So IS it possible to find love online? Our four sceptics give their verdict after trying Match for a month...
Sponsored by Match
Our four online daters have been testing out Match for a few weeks. But has Match managed to change their minds about internet dating? Are they bored? Has the supply of available and compatible men run out?
In fact, we can’t stop them. Here we get their final, and rather optimistic, thoughts.
TALL, DARK AND HANDSOME. IT MIGHT WORK OUT!
Jennifer Norris, 26, works in beauty PR. Originally from Solihull, she now lives in London
'He was tall, dark, and handsome, and sounded just my type. So when he suggested meeting up I said yes without a second thought. Now I’ve been on a few dates, I know that I’ll probably have a laugh, no matter what romance may arise.
Jennifer Norris is enjoying exploring all the potential 'other halves' that are out there
'I think the longer I spend with Match, the more I realise that there may not be that one special person for everyone, but lots of potentials, and that’s what I’m lucky enough to be exploring! If someone isn’t quite right, then it doesn’t matter. There’s no feeling of panic. I’m spending lots of time chatting to like-minded people about our similar passions and interests. I didn’t expect to be having so much fun.
'But when he walked into the bar, I admit I was impressed. He was everything I’d hoped and more. I always suggest meeting somewhere around Soho, which is nice and central, and we went to a Mexican place I like which serves drinks and food. We both love travelling, we’re both in creative industries and I think we had that elusive spark.
'I think the conclusion of this experiment with Match was always going to be a cliffhanger. It's not the end!'
I JUST KEEP HAVING FUN
Emma Pearson, 26, works in consumer PR and lives in Manchester
While there is one guy who has caught Emma's eye she is enjoying having fun and chatting with like-minded people
'I’m lying on the beach in Malta, airport novel by my side, cocktail to hand and phone pinging away with winks and messages. I really did think that holiday season would mean there would be fewer men around to meet. It’s hot, after all, and doesn’t everyone want to hang out with their friends? Apparently not. Match is just as busy as ever!
'I also thought I’d be disillusioned and perhaps bored - surely there’s a finite amount of eligible men on their books? Again, this is patently not the case.
'I’m astonished at the amount of men who are interested in my hobbies; getting lots of travel recommendations and tips on my photography as well as fun banter and talk. There’s one guy in particular who has taken my fancy. I almost wish I was back home, meeting up! It’s like being part of a big in-crowd.
'Best of all, I feel no pressure to have a holiday romance. I’ve got a date with this lovely sounding man set up for the day after I get back. I had no idea that I’d change my mind about internet dating, and it’s a revelation which is almost as relaxing as my summer holiday!'
THERE ARE SO MANY NICE MEN OUT THERE!
Rosie Houston, 34, works in tech start-ups and lives in London
'Dates, lovely men, evenings out at art galleries and drinks in the park as well as attending a couple of Match events. Who knew that this summer was going to be so fantastic? Or that I’d have changed so much in my feelings about dating?
Rosie now has several dates lined up and now sees a world of opportunities to find love in her future - a very different outlook from when she began this experiment
'Match has made me far more open to other dating opportunities. I’ve realised how easy and fun it is to meet new people, and I've actually been on a date with someone I met randomly, when historically I probably would have shied away.
'I'm also less embarrassed to talk about my past lack of dating success (it’s now a good story all my friends want to hear about), and once you start talking about dating more, friends come up with ideas for blind dates. I've got one lined up for a couple of weeks' time. I’ve gone from worrying I might be left on the shelf to wondering how I’m going to make my mind up!
'So, there was a bit of a frisson with a man I met, and I was looking forward to our second date. Selfishly - (see how demanding I've become!) - he has gone on holiday, so I’m waiting a couple of weeks. But do you know what - a month ago, I’d have assumed that was the end of it. Now, I’m a changed woman. I don’t worry any more. Thanks, Match!'
I’M EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE
Francesca Buchanan, 30, lives in London. She teaches English as a foreign language
Francesca has re-entered the world of dating with increased confidence and a new found sense of excitement thanks to her experience with Match
'It’s a shame, but things didn’t quite work out with that first date, about whom I had such high hopes. While I was away, things just fizzled out a bit and the intensity of our chats made me realise that although I thought I was ready for a big commitment, I’m not quite.
'I owe Match a lot. They’ve enabled me to meet a person with whom I had a connection and who was a great guy with real substance, rather than someone who was just looking for nookie.
'So now, I’m back online again, but with increased confidence and excitement about the future. I’m setting up dates for the next few weeks and hoping to sign up for a couple of the Match events this summer. I’ve got my dating mojo back and I know there is a lovely man out there for me.'
Most watched News videos
- Iraqi soldiers throw ISIS fighters off a ledge then shoot them
- Horrifying moment pensioner plunges to his death parasailing
- Tourists are blown away by plane jets in Saint Maarten
- GRAPHIC CONTENT: Sick gang film brutal assault on woman
- Multilingual Melania speaks French to children in Paris hospital
- Trump to Mrs Macron: You're in such good shape! Beautiful!
- A body is found in search for the missing Pennsylvania men
- Bizarre moment President Trump yanks French First Lady's arm
- Stunning drone show at Allen & Co conference in Sun Valley
- Andy Serkis reads some Trump¿s tweets with Gollum's voice on CBS
- Father plays Despacito to daughter who cant help but dance
- Little girl found by news helicopter after her family car was stolen
- 'Konta is doing that magic trick where she changes...
- When Harry met Harry! The prince meets the singer on the...
- Ex-soldier, 58, who raped and killed a schoolgirl, 15,...
- Toddler, two, with cerebral palsy was found dead with...
- Married chef who raped clubber he found in the street who...
- Charlie Gard judge threatens to JAIL trolls targeting...
- French umpire whose deep voice has seen him dubbed the...
- Victim screamed in agony as moped thieves squirted acid...
- Isle take it! Historic Scottish castle with two HUGE...
- 'It was not me, it was the power': Female doctor charged...
- Mother rushes teenager, 17, to hospital suffering from...
- A day in the life of an ex-Prime Minister: David Cameron...
- FIVE terror attacks have been thwarted across England in...
- Son, 40, 'killed his 78-year-old mother he had been...
- King Charles could become a real problem, says Paxman......
- Revealed: How teenagers use secret emoji code to deal...
- One of UK's richest Asian businessmen is facing a...
- EXCLUSIVE: 'I'm with my dead husband's brother for my...