HEALTH & WELLBEING ACTUALLY We chatted to four people about dating apps, going solo and finding love It's February, so love is in the air And with an abundance of dating sites and apps, from Bumble to Tinder, now available, it's never been didn't seem to appreciate that easier to meet new matches. But what exactly is the state of dating in interesting. Sometimes, I'll be the modern age? Our panel of four people two who are in relationships 'We're only having a good time and two who are single got together because I'm here making this fun to discuss the path to true love... I get quite excited about everything and I'm passionate-I like that part of me. l've dated guys before who Rae: l've been in love at first sight 10 times over when I used to go on a night out! What's your ideal date night? Lizzie: l'm always banging on about restaurants I want to try, Sam: I want someone who's on a date with a guy and I'll think e l one and surprised me. That would tened for the both of us. Can you make me laugh, please?" Ellie: I love having a night in. Getting some wine, cooking and eating dinner together. To me, that's perfect. Rae: I like going to a nice restaurant and, as I live by the seaside, there's nothing better than a stroll along Valentine's Day is almost upon us. Do Rae: I agree! On my first date with you have any plans for the big day? Mark, we were sitting next to a Rae: My other half Mark will probably couple who were obviously bored take me away somewhere. Two months after we started dating he took me to Budapest that's the sort of romantic thing he does Ellie: I think the longer you've been who interests you with someone, the less of a big deal Valentine's Day becomes. My partner Or love at first sight? Steve and I will probably just get a takeaway and stay at home Sam: It's a really good night to go out if you're single because everyone's looking to get a snog Lizzie: I actually have an appointment world, so maybe more... with the dental hygienist! What do you- or did you look with each other, whereas we were chatting non-stop. I thought: That was me six months ago with my third What's your chat-up line? husband. You need to find someone Sm: I don't have a set line, but I sometimes pretend I know someone from somewhere. They Do you believe in soulmates? Sam: I believe in soulmates, but I do believe there's more than one out there for everyone. Definitely about 10 each but then there out how they know you and eventually, they'll give up trying to place you and just chat normally It's a good ice-breaker Lizzie: On the Bumble app, the woman has to comment first, so I try to mention something specific from the person's profile because Hi' is really boring, isn't it? In real life, I'd try to comment on something they were doing, like ordering a drink. Ellie: Yes, even if someone had a really cringe-worthy chat-up line that made me laugh, l'd probably be more seven billion people in the Lizzie: I don't believe in love at first sight, but you can have infatuation and then fall in love and become friends. I guess that's the closest you come to having a soulmate 8 for in a partner? Ellie: think it's nice to find a good friendship; you need to genuinely get on. But you don't have to be exactly the same as each other. My boyfriend's quite sociable and I'm like the biggest homebody ever meet someone who interested than if they just said hi but he brings out my social side loves what I love What do you make of dating apps? Lizzie: I would like to meet someone who loves what I love about myself Rae: Dating is so much easier now because of all the apps out GOOD LIVING 1 83