What are the 'rules' of when to date again?

[Bubblesandcake]

I have been single 8 years (divorced), dated in between and in all of that time only had one relationship, which lasted only 5 months. I posted recently about it (if I say a weekend at his, putting up his shed, some may recognise it). It ended just over a week ago. We were together for 5 months but in that time rarely dated as in dated dated (went out).
Is it too soon to get back out there and date? I have no experience in this. Good or a bad thing?

there are no rules. If you are comfortable and feel ready, try it.. you have nothing to lose! See how you feel and go with it.

I've read something along the lines of "taking a date to your spouse's funeral is probably too soon, other than that..."
(I know you are not widowed).

I think, mostly, after a long relationship ending you need a little time to recover who you are and maybe to grieve the ending of something.
I also think if there are children involved they may need longer, but that doesn't mean you can't date - you just have to be aware of their needs.

Having said all that, 5 months is nothing and if you want to start saying again now I can't see why you would question that.

Thankyou 😊 I guess I was feeling a bit guilty.

No reason to feel guilty!

I guess so. A little apprehensive though. It's tough out there. When you finally think you have found someone....deep breath!
Maybe I need a different mindset....