‘If you go to London or Dublin guys are much more likely to say hello’
Rebecca McKinney (30) is a stylist and co-presenter of the Cool FM breakfast show. She says:
I’m single and a lot of my friends are single too. And, while I know I’m biased, I can’t understand why they’re single because they’re such brilliant girls.
Belfast is a great city to be independent in. There are so many social options and things to do — great restaurants, cafe society and gigs to go to. Personally I’m not going to casually date lots of men which is a conscious decision because of my job.
So, because I have profile as a radio presenter it can be quite a difficult city to meet someone in. Of course, everyone is friendly here which is a great thing about Northern Ireland but, especially for women, it feels like we outnumber men here. And living in such a small place you always find people have a history with someone you know. Guys here aren’t very quick to approach you at all. If you go do Dublin or London they’re much more likely to come over to you and say ‘hello’.
I’ve never had the nerve to try Tinder although some of my friends have really loved it and a guy I know met his wife on the dating app.
If it works for you, great but for me I’m not comfortable with it. It has certainly changed the dynamic of how people date — you’re flirting on a phone instead of in person. And social media dating has had a massive impact on what it’s like out in a social environment.
Before I started working in the media I went on a lot more first dates — I’m more cautious now. While I would love to meet someone I’m certainly not desperate to date whoever.
My life is lovely and filled with amazing friends so I certainly don’t feel any pressure to be looking for a boyfriend.
Yes, dating can be hard but going on 77 first dates would break my heart a little bit. I would rather take my time before rushing into something. I understand why women put themselves under pressure to settle down but it’s a terrible thing to do.
I’m about to turn 31 and never thought I would be this age and single, but that’s just the way it’s worked out.
Marriages and families tend to happen later in life now because we are all doing things differently compared to our parents.
Finding love is about the right person, not the right time.”
Before I was working in the media I went on a lot more first dates ... I’m more cautious now