Zoe, 28, is fed up with "cowardly" men on dating apps suddenly going silent on her without explanation, or even a cursory text.

Here is her experience of dating in the modern world.

I am single in London - the biggest dating pool in the UK where many of my friends and family have found love.

For me though, things could not be more lonely or frustrating - I attract "ghosts" you see.

Those people whom you meet, you date (sometimes), you just maybe start to catch feelings for and then, POOF! They disappear - not a trace, not a word, nothing.


I'm not talking about those times you meet someone new for a drink, maybe you even meet them twice. At the end of the date you leave with a mutual understanding that you will most likely never see each other again - that's just how life goes.

It's those who refuse to respond, to engage.

You let them know you had a nice time - nothing. You are halfway through organising another meet-up and then ... nothing.

Image: Apps like Tinder have transformed dating - but the experience can be frustrating

In some cases (fairly frequent for me, it has to be said), you get as far as organising the date itself, then when you try to confirm - because that's just good manners - nothing.

I used to think it was me, my fault, something I'd said or done that forced these poor men to cut all ties, who knows - maybe it is?

I used to console myself with thinking they were just trying to not hurt me, to let me down gently.

But after years of this, I am fed up. It's not chivalry, it's not something that has been said or done. It's a lack of respect, it's cowardice and it's downright annoying.

What is so wrong with saying in response to a simple, "Are we still on for later/tonight/tomorrow?", "No, sorry I can't."

Give me an excuse, give me a simple no, tell me a long story about how you wish you could but you just can't, This is all fine, just give me something.

Image: Some men can't even be bothered to reply with a simple 'no', says Zoe

I've been dating for a relatively short six-ish years, but I am not a naive little creature who needs protecting from your decision that you don't want to go on a first date with me.

I mean, yes, chances are I'll be upset or disappointed that I'm not about to meet someone new. Chances are I've already thought about something we could do as a fun date idea further down the line.

But I've also been in this game long enough to know that you're speaking to other people at the same time, as I am; to understand that you are busy, just as I am; and that maybe you just don't feel like it, as all of us sometimes do.

I leave early for every date with a back-up plan in case of last-minute ghosting.

A book in my bag, a pub round the corner I can sit and wait in, a friend I can text so I don't look odd or out of place on my own. Essentially an option to "date myself" for the evening.

To every man I've been ghosted by before: all I'm asking is that you pay me the courtesy of acknowledgement.

I'm a human, I exist and I was probably excited to meet you. I won't be angry or make a scene, I promise.

Me and myself over here will just get on with our nice date in peace.