Long term lurker but frequent NCer. I mostly lurk on threads and rarely post, but here I am for a change!
Last January I met a very very freshly separated man while I was out one night. He had moved out from FH 3 weeks before meeting me. We flirted, liked each other and just clicked. He asked me out and I accepted, thinking that it would be just a fun fling and nothing more, given his circumstances (mutual split from wife of 20 years with DC after years of dead marriage and growing apart). I fully expected it to fizzle out within a couple of weeks.
However, we slowly started spending time together and while I was initially extremely guarded, over time we have developed such a caring, loving, fun and respectful relationship. We make each other very very happy and both see a future together.
After 6 months of dating he told me he was in love with me, and I said it back. I think we are quite sensible about the situation, and wouldn't dream of moving in together/ introducing his DC so soon. We see each other when he doesn't have his DC and do lovely things together, but also spend time at his or mine just watching telly and snuggling. I have met a few friends of his and he has met mine, we are planning on going away on a weekend break in the Autumn. It just feels so right, like a happy, healthy and loving relationship.
I am however acutely aware of the stigma surrounding dating someone so fresh out of a marriage. Rationally I think it is madness and I can see a million objective reasons why it should not work. But it just does work in reality!!
I keep expecting he will wake up one day, freak out and change his mind about our relationship, even though he gives me zero reason to doubt his feelings. He hasn't expressed one single doubt about wanting to be with me. He is nothing but caring and considerate, and apparently madly in love.
Am I crazy for dating someone so recently separated, even though the relationship is great and we make each other happy? Am I a total fool? Am I going to regret this bitterly one day?