Finding love in the countryside

People often ask why hasn’t she got a boyfriend?

Charlotte is an attractive 31-year-old living in a beautiful rural setting with a successful equestrian career and a busy social diary. “When they ask me why am I single, I never know how to respond,” Charlotte says. “It’s more acceptable in the city. Here in the country people wonder what’s wrong with you. But I’d rather be on my own than with someone who isn’t right for me and my lifestyle. My friends say that I’ll meet someone when I least expect it and I guess I just have to believe them. Horsey girls aren’t that bad really.”

It shouldn’t be difficult to meet a like-minded person in the countryside, given that there is a huge calendar of rural social events. However, according to Pat, a farmer’s wife from Derbyshire who runs a rural introduction agency, the country dating scene can be bleak, no matter what your age or how attractive you are. “Communities are small and people work long hours,” she says. “There are amazing men out there who want a wife and children but feel as if they’ve been sitting on a tractor for the last 10 years and haven’t met anyone.” However, Charlotte is socially proactive. “I’m not a hermit, I go out all the time. I like having a full itinerary,” she says. “But it’s rare to be introduced to a new face.” For many rural communities, there can be only the one big annual social event often organised ostensibly to raise money for the local causes. This could well present locals with a rare opportunity to dress up and swing each other around on the dance floor. “I’d never go to one on my own,” Charlotte says, “but as long as I have a wing-man, I’m fine.” This is exactly the right approach. Find a dating buddy; someone who is in the same situation as you. Single friends will also give you moral support if you’re feeling depressed about meeting the third frog in a row. Read the rest of this entry »