‘I’M HOOKED ON SLEEPING WITH STRANGERS’

Researcher Annie Field*, 40, is single and lives in London. After splitting with her long-term partner, she’s become obsessed with finding sexual partners online.

Annie says, “When I split up with my boyfriend of six years, Justin*, 42, I was devastated. We were living together and I thought we were heading for marriage and kids – sadly, he didn’t feel the same way. Two years ago he admitted that, although he loved me, he didn’t think I was The One.

“I was devastated, but then a girlfriend took me out for a drink to cheer me up, and she reminded me of the saying, ‘The best way to get over someone is to get under someone.’ So, a week later, I decided to try it out.

“I’d never used a dating app before, but I decided to join Tinder. As I was only looking for sex, I posted quite revealing photos, making it clear that I wasn’t ready for a relationship. My first encounter was with a man 10 years younger. We met in a bar and I took him home that night. It was so different to being with my boyfriend, but it reminded me of that excitement of discovering someone new and their preferences.

“We saw each other a couple of times more, but I soon got bored being with the same person. I’ve discovered that what I really enjoy is the thrill of the unknown. Before, I was quite reserved, I’d never even had a one-night stand, but I got a buzz scrolling through a dating app, wondering what someone would be like in bed. I find myself regularly checking my phone, wondering who my latest match is. I’ve deliberately extended my parameters, too. I used to always go for tall, dark men. But now I’ve slept with all different types. I’ve had some truly rubbish sex. But I’ve also had some mind-blowing experiences.

“I’m now thinking it would be nice to find love again – but it would have to be an open relationship. I’m hooked on the novelty of sex with a stranger.”