When to start dating again?

[HarleyK]

Have recently become a single mummy to a wonderful 6month old Ds (not by choice ) had a turbulent relationship with his dad so will not be looking twice at any man for a while but was just wondering from single mums with experience...when is the best time to put yourself back out there?

One piece of advice! Dont force it! The internet IS a nightmare. Focus on your baby because that it a relationship that will last a lifetime and bring you the biggest happiness. Keep busy and positive. Wait, the right one will come along at the right time, but the wrong one will come along and will do, if you rush it or are desperate.

It depends on why you split up, if you need time to work on yourself, be happy on your own etc and why you are after a relationship.

Everyone is different. I started dating soon after my STBXH left, it was purely for sex and I had a lot of fun. Then I accidentally met my now BF and we have been together 7 months. Ideally more time alone would have been good first but you never know what/who is around the corner.

I felt like I had been alone and emotionally disconnected from my STBXH for a couple of years before he left so I was celebrating rather than crying into my pillow.

I have been desperately trying to keep busy with baby groups etc. but my relationship didn't allow for me to have a lot of friends, which has really impacted on me now he's gone. I have a few mums a know from groups but they have a hectic routine the same as I do. Like I said before I'm not looking to rush into anything, just want a bit of hope for the future. All seems very dismal right now

There are loads of lovely men out there who are happy to date single mums. You will find someone when the time is right. Like Weevils said, don't force it, loneliness is not a good reason to start dating, (although it is an understandable one) it could make you very dependent and needy.

You will know when you're ready. If you're unsure, then you're not ready.

I was single by choice for eighteen months after breaking up with my ex. At first I had no interest in men at all, in fact I would have put money on it that I'd stay single forever. But I changed my mind, started dating and have been seeing someone lovely for a few months now.

Don't rush it, make sure you're happy and confident in yourself first. And when you are ready, come over to the dating thread for lots of support and good advice.