I’m too scared to meet guy I found on dating app after being in abusive marriage

DEAR DEIDRE: I FEEL too scared to go and meet this guy I have found on a dating app.

I’m a woman of 40 and was in a very abusive marriage until I called the police about my husband. He was arrested and is now in prison.

Things have been so difficult but my family were really great.

My younger sister, 38, encouraged me to go on a dating app when I said I was lonely.

I’ve been chatting to this guy online for almost a month. He seems really nice.

He’s 42 and divorced. We have the same interests and live about 30 miles from one another.

Now he has suggested going out for dinner as our next step.

I fear this man might be like my ex-husband. But if he’s not, and is genuine, what if he doesn’t like me? I’m so worried about being rejected.

DEIDRE SAYS: I’m afraid you can’t know either of those things until you dip your toe in the water. This guy seems genuine enough to want to get to know more about you. That’s great.

Not every man is abusive and there is no rush to do anything you are not comfortable with. If you see a red flag then you can walk away.

If there is anything that concerns you, please contact Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk) which can advise you.

My support pack Love Online explains more about how to keep yourself safe when going on a date.

He might just be your Mr Right.