Over the weekend, Dermot and Dave received a fascinating letter from a long time listener calling herself 'C' (in the name of anonymity). 

C's query may seem like a straightforward question, but it's actually quite a difficult one to answer. 

Have a read...

"Good morning Dermot and Dave,

Yes, I have gone old school and decided to write a letter to ye instead of using social media-Noni would be proud as a fellow Limerick woman.

I listen to your show every morning while at work and I think it’s the best platform to bring this topic up and get people talking about relationships, or lack therof amongst Irish singles at the moment.

To put things in context, I’m female, in my 30s, heterosexual and I’ve been single for a little over a year. I have a good job; have my own house and a wide circle of family and friends. Recently, I ventured back into the dating world after four years. I’ve tried nights out, clubs and the dreaded online adventure...and my question is... what is going on with our generation and the one behind us?

The online world has turned dating into a supermarket of epic proportions-if you pick a flawed one you can always go back to find another. If I hear the word ‘settle’ or the term ‘I’m not going to settle’ once more, I think I’ll slap someone-where has this belief come from that we are perfect?

Old school dating is absolutely lost. Intimate pictures and hook ups are the way to go apparently. If you get annoyed at either of these things, you’re a prude. If you have a photograph on your dating profile that might have the tiniest suggestion of a boob-men feel that they can ask you what cup size you are and much cruder things than that.

In my eyes, we are all equal, in gender, race and social standing etc. But now there’s an undercurrent the females shouldn’t need males in their life to be happy. It’s almost like we show weakness by admitting we need someone in our lives. I both NEED and WANT a partner  in life, for love and companionship and special moments to share throughout our lives, whether it’s as boring as a night in, sharing a lap blanket in the car or going to a wedding.

I’ve stopped online dating, it’s not for everyone and it most definitely plays with your mental health. I’ve read about, and experienced, ghosting, zombieing, bread crumbing and gaslighting...and now they’re not new Kama Sutra positions. They’re terms used to explain ‘unexplainable’ behaviour after dates but why do those things need to be invented?

I think what’s going on in the dating world right now is an epidemic and it’s impacting on so many people right now.

I’d love to hear what you think about this and from other people who I am absolutely positive are in the exact same position as I am.

C x"

Jordan Sparks' anthem 'Battlefield' echoed round my head on listening to the lads read the letter out on air, and it was amplified even more after the reaction it received.

Dermot and Dave asked the good people of Ireland for their advice/thoughts and the response was massive, from both sexes;

Hi there- I met my partner on the river in the canoe club in Galway 9 years ago and still going strong! Firm believer of meeting people in clubs with similar interests. A few couples have met in through the club and one couple getting married in a couple of weeks

There is still some speed dating out there. In the west there’s Singles Mingles, who have a Facebook page, organises events in social setting, around hillwalking etc. I have some experience of them.  From V.

Hi lads, I met my now husband on tinder four years ago. He was the first date I went on and I just knew this was it! We got married last December, we have a beautiful baby girl 3 years of age, and we are going on or first family holiday/ honeymoon today :) Aileen!

Lads I fully agree with everything these ladies have said but it's just as bad for genuine fellas. Because of all the lads just looking for something casual and sending inappropriate messages ladies have their guard up all the time. I'm a fella in his late 30's looking for a relationship and it's extremely hard to meet any ladies to date

Dating sucks, myself and friends went out Saturday night and a swarm of married men surrounded us, makes you wonder what they'd be like away from home

Hi d&d love the show! Ok I was online on pof and went on one date that didn't work out! Then went on a second one and we got on great! Amazing in fact! We are now 5 years married and have two kids!! But get this!! One of my best mates is godfather to one of our kids!! But whats even crazier he is also godfather to my wife's cousin! And we only found out the connection after the christening!!! Wowzers!!! Thanks guys! B

All I can say is if you stick at it on tinder you can meet the right person. I met my girlfriend of 2.5 years on tinder an we’re very happy together. Don’t lose hope, if she can hit the jackpot so can you 😆😆. Edd

Hi Lads have been of this opinion for a long time, woman are programmed now not to rely on men but maybe women and men just want to be happy with each other and enjoy life. Tks Phlip

If every app/site did exactly as they say on it there would be no problem..pof is for those looking relationships..tinder is for hook ups..swinging sites are for those into swinging  and fetish sites should be for that..however..guys are on them all married and single..all openly looking to get leg over or cheap thrills sending pics or vids

Well lads do any of these ladies use match.com or paid dating apps and sites. It's where you would find people looking for real relationships. Worked for my brother he's married 7 years and has a beautiful daughter now.

So what do you think? Do you think C should get back into the dating apps and be super selective? Or maybe there are some other options she hasn't yet explored?

What about her perception of 2018 being an era where the likes of the #MeToo movement, and the rise in gender equality is having an unforeseen effect on women of the world?

We wish C all the best on her quest and want her to remember, "Love is not something you plan, it just happens". We have a soft side too you know.

You can listen to Dermot and Dave reading out the letter on air by pressing play in the image above the headline at the top of the page.