On Air Now Non-Stop Classics 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Now Playing B-52'S Love Shack

Manx matchmaker supporting people 'frustrated' with online dating

Photo credit: Manx Radio

"People in their 70s and 80s are still very sexually active"

We've been hearing about the perils and pitfalls of online dating on the Isle of Man on what marks Sexual Health Week (14-20 September).

The theme of this year's campaign is 'Let's Connect' and human connection.

The charity Brook says it's about exploring how to build and sustain authentic relationships in 'an era of ghosting and endless scrolling'. 

You can find out more HERE.

Lisa Petrie is a matchmaker on the Island who goes by the name "Queen of Hearts".

She's been setting up real-life dates for clients for five years after hearing about the difficulties friends were having with the online dating world.

Lisa says it's a common occurrence for singles to start speaking to someone on an online dating site, to only later discover that the other person was already in a relationship.

Ghosting is also a common issue, where someone cuts off contact with the person they're supposed to be dating online.

Before setting up dates Lisa says she, and her team, personally screen all potential clients over a coffee or video call in order to ensure they are genuine, single people who are ready to commit to a long-term relationship.

In terms of sexual health, Lisa says: "I was really surprised when I started matchmaking that actually people in their 70s and 80s are still very sexually active and because they're not worried about the contraception side of things, condoms might not be getting used as much.

"So, across the whole board, it's really important to make sure that those conversations are being had."

She's been speaking to Lewis Foster: 

More from Isle of Man News