Love, company and good conversation after 40
You're only as old as you feel and finding a new relationship can certainly make you feel young at heart. Mature Encounters is online dating for over 40s, part of Encounters.uk since 2014, for single men and women who'd love someone to share the good things with.
Perhaps you're single again after a long marriage. Perhaps you've been on your own for a while, the house is quieter than it used to be and you've decided it's time. Or perhaps you just miss having someone to plan a weekend with. Dating at 45 or 60 is a little different from dating at 25, and here you'll be talking to grown-ups at a similar stage of life.
It's a smaller, friendly section with its own members and its own sign-up, so everyone you meet here has chosen over 40s dating too.
From first hello to first date, at your own pace
- Sign up and make your profile. Say a little about yourself, what you enjoy and what you'd like to find. Add a few recent photos too: a clear, smiling picture taken in daylight says more than any clever line.
- Look through your daily matches. Each day you'll get suggestions based on the age range and distance you set, whether you'd like friendship or something long-term, and what you have in common, such as interests, lifestyle and faith.
- Swipe, then say hello. Swipe right for yes and left for no, or browse members at your own speed. When someone catches your eye, send them a message or comment on one of their posts, and see where it leads.
Why you should choose Encounters
Easy ways to get talking
Post a status update, comment on other members' posts or join in with a poll or a quiz. Any of them can break the ice before a first message.
Grown-up members
Most members are women, and about four in five are aged between 35 and 64.
Private by default
Members see your username and nearest town or city. Your real name, email and address stay yours.
Log on anywhere
Encounters works in the browser on your phone, tablet or computer, so you can continue your search for love on the move.
Take your time, stay in control
There's no rush. Chat on the site until you feel ready, then suggest a video chat before you meet. On the day, choose somewhere public, tell a friend where you'll be and make your own way there and back. Never send money to someone you haven't met, however convincing the story. You can block or report anyone from inside the site, and our dating safety advice shows you how to spot a romance scam.
Back to dating after a long break?
Our guide to dating over 40 in the UK is a good place to start. Encounters.uk also has more dating guides, plain-English dating site comparisons and pages on dating in UK cities. For everything you can do here, see our features, or read more about Mature Encounters.
More ways to meet on Encounters.uk
Mature Encounters is one of four sections, each with its own members and sign-up. If you're after something different, take a look at the others.
Over 40s dating: your questions
What should I write in my profile?
Write it the way you'd talk over a coffee. Mention a couple of things you love doing, such as a favourite walk or the last place you went on holiday, and say plainly whether you'd like friendship or a relationship. Our dating profile tips have more ideas.
Who is Mature Encounters for?
Single men and women over 40 who would like to meet someone, whether that's for a relationship, friendship or simply good company. Everyone on Encounters.uk must be 18 or over.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. It runs in the browser on any phone, tablet or computer, with nothing to download, and you can add it to your phone's home screen.
Can I join the other Encounters sections too?
Yes. The four sections are separate memberships with separate members, so you sign up to each one on its own. Single Encounters is for anyone looking for a relationship, whatever their age.