Dating again (gulp) after being widowed

DD2 is 9 and in year 4. I thought she was through the bereavement-dip, that happened after she missed a lot of time from school. But apparently she's scored lowest in the year in a maths test. (It's a high achieving school, so that doesn't necessarily mean she's very far behind where she should be.) I've replied to say that I'm more interested in her raw scores than a comparison with the others, particularly given the circumstances. Awaiting those.

Good news is she's come out fairly happy, despite hearing the result of the test in class. Distracted her now with asking her to pick out an outfit from my wardrobe that will look nice for both work meetings and 'dinner with friends' on Friday. She picked out the dress I wore to the launch last week, and that seemed to have a bloody miraculous effect, so she can remain my stylist! (It was a navy dress that I hadn't worn in ages. I'd been planning on an lbd but she said that I shouldn't wear black or people might think I was feeling sad about Daddy; how insightful is that? I don't think I have anything to worry about with that one, she's stuffed to the gills with compassion and creativity. Ultimately much more important than times tables!)

Your responses are all so lovely [happy] ... I hope he doesn't turn out to be a dick, and this remains a happy thread. Couldn't cope with any serious drama in my life at this stage tbh, so I think I'll go off him quickly if he's not as lovely and sorted as he seems.

Cabrinha, it's lovely that you're planning on inviting your Fiance's PIL's to the wedding. I'm sure that will mean a lot to them, whether or not they end up attending.

I've had a gutting email from DD2's teacher- 'concerns about her (academic) progress'. Best friend called straight afterwards, so telling her about lovely man a bit derailed by discussing DD2 and me getting het up about this is why kids need 2 parents. Anyway, told her eventually and she burst into tears, then sobbed that this was very bittersweet. Bless. She's an INFJ like the lovely man. He cries easily too, I reckon (judging that from the content of his creative work). Then she asked if she could help with any logistics

I've written the rest of the day off in terms of getting any work done, and am going between reading articles on how to help DD2 and day-to-evening fashion tips.

Thanks guys! It's good to have 'someone' to tell. I feel super excited. And no, not taking clean knickers, behave!!

Slightly miffed that my Dsis hasn't phoned for details. Nothing since the waxing link. But we got married when she was 13 so maybe this is weirder for her than for me. Anyway, I've texted my best friend to say I've got some fun but perhaps surprising news, whenever she has time to chat. Deep breath. Hope she's okay with it. Especially as I think I need to hire her nice au pair on Friday evening - my regular sitter can't do it.

Awww. I told him I'd be free to talk between 10 and 2, and he called at 10.01. Punctual! (And keen, right?)

Then had minor heart fail when first thing he asked was my star sign. Asked if he knew that's all bollocks. (No offence intended to believers.) He sounded like he was pissing himself laughing, said sorry, it was first thing that had come to mind, because he'd been talking to his sister about me, and she wanted him to find out. I said; talking to your sister about me? He apologised, I said it's okay, flattering, well depending what he'd told her. He said some sweet things that made me and then that he had asked her for advice, after talking to my friend. His sister had said to find out my starsign and then she'd do our chart and let him know what approach would work . She sounds about as helpful as my DSis. I said for him to remind me to tell him my sister's response to hearing something about him, when I know him better.

Laughed at him for getting up at 5 am. Training run ready for a half marathon on Sunday apparently. Told him I do runs that length every month or so, but not official half marathons because I find exercising in front of strangers embarrassing. GOD, can't believe I admitted that, I'm such a tit. Talked about running for a while, which led onto talking about my dog. He claims to like them. Even stinky ones (though I didn't mention her shitting in the house).

Then talked about our project a bit. It came out that he assumed I'd be at a meeting about it on Thursday. Told him I only come into London once a week, generally on a Friday as then my parents can generally pick the DC up after school for me. Had excused myself from that meeting so long ago that I'd forgotten it was even happening. He went a bit quiet and I asked if the absurd limitations of my life were dawning on him. He said not absurd at all, was actually wondering if you're in London this Friday? I am, I said cautiously, though chocka with work meetings until 5. He asked what time I have to be home for the kids, because he'd love to take me out, if my friend is wrong and I'm interested in dating!

I said I'm terrified by the thought of dating but really enjoy his company. I could book the babysitter to take over from my parents, so we could go for a drink after my last meeting . He said could he take me for dinner, somewhere quiet where we can chat properly. I said that would be lovely.

AAAAGGGHHHH!

Then he asked me my birthday and I said I'm not telling him because I'm pretty sure I'm older than him. He said I'm not asking the year, just date. I said ha! You're stealth working out my star sign. He said he had to tell his sister, but was laughing. I said I'd tell him if he knew his MBTI (a personality typing thing - Jungian psychology). Thought I'd have him there and he'd have no clue what I was talking about. He said INFJ. Two of my best friends are INFJ's, I love them! So told him I'm Libra but that it's bollocks. Didn't tell him my MBTI because I'm less feely than him and don't want to scare him off.

Can't remember what else, but we talked for nearly 30 minutes . He asked if he could call again before Friday. I said anytime, then corrected that, and said between 9.30 and 2.30 or after 9pm, as I needed to concentrate on the DC aside from that. He said nice things about my parenting. I told him he has a lovely voice and asked how tall he is (6'2!!).

Now to try and book a 'sitter, and work out what to tell my parents. Gulp. And also going to read your replies above properly. Thanks, all. I'm so glad I emailed him!