UNLUCKY IN LOVE?

After decades of dating, Louisa Gregson, 51, is still looking for Mr Right

- LOUISA GREGSON

Had you asked me 30 years ago, where I'd have envisioned myself now, it would have been cosily watching TV with a loving husband - not meeting up with strangers whose picture I have only seen on my phone. Twenty-something me would be horrified at the thought! But at 51, this is where I find myself, and against the judgement of my younger self, and despite some terrible dates, I'm determined to persevere.

After divorcing in my late 30s, I spent my 40s on an endless loop of dating, giving up, dating and giving up.

At any age, I'm sure there are women bemoaning the lack of decent available men, but in your 50s, the pond has not so much shrunk but reduced to a tiny, stagnant puddle.

Even after signing up to dating apps, eligible bachelors seemed sparse.

THE RED FLAGS

Unable to find myself attracted to many men in my age group, I started dating younger sometimes by five years, other times by 15. But each date seemed to come with their own red flags, regardless of age.