I'm 73 and men my age won't date me – but my sex life is thriving

If you're feeling the same way as Marie about using dating apps, confidence coach Hattie MacAndrews shares her expert advice.

"Whether you're thinking about setting up your first online dating profile or you've been swiping with no luck (or love!) – let me help you. As a women's confidence coach, I've helped hundreds of women find love, both on and offline. Taking the leap and downloading the apps can feel terrifying, especially if it's your first time. It can feel daunting knowing where to start or what the correct etiquette is. But fear not, with a little gentle guidance and a lot of perseverance, you’ll find your match in no time."

1. Pick wisely

"Firstly, you want to choose your app carefully. I wouldn't advise downloading more than one or two, so you don't spread yourself too thin and get dating app fatigue. Each dating app has a different purpose and desired outcomes, so do your research before jumping in. Hinge and Bumble are the most promising for romantic relationships; Tinder has a reputation for hook-up-style swipers, and then there are apps such as Feeld, which claim to 'connect open-minded people exploring love, desire and alternative relationships'. So, it's safe to say that there's something out there for everyone – you just need to know where to start."

2. Be yourself

"This may sound painfully obvious, but I implore you to create a profile that truly represents you. Choose photos that are, firstly, recent, and secondly, ones that portray who you actually are, not who you think you should be. If you're a homebody looking for something to join you for muddy walks and cook Sunday roasts with, let your profile reflect that. 

"If you're a party person looking for someone to dance the night away with – say so! Giving mixed signals can be confusing and off-putting, and you only have a couple of seconds to make your first and best impression. This goes for your bio and prompts too – try and give them something to work with. Show off your personality. Make your answers fun, unique and most importantly - authentic. Provide personal insight so that it's easy for the other person to get the ball rolling with conversation. Steer away from generic answers that lack personality; otherwise, you'll be met with the ever-so-tedious 'how was your day?' opener on repeat."

3. Don't be disheartened (or judgmental!)

"Online dating, matching and chatting can feel awkward, frustrating and discouraging – regardless of your gender, age or desires. So, try not to be disheartened if you don't immediately match with your perfect partner. 

"It can take time to find your rhythm. So, whilst you're engaging with the apps, try not to be too judgmental! We have become so quick to judge, and we are judging whole humans in less than a second and often it's something as simple as their shoes that puts us off. Everyone has moments when they lack confidence or are shy, so if in doubt, try and give people a chance."

4. Show some personality

"Don't be afraid to show your quirks and character, staying clear of generic prompts or messages. The more 'you' that you can show, the better. It will help potential matches get a feel for who you really are. Time is precious, so don't waste it with matches who are disengaged, low effort or take weeks to reply. 

"You deserve more than the bare minimum! Trust your gut, and if you don't feel truly excited or aligned with someone, it's okay to move on. There's no harm in sending a polite message and unmatching. Free up your headspace (and theirs!) to find someone that you're really excited about."

5. Think before you swipe

"Have clarity on what you're looking for. You will have the option to select and share your preferences, whether you're looking for a long-term commitment or something more casual. The more concise you can be, the better, so don't just tick all options and hope for the best. Be honest with yourself about what exactly it is you're after and then you can hone your energy in on that. There's no shame in looking for love, and it can be really helpful to remind yourself that that's why (most!) people are on the apps too."