After years of navigating dating apps and experiencing the challenges of modern dating first-hand, East Cork woman Lesley Boland has decided to create something different.
The 43-year-old physiotherapist and mum-of-one recently launched Table For One Club, a new social initiative aimed at helping singles form genuine connections away from screens and swiping.
The idea has already struck a chord with people across Ireland, attracting significant interest within just 24 hours of launching online.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the project, Lesley said she felt many singles in their 30s, 40s and 50s were struggling to meet people naturally despite living in a world that is supposedly more connected than ever.
“The biggest issue with dating apps is that people can start to feel disposable,” she said.
“There’s always a sense that something better might be one swipe away. You end up having the same conversations over and over again, and often your personality doesn’t come across in a text message.”
Divorced for more than three years and raising her daughter Harper, who is nearly 10, Lesley says she understands the challenges many people face when trying to meet someone later in life.
“Life gets busy. People have careers, children and responsibilities. Your free time becomes limited and it can be difficult to meet people naturally,” she said.
While Table For One Club may help some people find romance, Lesley stresses that dating is only one part of the vision.
Instead, she hopes to create a welcoming community where people can build friendships, expand their social circles and find connection with others who may be in a similar stage of life.
“What I wanted to create was a space where people could connect, whether that’s single parents, people who never had children, or anyone who simply wants a friendship circle outside of their married or coupled-up friends,” she said.
“It can be a lonely place at times.”
The response so far suggests she is not alone in feeling that way.
Since launching the page, Lesley has received messages from people across Cork and beyond, including Dublin, Carlow and other parts of the country.
Some have told her they had become disillusioned with dating apps, while others said they had been too nervous to try dating at all.
One woman told her she had been divorced for two years and had avoided dating apps entirely but suddenly felt excited at the prospect of meeting people in person.
Another woman in her 50s said she had assumed dating was behind her but was now reconsidering.
“I’ve had women in their late 50s and 60s asking not to be forgotten, and even people in their late 20s asking if they can join,” said Lesley.
“The truth is that it’s open to everyone.”
Unlike traditional speed-dating events, which some people can find intimidating, Lesley wants Table For One Club gatherings to feel relaxed and natural.
Ideas currently being explored include coffee meet-ups, walks, runs and informal social events in beer gardens and local venues.
“I really believe that if people meet in a comfortable environment without pressure, genuine connections can happen,” she said.
“There is nothing quite like eye contact and meeting somebody face-to-face.”
The first events are expected to take place in Cork and Munster, with Lesley focusing on building the community locally before looking at future expansion.
She believes there is a strong appetite for this type of initiative, particularly among people who are ready to move forward after experiencing heartbreak, separation or major life changes.
When reflecting on her own journey, Lesley admits that going through divorce was one of the loneliest periods of her life.
However, she credits the online community she built through social media with helping her through that difficult chapter.
“The community I built on Instagram got me through it,” she said.
“It reminded me that I wasn’t alone.”
Now she hopes Table For One Club can offer that same sense of belonging to others.
Ultimately, she says, the goal is not simply helping people find a partner.
“It’s about connection. It’s about friendships. It’s about helping people find their people,” she said.
Looking ahead, Lesley hopes Table For One Club becomes something people naturally think of when they want to meet new people and try something different.
For now, she is simply enjoying the enthusiasm and optimism surrounding the project.
“I’m already finding it incredibly rewarding,” she said.
“Seeing people get excited and hopeful again is enough for me.”
And for anyone wondering whether it’s too late to find friendship, companionship or even love, Lesley has a simple message.
“Stay optimistic, stay open-minded and believe that love is still possible if that’s what you want.
“Sometimes it’s simply about finding the right space to meet the right people.”
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