new pals. Cork is all about community, and there are different networks you can tap in to to find camaraderie.
Whether its music, sports, crafting, games or giving back to people in need, connection is out there.
Join clubs and groups
The easiest way to meet people is my investing in yourself and your own hobbies. Spend some time on self-fulfilment and figure out what makes you feel good. Whether it is singing, crafting, sea swimming, baking, running, public speaking, gaming or sport, there are groups out there of like-minded people who share your hobby and want company while they do it. I’m in a choir and it one of the biggest joys of my life – joining it was one of the best decisions of my life.
If you want to start meeting people to, say, knit companionably, local community halls or even pubs often have crafting evenings. Some times they are monthly, other times weekly. Search local newspapers and social media for clubs and groups near you.
Here are some examples of groups in Cork:
Cork Stitch & B*tch – Knitting And Crochet Social
Cork Action League Board Games night
Volunteer
Volunteering offers you the chance to contribute to something meaningful, all while meeting new people who share a love for a common cause with you. Working together toward a common goal helps build strong connections and friendships, creating a sense of belonging and community all while doing something good for society.
Try the apps
Apps for meeting people are not just for dating, romance or intimate liaisons. You have probably heard of the dating app Bumble, but there is also Bumble For Friends, where just like the dating version of the app, you scroll through people, check out their interests and vibes, and swipe right and get some matches.
From there you can chat through the apps messaging service and decide to meet in person if that is what feels right. Like always when it comes to meeting up with people who you do not know in real life, always meet in a public place with other people around.
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