text: how to start dating over 40 with children no friends and internet sites just aren't working? i am wanting to start dating again but i have no social friends and i don't hang out at bars and clubs.  i have tried the internet dating and it just doesn't seem to be working.  i hate to go out alone and i am at a loss of how to start...i work with men but they are all married or in serious relationships and i don't want to ask them for help.  where does a person start?  any ideas would be helpful check out events for single parents in your area--they don't even need to be advertised as mixers or dating events--they could be ways to meet other potential friends who have the same situation as you (need social friends and also to meet men to date.)   depending on where you live and what you're into, these events could be things like wine tasting parties, white water rafting or nature hikes, guided tours/walks, art gallery openings, game nights, etc. a lot of places have open houses where you can take a free class or a sampling of free classes. at the very least, you might find new interests and new friends.