I am expecting it to be equal parts weird, stressful and a trainwreck.

But hey, it could go well....

I can't imagine. Bad marriage or not, you develop such a shorthand. How do you get that with someone new?

YES IT IS VERY WEIRD. Not that I feel strongly about this. I tried it way too soon. Also I was married for 30 years to the same man. So when I stuck my feet into the wading pool I was shocked. Just so many things I didn't plan on. Younger men wanting to date me, every guy I dated telling me I was the one. A man that made up a whole identity. I will not do it through a dating site again. Unless I see birth certificate, pay stub, immunizations. LOL

I have tried to date agian and it's still uncomfortable to me (sometimes). I have found that I am so picky too. I was talking to this one guy who emailed me 20/30 times a day, while I was at work and if I didn't respond to the email, he would text me.. I had to tell him this morning that I didn't think I could give him the attention that he needs.

He was so needy...Wanted to be in my ear 24/7...This is a guy I have never met either..

I am just going to wait a while longer or maybe I will just rule it out all together.

Okay, Mama, when I am ready to date again, I am going to come talk to you! LOL! ; )

My wife actually asked me to go out on a date to make SURE that she was who I wanted. I did, but it was a go through the motions date. We went to the gym, and I took her through my workout routine. Yah, I am one hell of a first date. We could have from there, gone out to dinner and the like, but I wasn't into it.

I agree with Birk.

I have 12 years of little inside jokes that I have to throw out the window.

Just watch:
"Just roll it all into one, no one will notice."

See?

Nobody laughed.

That would have cracked my STBX up, because she was there when it happened.

That is all gone now.

Absolutely its strange and different.
I don't do the comparison thing, unless its to look for the red flags.

With dating or the more "personal" side of the relationship, you need to have healed and moved on you are just asking for a world of hurt.

Ask me tomorrow

AJ, I know what you mean. Anytime either my stbx or I did something really unspeakably dumb, we'd say to the other, "Hello?" like we were answering the phone.

That's because she once tried to call me on my cell phone. She was at home. I left my cell phone at home that day. She heard my cell phone ringing -- REALIZED it was my cell phone -- picked it up, and answered her own call.

Yes starting to date again can be weird. However it can also be quite rewarding, exciting, and fun. Not all dates have to be nightmares.

I don't compare because I feel we are all different in our own ways. If I was comparing with my STBX then I would know I wasn't ready to date again. I try to take dating for what it is, not for what it can become.

As far as the physical side comes, again be careful of rebounds which that can just make you feel empty. If you meet someone and you have a connection it shouldn't feel wierd if you have feelings for that person. Or at least that's my take.

It's good to put yourself out there but be careful. Guard your heart and don't fall to fast. Pay attention to what they say about past relationships and how they treated their ex's. Don't settle because you're lonely and are attracted to them. Just protect your heart!

It's wierd but exciting at the same time. Just don't lose yourself to quick. Keep level headed and no long distance.

it's very weird.

I started dating 8 months into my separation. After 20yrs being with the same person it was definitely different. The dating environment has gone high tech with online dating, texting and cell phones. Then there's deciphering who is legitimate and serious or not. Then there's the element of safety. Meeting in well lit public areas. I always appreciate a man who will let our first meeting be in my turf where I know where I'm going. That's a real gentleman.

I haven't gotten serious ...I think it's going to take a special person for that and lets face it your older wiser and have more criteria...likely because of your past experiences. Thus the hunt is harder.

Come on Z, tell us a story!! Pleeeaaasseeee??? lol kidding...

Dating IS weird. I had several dates too close together last week - thought it would be fun. Monday Wednesday Saturday. It sucked. All were very pleasant (and the combined 3 were expensive). I ended up thinking... get me outta here!!! I want to be alone! I don't want to repeat my story ever again to anyone!!!! So here I am, content to eat, sleep, work, and row. Sex is not overrated, but dating IS overrated.