We would love to share our story with you. I was unfortunately widowed about a year ago after 30 years of marriage with my soul mate. Due to almost unbearable loneliness, though I'm lucky to still have my teenage kids at home with me, I decided to give FSO a go, never in a million years did I ever think I'd pluck up the courage to do that!! About a month after, I was smiled and messaged by a local man. I responded to his messages but was hesitant to meet up with him mainly due to a rumour I'd heard that this man was a player - I was only after a long-term relationship. This guy kept messaging me for many months and after me being on a few dates with other men and all successful enjoyable dates but trying to do LDR's and getting more frustrated with the challenges, I finally decided to give this patient, persistent man a go - after all he only lived 5 minutes away from me!!

We had a lovely dinner at a local restaurant, the whole evening was just lovely, and we have lots in common. I quickly realised this man would have to be one of the most romantic, caring, loving, funny men I have ever met. We are now in a relationship and very happy, although of course, it's still early days for us....He even gets on well with my teenage kids, though I haven't met his yet - they don't live locally.

Even though I have experienced awful devastation with my late hubby passing, he was ill for 18 months, I have been incredibly lucky and blessed to have this new man come into my life.

So my advice to other members would be for what it's worth; remember there are no perfect people out there when you're going through profiles, we've all got our faults but life and relationships are all about compromise - and being on your own is one lonely place to be. So a very big thank you to FSO.....