It's no secret that online dating is on the rise. After a year of lockdowns and restrictions, it seems like downloading apps, signing up to free websites, and swiping away on the hunt for matches is this only way to meet a potential partner. But it certainly comes with perks.

No longer are people shying away from the fact that they met their partners online, and instead it's become a social norm. We live in a modern world, and modern dating is part of it.

"But why haven't I had success yet?", you may find yourself asking. While I won't claim to be an expert, I have certainly dabbled in my fair share of match dating sites, and have compiled a list of six mistakes you may well be making when online dating...

You have a big ol' backlog of matches. Swiping away on a dating app is so simple and convenient that sometimes it's easy to get carried away, and before you know it, you have a tonne of matches you haven't even spoken to. While it might not seem like a problem, have them all sat there can subconsciously make it feel like a chore, and you'll lose interest. So, keep giving that inbox a spring clean. If you don't talk to them/don't feel like there's anything there, it's time to say goodbye!

Your bio is seriously lacking. Striking up a conversation can be daunting at the best of times, so not having a bio on your profile will only make it harder for any potential dates to start a chat. Include a fun fact about yourself, what your hobbies are, why you've signed up to a Shropshire dating site, the last thing you ate... anything that could spark interest!

You only have one lonely, solitary photo. Even if your only photo is the most beautiful, flattering photo in the world, having just one single freezeframe of yourself on your dating profile is not a good idea. Use your photos as opportunity to show off your character - where you go, what you like to do, your energy. Most apps usually allow 5 or 6 pics... so use them!

Your photos are all group shots. It's great to show off that you're a sociable person and have a tonne of mates, but if you're dating profile holds group photos and only group photos, then it becomes somewhat of a challenge to figure out which person is actually you. Throw in a selfie or a pic where your mates are cropped out. That way people will no exactly who they're looking at.

Your conversations are somewhat mundane... sorry. Too many times have I matched with someone only to find that the only conversation starters they have under their belt are "Hey!" and "What you up to?" Sure, that might be okay at first, but if that's all you're throwing out there then, trust me, people are going to get bored. Throw something interesting into the mix, no matter how crazy and random it is.

Your first picture is of your car, or your dog, or [insert other random thing here]. People are not signing up to dating apps looking for someone with a certain breed of dog, or a specific make of car, so why on earth are you making that your primary image? It sounds super obvious, but honestly, so many people do this. Get your sexy face on there instead!

Some of the world's greatest love stories and heart-eyes inducing romantic gestures lie between the well-read pages of books, and so the pressure's on when trying to plan a date for a special book-loving someone in your life.

While a night of fine dining at a restaurant is sure to impress, and night at the movies rarely fails, sometimes you want to go that extra mile to blow someone's socks off.

So here are five fun (and perhaps story-worthy!?) date ideas any book lovers would be sure to enjoy...

Watch movies adapted from your favourite books - and vote for which you prefer

The age old question: book or movie - which is better? If you're on the hunt for an at-home date for you and you bookworm lover, then a book-to-movie marathon is a simple but fun date idea for a cosy night in. Work together to figure out the differences between pages and screen, and decide which you preferred. Of course, don't forget the snacks too!

Show off your knowledge at a literary quiz night (or create your own!)

I've spent a number of evenings getting competitive at quiz nights surrounding my favourite fictional characters and worlds (hello Harry Potter and The Hunger Games), and I'm yet to be disappointed. So if you've found some book-loving matches on one of the many dating sites UK has to offer, why not whisk your special someone away for a night of literary quizzing, as they're bound to love it to? Top off the night some beers afterwards... hopefully celebratory ones!

Open up discussion by creating a book club for two

Decide on a book together than you feel you can both stick your noses into and get lost in. Get together each week (or perhaps even each evening!) to discuss how you're enjoying it so far, and even really dissect it all if that's what you enjoy. If your schedules differ massively or you read at a significantly different pace to one another, why not instead swap your favourite titles with one another and chat about those instead?

Head out for some window shopping (or a real splurge!) at a local bookshop

Your local area is sure to have at least one bookshop, so take your Surrey dating site date there for a romantic day of window shopping. Wander down the aisles of spines and point out your favourite titles to one another... You might find out have a mutual love of authors or genres! If you've got money to spare, treat yourself to a few titles to take home and get stuck into.

Keep it simple and spend the day together with your noses in a book

Sometimes, simpler is better. Whether you get cosy in a coffee shop or snuggle up in the comfort of your own bed, spend a chilled out day with your loved one, lost in the pages of a fantasy world. There's something incredibly lovely about being able to be entirely content in each other's company, even if in silence.

When looking to form a new relationship and find a potential significant other, you want to go on dates that get your heart racing and your blood pumping. And though you may find more and more dates begin to turn up the heat in your relationship, the last thing you want is for them to eventually burn a hole in your pocket too.

But that doesn't mean you can't still indulge in some fun romantic dates with your special someone.

So, once you've found someone who takes your fancy on dating sites UK based, or even further afield, here's a list of budget-friendly date ideas that won't leave your pockets feeling light, but will still be an absolute success...

Keep calm and picnic on. Pack up some blankets and a basket of good grub - even if it's just a good ol' Tesco's meal deal - and head to a scenic spot to enjoy good food and good company. 

Turn up the heat in the kitchen together. Cooking is a fun new hobby of mine recently, and if you introduce your special someone into the mix, it's sure to make the experience even more exciting and enjoyable... Sexy food fight, anyone?

Channel your inner child and build a blanket fort. Sometimes a night in really can trump a night out, especially when you through a blanket fort into the mix. Nestle together under blanket canopies and spend an evening with Netflix and snacks. If you want some bonus romance points, throw some fairy lights into the mix!

Indulge in some local sightseeing. When you've lived in a city for a long time (or your whole life, in my case!), it can be easy to take local surroundings for granted and not quite appreciate what your hometown has to offer. So why not spend an afternoon with your Northamptonshire dating site match wandering around the place you live, taking in the sights you might have overlooked when going about your normal busy day? Completely free, unless you want a couple of quid to stop for a coffee en route.

Head out on a charity shop bargain hunt. For those of you who love to dabble in a bit of a shopping spree but need to tighten the purse strings, why not take your lover around the charity shops and hunt out some bargains together? If you really want to put a fun twist on it, you could make it a bit of a challenge instead: set a budget and find the best gifts you can for each other!

Lose yourself in a some video games. It's no secret that I am a big ol' geek when it comes to gaming. And why wouldn't I be? Hours of pure escapism from the comfort of your own sofa. Get your special someone to pick up a controller and join you. All you have to decide is whether you wanna work together or get competitive on versus mode...

There you have it. Six lovely date ideas that aren't going to leave your bank balance looking sad. Which one takes your fancy the most?

It's no secret that dating can be nerve-wracking at the best of times, never mind after a year of restrictions and social distancing. But singletons can rejoice! Normality is starting to return, and we get get ourselves back out there into the big wide world of dating!

You're probably feeling out of practise. And it's no surprise - lockdown has kept us from dating in real life for months. But fear not... here are five tips to help you get back into the swing of dating...

Chat to people to build some confidence

It's no secret that, in general, the more you do something, the easier it becomes. And this holds true for making conversation too. So, when the opportunity arises to have a chinwag with someone willing to lend an open ear, take it! Whether it's someone serving you at the supermarket, a friend you've not seen in the while, or even just your cat, get that tongue wagging (not like that, cheeky) and work on your communication skills.

Take time for a bit of self-care

Nothing gets you ready for the big wide world of dating quite like feeling good about yourself. And, if you're anything like me, you're not feeling your best after months of no salons (hello bushy eyebrows and roots!). So, indulge in whatever you know will make you feel good. Maybe update your wardrobe with some new outfits that make you feel like a million dollars? Perhaps a relaxing massage and pamper session makes you feel great? Whatever you go with is sure to perk you up and leave you feeling ready to take on the world.

Try out some different dating apps

Online dating is on the rise, and there's a huge range of apps and free dating websites out there with tonnes of people waiting to chat, so get signed up, curate your profile, and have a browse! Sure, you've probably heard of the likes of Tinder and Bumble, but did you know there's a plethora of niche dating sites for you to sink your teeth into as well? I'm talking local sites like an Isle of Wight dating site, sites for certain kinks like BDSM, and even some really niche sites for clowns and mullets lovers... really! So get searching and see what tickles your fancy.

Get your flirt on

If you really want to ramp up you flirting skills ahead of real life dating, then practise makes perfect. Head out to the pub with your mates, and flirt away... yes, even with people you don't necessarily fancy. It's a great way to see what flirting techniques work a treat; if it doesn't go to plan, you don't have to see them ever again, and if it goes down well, you get an instant confidence boost... nothing to lose!

Take your time

Remember that there's absolutely no rush to get out on a 'real' date. Slow and steady wins the race, right? You're probably feeling out of sync and a little apprehensive... and that's totally fine! So exchange a few texts first, perhaps have a video call, and only go on a 'real' date when you feel ready.

So, you're considering venturing into the big wide world of online dating, but not entirely convinced it's for you? Perhaps you're sick of your friends trying to set you up with strangers you really don't fancy, or you've admitted defeat and come to terms with the fact that you're never going to get that elusive meet-cute at the supermarket like in the movies?

Online dating might feel like it's your last and only option as this point, but let me assure you - it's a bloomin' great option too. Gone are the days of "conventional" methods and pretending you didn't actually meet your significant other on Tinder. We live in a modern world, and it only make sense that we date in a modern way too.

Gone are the days of "conventional" methods and pretending you didn't actually meet your significant other on Tinder. We live in a modern world, and it only make sense that we date in a modern way too.

So, for those of you who are still finding themselves asking, “Should I try online dating?”, here are seven reasons why your answer should be a big fat yes...

1. People are online for the same reasons as you

When trying to meet someone in real life, you run the risk of someone who has caught you're eye not being single, or perhaps not looking to date. Dating online takes this uncertainty away, as that have signed up, just like you have, so you know they're on the hunt for something similar. While there might be the odd person online dating who has simply signed up out of curiosity or due to peer pressure, most people on there have the exact same intentions as you - to meet a potential partner. 

2. It’s great if you're shy or introverted

A bit on the shy side? Then online dating is ideal! Going up to someone who has caught your eye in real life can be super daunting. Online? The awkward element of talking to someone for the first time is taken away, and you can message people you perhaps wouldn’t normally have the confidence to approach. The worst that can happen is that they don’t respond to you... and even then no one has to know!

3. There's bound to be a niche site for your dating preferences

For just about every single dating preference out there, the internet will have a niche dating site to help you find exactly what you're looking for. Whether you are looking for fellow vegans, want to meet Northamptonshire singles, or are even on the hunt for a mullet lover (yes, really!), you're bound to find your ideal match! 

4. Online dating can do wonders for your self-esteem

A lot of online dating sites UK has to offer are based on a matching system; that is, you only connect with someone when you have mutually "liked" each other. It's like getting a digital confirmation that your crush actually likes you back... and who doesn't want that?! It's a great feeling, and definitely warrants a little squeal of joy!

5. There are a whole tonne of different people online dating

Online dating sites boast millions of members nowadays, all of them with something different to offer. You might stumble across people who you would normally never cross paths with in real life, and they might just take you by surprise and get your heart racing!

6. You can do it all however, whenever and wherever you want

When it comes to online dating, you're your own boss! There's no pressure whatsoever. Simply log on when you feel like it. Fancy a little escapism while in the office? Want something to do whilst on your commute? Sat at home in your joggers feeling bored? Great - get swiping!

7. It's a chance to find love... the real deal!

Your soulmate might be sat on a dating app right now, waiting to stumble across their perfect partner (that's you!), and if that's not reason enough to say yes to online dating, I don't know what is!

If you've made this far, I'm going to assume your answer is now a resounding yes! Get started and see what the world of online dating holds for you...

Although lockdown may now be easing, some of us still feel safer within the four walls of our home for a little while longer. But the last thing we want is stifled creativity.

Fear not! Here's a seven activities you can do in the comfort of your home that are sure to get those creative juices flowing...

1. Pick up a paintbrush and get arty

Nothing inspires creativity quite like indulging in a bit or art. Whether your preference is picking up a paintbrush or perhaps getting out your favourite coloured pencils, get some colours on paper and create something beautiful. Even if you're not exactly the next Picasso, you're sure to enjoy yourself... and that's what really counts!

2. Channel your inner Gordon Ramsay and cook

Once a hater of having to prepare anything in the kitchen, I am now a certified fan of cooking! After adding HelloFresh boxes to my weekly routine, I've discovered a love of getting hot and sweaty on the kitchen... cooking, of course! The best part? You get a delicious dish at the end to stuff your face with! What more could you want?!

3. Send some cute cards and letters to friends

Thanks to being stuck indoors for almost a year, people have started o become more creative with the ways they keep in touch with their loved ones - there are only so many texts you can send and Zoom calls to organise, right?! So, instead, people have turned to cards to show their loved ones they care. To add an even more personal touch you could try making your own. If you're feeling arty, get you pens and paintbrushes out. Wanna go more digital? Download some dog paw clipart and dog clipart to put together something for the dog lover in your life!

4. Go green-fingered with a bit of gardening

Gardening is a great way to get out in nature and bring a bit of extra colour to your household. Start out with some nice and easy flowers - marigolds and sunflowers are both supposedly easy to grow! - and then sit back and watch them come to life as time goes on. The beautiful colours are sure to get you feeling inspired!

5. Learn to play a musical instrument

I'm a massive music lover, and I've dabbled in and out of trying to learn new instruments for years. Finally, I have found one that's stuck, and I spend many hours on my piano trying to learn a new tune. And trust me - it feels bloody satisfying when you get it. So why not try a few things out, see what instrument takes your fancy, and get playing?

6. Get creative with some needle and thread

From the age of 11, I have found cross-stitching a wonderful way to pass some time and really relax. Once considered hobbies for old ladies (which, I sometimes feel like I am, I will admit), needle and thread hobbies are certainly on the rise after a year of lockdown and being stuck indoors. So, pick up a needle, get it threaded, and whether it's cross-stitching or embroidery that takes your fancy, get to work! 

7. Settle down with a good book

If you're not ready to get actively creative but want something to inspire you, a book is definitely the way forward. Whether you're digging your nose into a non-fiction piece, or getting lost in the pages of a fictional world, reading is the perfect form of escapism when you're looking to unwind on an evening and be inspired.

After a year of lockdown restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, populations across the globe have found themselves adapting by making staying home the new going out. And sure, relaxing at home in your comfiest pants with no make-up on might be quite the treat for some of us, but it's safe to say that there have been a bunch of single folk out there who found themselves missing the big wide world of free dating.

And that's where virtual dating came into the mix.

No longer could singletons meet Oxfordshire singles down at a bar or plan a date in a swanky restaurant, and so they soon began planning dates of FaceTime, Zoom and other virtual methods. And while a virtual date isn't quite as ideal as meeting someone in real life, it's a great way to see if you have a connection with someone ahead of more normality returning.

So, here's how you should prepare for that virtual date...

Sh*t, shower, shave... Yes, you still need to make an effort.

Get ready for your virtual date exactly as you would if it were to be a face-to-face date. Sure, it might be tempting to skip the shower - your date can't smell you through the camera, right?! - but it'll make you feel a whole lot better if you're feeling fresh. Wear an outfit that makes you feel great, even if most of it isn't visible on camera, and finish it off with some hair and makeup if you'd like. Whatever makes you feel good - do it. 

Figure out your most flattering camera set-up.

Give yourself plenty of time before your virtual date to figure out how and where you're going to set up your camera. Are you going to use your phone or laptop? Are you wanting natural light or a sexy lamp glow? A plain wall backdrop or something a bit busier? There's so much to consider when positioning your camera, and the last thing you wanna do is scramble around at the last minute for a good spot.

Virtual doesn't have to be boring - plan an activity!

One major thing you'll be missing on a virtual date is a conversation starter in your surroundings. At a bar, you might discuss the drinks. A restaurant - the food. A zoo - the animals. On a virtual date, you're gonna start off with nothing but each other. So start things off by planning an activity. Maybe you could cook together, share a virtual drink, or plan a pub style quiz!

Connect with a bit of virtual nookie...

Yes - virtual sex can be just as good as the real deal. Whether you're a few dates and wanting to get intimate, or are simply virtual dating for a bit of fun, a bit of virtual fun over FaceTime can be a huge amount of fun for both parties. Not to mention you know exactly what your own body likes, right...?

All done? Give yourself a pat on the back!

Having an entire date from the comfort of your own home without physical touch or a change of surroundings can make it feel like you haven't actually been on a date. But you bloody well have! Much like a face-to-face date, you've been through the pre-date panic, got yourself ready, gone out of our comfort zone, and met someone new. So give yourself some credit and a good ol' pat on the back,

When it comes to the world of modern dating, it seems we've passed the time of asking for people's numbers in bars, or locking eyes with a stranger in a supermarket and asking them if they'd like to grab a coffee.

Instead, we're signing up to dating apps and getting our swipe on. Why? Because there are so many perks to the online dating sites UK based or further afield, and finally people are realising it...

1. It's convenient

Chances you you find yourself either on a phone or laptop daily, right? And much like you can find apps for almost anything nowadays, you'll be able to find apps and websites for dating too. And with such an array of them our there, you're bound to find the perfect one for you. The best part? You can log on whenever is convenient for you with ease.

2. It saves time and money

Going out partying every weekend on a hunt to meet Dorset singles can definitely be fun, but it can also leave your purse feeling rather light, and will certainly eat up some of your precious free time... especially if you lose a day nursing a hangover!  Sometimes it's nicer to just stay home, put your feet up with some good TV, and casually check out your new matches and messages on your dating apps.

3. You can cut to the chase

There's no denying that once we've got somewhat of a crush on someone, we like to have a little social media creep to find out about them - we're all guilty of it! How old are they? What school did they go to? Do they have any hobbies? Thanks to all the things a dating profile can offer, you can find out a potential love interest's age, location, interests and more, all in a mere matter of seconds. And they can find out all about you too! So make sure to bulk out your dating profile with all your good bits, and bring on the matches.

4. It's perfect if you're shy

Online dating is also great for those of you that are a little more shy. The awkward element of talking to someone for the first time is taken away, and you can message people you perhaps normally wouldn’t have the confidence to approach in real life. The worst that can happen is that they don’t respond to you, right? And no one has to know! It stays between you and the dating app. 

5. It's a chance to find love

C'mon... there's nothing to lose, right?

Whether you've been single a while or have been newly thrust into single life, the world of dating is a big wide one for everyone, and organising a winning first date with someone new can feel like a daunting and difficult task. Of course, you want to make a good first impression, but more importantly, you want both parties to have fun and feel comfortable.

And sometimes, when entering the world of single disabled dating, you may have extra things to think about - accessibility, extra help or specialist facilities. To get you off to a goo head start, I've compiled a list of wonderful first date ideas that are not only wheelchair friendly, but are sure to wow your date too... and hopefully lead to a second, and a third, and maybe even more...

Fun and trivia at a pub quiz night

A pub quiz provides a friendly way to get to know each other, show off what you know, and maybe even introduce some flirty competitiveness to your date. Not all pubs are accessible, so make sure to do a bit of research and make sure there are ramps available and tables low enough for wheelchairs - then you're good to go!

Learn something new as you make your way around a museum

I've always found most museums are accessible, and so they make a perfect place for a first date when single disabled dating. Wander round with a potential new love interest, learn something new, and perhaps even get a bit silly with interactive parts of the museum... even if they are meant for children!

Picnic together as you enjoy a sunset

Indulge in a classic movie night together

Do some animal watching at a zoo or aquarium

There you have it. Five incredibly fun and accessible date ideas that are sure to make for a great first date. If you're still feeling unsure on where to take someone on a wheelchair friendly date, the best way to go about it is to have an open and honest conversation with them!