Yes, there’s a lot of cruelty online, but I avoid those people. There has never been as good a way to meet and talk to people.
One big difference between my twenties and now is the internet, which is a double-edged sword. Then, at 45, started a process of change (including going back to university to study fine art and sculpture-the best thing I’ve ever done). We’re still good friends and speak all the time, but won’t be getting back together. I don’t regret the relationship, but by the end we were moving apart breaking up was the right thing to do. We got civil partnered, but we didn’t have kids (I’ve never wanted them I love my friends’ kids, but I like giving them back!). When I moved to London, I thought, This is my time… Then I met my ex almost immediately, through the lonely hearts column in Time Out! I was living in Swindon-not the gayest place on Earth-and was happy being single. I got into a 17-year relationship at 28 and I wasn’t a big dater beforehand. I’ve had mostly good encounters and made some really good friends. I’m pretty new to it.
My experience isn’t everyone’s, but dating as a gay man in my late forties/early fifties in London has been a lot of fun.
