February is the month of love but not everyone has a special someone with whom to celebrate.
Maureen Nel, 63, lost her husband six years ago and decided to create a fun, safe space for single people over the age of 45 to get together and find love or just have fun on February 11.
Some of the women who joined shared some advice on love and relationships.
Widowed Stephanie Kirchoff, who was married for 47 years, said it was important to not try to change your partner.
“It is important to build each other up as partners and look out for each other,“ Kirchoff said.
Jenny Moss, 63, who is also a widow, was married for 22 years.
“I had the most wonderful partner who took such great care of me. He did everything for me.
“Friendship is a good foundation for a great relationship. Another thing, as great as it was to have a man who does everything for me, life became very difficult for me when he passed.
“I would advise ladies to be independent. You need to be able to take care of yourself before you let a man take care of you.”
Esther Du Preez, 70, has been divorced twice.
“Communication is so important. Talk to each other about the problems you have and how you feel.
“Talking helps you to sort out miscommunications and prevent unnecessary drama.
“Don’t settle for less than what you deserve.“
Michelle*, 62, who is unmarried, said despite “many bad experiences“she still believed in love.
“I believe it is possible to find true love, but not all of us will be that lucky.
“I think it’s important to really know the person you get involved with before you fall in love,“ she said.
*Not real name
