Photo photo!!!!

What a palava!!!! I've managed to upload three photos and its only taken me 2 hours!!!!!

After trawling through old (!- but not that old!!) and new photos, I've decided on three that I think (hope) most "show" who I really am. I've tried taking photos of myself, but only suceeded in making my face look an odd shape :-) taken "down" on my face to lose the double chin, and taken "up" to try and hide the "life" lines- but this angle made me look like "desperate dan" (for those that are too young- I had a massive chin :-( ). Im not perfect, and may have a rounded face- but my chin is pretty ok!!!!!

To all those lads out there with distorted chins.... get your mates to take a new photo!!!

My profile photo is one of me with my most faithful companion- the one thats been there through all the laughter and the tears- and still loved me- my dog Henry. But I know I need to find one with two legs, not four, and one that can put his arms around me when I need him to.

On a lighter note- I had a reply from Richard- so I couldn't have put him off. He hasnt got a profile picture, so lets see if I get another message now that I've put my picture on the site. God I hope I do- just from a confidence point of view. Its been nerve racking enough to find the courage to put a photo on- you worry that no-one's going to want to contact you. Isnt it funny how you can be so confident in all aspects of your life- work, travel, friends etc, but so vulnerable in one- your own self confidence. Its ironic that you have friends and family who love you, because they know you... but when it comes to dating, a picture quite often determines whether a man will make contact or not.......

Lets see x

First replies.......

..... whey hey!! and without uploading a photo!! Both replies were different... one from a pleasant looking chap- but he reminded me far too much of my neighbour.. and lives within a two mile radius..which is a little too close for comfort (thats makes me wonder... my neighbour is 50plus....I hope thats not an old photo of him :-) ). I looked at his profile though, and to be honest- we're poles apart in interests, so sent him a nice reply. Am new to this, but I'd like to think I'd get a reply if I sent someone a message- even if they werent interested.

Richard, 46, sounds a little more on my wave length, so have sent him quite a lengthly reply. Not sure of the dating etiquette yet.. so hope I've not put him off!!!!

I'll let you know

Photo upload to be done urgently!!! Its trying to find the right one... I've taken more photos of myself in the last 10 days, thats its bordering on narcissistic!!!

Signed Up!!!!!

Well, thats it!!! I've done it... I've joined up. After looking at the hundreds of "normal" looking people on the website, I finally took the plunge. First step... putting in my "vitals"... (of which you can be incredibly "generous") The "build" question was a tricky one... OK- i know I'm never going to have the svelte figure of my youth... and I may be slightly overweight, but I'm pretty much in proportion- although they may be more proportional for a six foot well built male, rather than a 5 foot slim one! and Im not being "fattist"- just realistic!!). Plumped (ha ha) for being realistic rather than generous with the truth.. which may filter a few out!!! The hardest part is how to descibe yourself in 100 words or less and make it interesting! Unless you're the most confident person in the world or the most deluded.. this is difficult. After writing, re wording and editing again.. I've got a little "ditty" that I hope helps me stand out among the rest of the ladies, without sounding like some complete nutter! Its amazing how may people are "bubbly, outgoing, great sense of humour etc etc" . But its posted now! Next step photo!!!!!

Hi, my name is Sophia - I'm in my early fourties, divorced and have finally decided to do something about my "singledom" status. I've been divorced for about five years- I have a great family and a wide range of friends. I enjoy socialising and playing sports- tennis, badminton and golf. I have great job in sales where I get to meet an interesting range of people and exercise my grey matter. I'm not unattractive- I'm "normal"- or as normal as anyone can be :-) and get a little bit fed up of people who constantly tell me they cant understand why I'm still single. I guess if I knew the answer to that, I'd be rich! I have friends in the same situation- I'm not sure if its the classic "mid life crisis" that we're experiencing... but I finally realised that the only person that can change my situation is me! Online dating was something that I always thought was for those people who were desperate or shy - it used to have a stigma attached to it.. and I always held back. I finally realised that there were many people in similar situations to me, and one way to meet them was online. So... my journey begins... I promise to be honest... with the ups and downs that happen along the way. Its exciting but scary too.....