Pollyj I could almost have written your post. I was on the verge of starting a similar thread. I have two, beautiful daughters, different personalities, educated, charming, kind, good jobs. The older one is happily independent, feels no need to marry and have children, but she is a romantic soul and could I think be persuaded by the right man. The other daughter has been unlucky in love and yes, in danger of appearing a bit desperate, but dearly wants to 'partner up' and have babies. It's so difficult to meet anyone. She has tried joining things and online dating. Perhaps Gransnet could start a matchmaking service and we could put our lonely adult children in touch with similar. I know my younger daughter would be up for it as she's even asked me if I know anyone who might be suitable! 36 years ago, a 'friend' told me I was getting left on the shelf aged 21! So I felt pressure to marry ... almost anyone, and met my husband (my one and only) through an agency. I was shy and with no self-esteem, but felt that I needed to get married as all my contemporaries were, or else be, a spinster and a failure. My husband-to-be was similar really, so we had the same sort of aims. Still together, for better, for worse... . I am so very glad those stupid days are over when it was a race to see who could get an engagement ring on their finger first. I wish I'd had enough self belief to know that I could exist singly.