I was anxious about posting but hope the lovely MN ladies can help me.
Today I was at a work business meeting. I have been to millions of these before but am in a female dominated industry where generally meetings are dull and short...I am a Primary School Deputy Head and education adviser, I am 50 and the meeting was a gathering of educational expert types.
I arrived alone and didn't recognise anybody so sat next to a bloke where the most obvious available aisle seat was. We got talking, all very job-related chat. We then got onto our own children's schools/career paths and found common ground with our children attending some of the same schools and with my DD and his DS both working for the same company in the same London office. We really got on, but just in a sort of way that we had so much to chat about due to so many similarities. It turns out his wife sadly passed away 9 years ago.
At the end of the day, he asked if I fancied grabbing a drink. I declined making an excuse, in reality I was too scared and panicked :( he asked if maybe we want to meet in Xtown (where we both live) another time. I said that sounded nice and he gave me a business card.
All this has literally struck me with shock. It has been over 10 years since my exH had a horrific affair, became violent with me and DC and it all ended up incredibly messy with court orders and DC battling for years with the issues he left us with and trauma of it all. My 4 DC are all now grown up, 15-23, very resilient and happy with their own lives. I am close to them all and while 2 of them live away from home at uni/moved out, other two will be off in a few years too, I have a very good relationship with all of them. Over the years I accepted the trauma I experienced has left me not wanting another relationship and I have built up a good and fulfilling life juggling my children, career, friends and interests. I worry I am not in the position to want even a date, but at the same time wonder if this is time to give it a go and to regain my trust and faith in men!
Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself and he was just being friendly, but it felt a little more... I don't know!! I don't know what to do, I asked DS if he remembered this man's son (didn't tell him why!) and he said he did and he is a 'top guy'.
Half of me wants to go, nothing to loose, half of me is terrified and unsure I want to go down that road. I talked to my DD who is home from uni, she was as shocked as I was but lovely and comforting. I have only ever gone on one date since exH which was a bad experience. She told me to go into it thinking he wants friendship, that way there is no disappointment or hurt. If I do contact him, do I text or call or what?! Help me please!!