When did you start dating again?

[Bellabluea]

After marriage breakup?
H and I separated over 2 years ago although we did try again for a little bit and finally called it quits 6 months ago. We were married for 16 years and together for 18. It’s very amicable in that he’s a great Dad and very supportive if I ask him for help but we became like housemates and I have no feelings for him in that respect.
I’m 40 and have three children 9, 10 and 16. I can’t imagine letting anyone into my family - I am a romantic really in that I hope that I’ll meet my perfect man but also a realist in thinking I’m more likely to be a single parent forever!
Had a brief look at OLD which terrifies me if I’m honest. I haven’t dated since I was in my late teens and have no idea what to expect!

Just looking for others in the same boat really and maybe asking how your experiences have been?

Straight away. I had long checked out and just let it drag on before I found the courage to end it. I had thought about dating a lot and decided I wasn't waiting.

Depends on the person though. When you think you are ready is the right answer. Everyone is different and there is no set time to these things. Men don't usually wait although I'm fairly sure my ex isn't dating yet.

How did you start? I like to think I’m still pretty attractive and I keep myself fit enough but I seem to hang out with mothers and although I work with a lot of men they’re all married or too young!
Where do you find these men?

It’s been 3 years for me and still not dated. I’m always amazed at how quick some people move on. Not in a negative way just don’t know how they do it!

13 years - met on old went out for 3 years but things weren't right so I initiated split 6 months ago. Think I prefer being single parent 95% of the time!

Pretty much straight away, but that was because I met someone who was perfect and I couldn't let him get away! We've now been married for five years and have three children.

The difference was though, I had no children with my ex - so no fears about introducing a new person.

In retrospect, I wasn't in a great place for the first year. It's not really great to be in a new relationship while you are going through a divorce and my head was a mess. I don't regret it, things worked out in the end, but I know that I wasn't a very good girlfriend to my now DH. So honestly, I think waiting til you're really ready is better.

Just over two years separated(14 years together, still not divorced as cannot afford it at the moment but well and truly over him) I was on a couple of old apps last year and the whole thing really messed with my head, I had no dates just a lot of pervs and an arse who stood me up, which put me right back to square one.

I'm ready to date again, but I don't want to go from one guy to another so I get really picky. There is a guy I really like, I just need to stop acting like a silly teenager and ask him out now😂.

I only date casually. Honestly I cannot be bothered with the hassles of when to introduce a new partner to DS, foisting another father figure into his life, the stress of a blended family. More trouble than it's worth.

I enjoy being single though.

I’ve been single 6 months after a 20 year relationship and am 41. I can’t even contemplate it yet to be honest. I need time to process and get over it all, work out who I am and what I want.

Immediately. The best way to get over someone is to get under someone.

Hahaha I like itStarlight! I’m not saying I’ve been a nun. I have a guy who I have had a few nights with but he’s not relationship material. Just a FWB.
Thanks for the replies. @Isitreally77 I totally get this. I found the dating apps messed with my head and had me losing all faith in men. Also ASK HIM OUT!

I 'dated' after 6 months but wasn't looking for a relationship - more casual hook ups (with one guy at a time - is that a FWB situation?).

I didn't want my DC to be further confused after what their shit of a father did to them.

6 years on and I've been in a relationship for just why of a year.

Everybody is different and I really think it depends upon the circumstances in which your relationship ended and how you feel.
Some people are heartbroken and need a long time emotionally to recover, some have already checked out a long time ago.
One thing to consider if you meet someone is how you would feel if it did not work out. Could you bear more heartache heapped on.
Personally when looking around on old I would not touch anyone who is separated, or recently out of a relationship.

3 months to register for old, 5 months before I plucked up the courage, 7 months and I met dp, go for it!

@Bellabluea glad it wasn't just me, everyone else seemed to have a much better experience of apps than me and I felt I was doing something wrong.

Yeah I know I need to ask him out. It's all a bit scary.

I started dating a couple of months after H and I separated. Our marriage was over for three or maybe four years before I plucked up the courage to tell him I wanted to separate, and honestly all I felt was relief. There was no sadness or heartbreak at all. I did see a counsellor at the time, to make sure that my mental health was good. Did a little bit of OLD, fourth date I went on I met the love of my life!

My dad died unexpectedly when he was relatively young, which kind of makes me feel that life is for living while you can. After being stuck in a really bad marriage for a long time, because I thought it was the right thing to do for the kids, I realised that actually it wasn't the right thing to do, and we're all so much happier now. We are taking things slowly (both of us have children), but our lives are coming together and I am hopeful that we have a happy future together!

@Bellabluea - Just enjoy and have fun! Remember, smart girls carry condoms.