Dating again after infidelity and divorce

[Newuname199987]

Just wondering how you felt about dating again following a long marriage, infidelity and divorce? How do you ever get over the trust that was lost with your partner when they cheated and become able to open up and trust a new person?

It’s been over a year and a half now and I still feel very hurt and vulnerable. Maybe it needs me to take longer to recover, or maybe starting to think about meeting new people might be good for me.

I don’t think online dating is for me at all so not sure the best way to get some dating confidence back- it’s been nearly 30 years!!

I have no advice, but I'm 19mos single following a 15yr relationship (we weren't married) and a pretty ugly separation where we are now no contact.

I've started to dip my toe into the dating game, although to be honest I haven't gone on an actual date, just talking to people.

I'm not sure I will ever learn to trust again, and have made peace with that I may never be in a loving relationship again. It's terribly sad that I have given that power to my ex, to be able to influence any possible relationship I may have in the future.

I also have young children and it all still feels too raw for me to date. I do accept, however, that 18mos to a child is a lot longer than to an adult. I guess I still feel very enclosed in my family life and a hectic career.

Just wanted to let you know, you are not alone in how you feel, I expected to be over it by now, and whilst I am over my ex, the trauma of our separation is still with me.