That is a tough, tough question. I guess my advice is to just do it, if that is what you want. What's the worst that can happen?? The law of probability is in your favor.

Keep us updated!

ok so Laurie when I see that person in my daily life what do I say that doesn't make me look stupid or needy? :-)

For the ladies, so what would you do if a complete stranger walks up to you and ask you if you would like to get coffee or a drink? The stranger is a nice looking man and doesn't look creepy.

bump

Honestly, Somerdad, it will probably depend on what mood I am in that day.

what has worked on me:

"Hello!"

dancing beats dating. any contra in your area?

Scott, men are just as confusing as women, and the irony of who is into who is not lost on me! Your ship will come in, stay in the light ;)

do you know what you are looking for now, and in the long run? perhaps write about that?

It sounds like you need a confidence boost. After I was done with my marriage, I started to talk to just about anyone. If you chat with complete strangers about random things(like weather, news, opinions on brands at the store), you will develop more comfort with yourself. Introduce yourself, be friendly, be funny, eventually you will be more confident and not think so much about it. You will be surprised at the positive reactions you will get. Good luck.

I like that, rug. I like to make a cool exit. something funny to say as you walk away.

There was this H-O-T contractor type guy at the library book drop behind me. I was like, contractor at the library, sooo diggin you! Anyway, I was taking forever to put way too much stuff in there, and then I gave him this serious look and said "It is really, really important to not put your keys in there' - I dangled them at him, from where I had them around my pinkey finger, UPS style." His face went from 'bizzare stranger' to 'omg you are funny!' in about two seconds, SWEET! and I hit the road! it's fun!

trailblazer, I'm sure you intimidate most men you'd meet

oh you'd be surprised! I'm a freakin bull in a china shop.

Do you think you'll make any good company for another companion? And/or, you're not really going to attract the woman you'd like to date. If even given where you're at emotionally, is possible.

If you're emotionally in a state of influx, perhaps the first thing to do is work on your own internal stuff and leave the dating alone.

Often friends who might give that advice to you, can't really say what they'd do, as they'd not walked in your shoes so to speak. You need to do what is right for you.

Dating is only going to complicate your already complicated situaton.

yeah, bulls in china shops surely intimidate men!

no, I meant in a goofy a$$ way!

as in

"I carried a watermelon."