Self-awareness and common decency both took a step backwards back recently, as a young woman demonstrated just how difficult it is for single mums to use dating apps without being harassed.
For the last 15 months, young mum Chloe, 21, from Bodwin in Cornwall, has been raising her son Noah single-handedly. Keen to enjoy dating like many others, she took to the Plenty of Fish app to see what it was like. She had been chatting - and enjoying talking to - one guy for a couple of days; exchanging jokes and information, but unfortunately things turned sour when he revealed himself to be an arsehole.
After 'revealing' (it was already on her profile intro) that she had a son, Chloe was surprised to receive the following reply: "You wipe your child's ass when he's had a shit? Fuck being with someone who cleans someone's ass."
Credit: Mercury Press
Advert
Who the man had previously imagined to wipe Noah's bottom (i.e. performed basic care) is unclear, and Chloe was left less than impressed with his behaviour.
She told the Metro: "We spoke for a couple of days, telling stupid, funny jokes and then he said: 'You seem interesting, tell me more about yourself'.
"As soon as I said I was a single mum, that's when he said it. The tone turned completely... As soon as he said that he was an utter arsehole in my eyes. I blocked and deleted him straight away. Anyone who doesn't respect me as a mother is just not worth my time."
Credit: Mercury Press
Advert
"Don't get me wrong, I've come across a few people on [Plenty of Fish] who have had me rolling over with laughter and are great people, but no-one's really set a spark for me as of yet. It seems like most people just want to chat for a bit and then forget you."
Chloe decided to share her experience to help other single mums ignore 'immature' people, which dating apps are sadly littered with.
"My general message to other young mums is that even though you're a mum, you're still you," she says.
"Someone will fall in love with you and respect you, it just takes time. I believe it takes longer when you're a mother because you have your head screwed on and you don't fall for the immature ones. Having a child makes you more grown-up, so I think you're more careful with who you choose to come into your life.
Advert
"It might take a while, but it's definitely worth it when you find someone who gets you."
Words: Ronan O'Shea
Topics: UK News, Mum, Mums, Dating, Sex and Relationships, Social Media