Maybe you just need a break from dating. Six months? You will know when you feel like it. If you just got your heart broken, take a break, you deserve one.
I have done the dating site thing. After you know their last name do a background check, it is worth every penny. You just never know.

Sorry, I don't have any advice for you. I am still in shock from my own divorce. 21 years and now it's over. I thought I would be happier about it, he is emotionally abusive and it is best that I stay away from him. I NEVER want to get involved with another man! I am so sorry it has not changed for you even after all this time. What do you want from a new relationship? Is it just hard to trust again?

misty it is really hard to trust again. I too was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship for 12 years. The old friend was someone I felt would never hurt me (I was remembering him from high school....big mistake) What I want from a new relationship is someone who will treat me well and value me as a person. Someone who won't take me for granted and realize that the relationship is a partnership. Someone who will love me for me and not try in change me into someone else. That's why I think waiting would be my best bet. I miss companionship but don't want to jump into anything I'm not ready for.

I'm 37, my stbx is the only person I've been with since I was 17. She had several affairs over the course of our 20 year marriage - I did not. She has no problem meeting people, she's outgoing, she has a boyfriend - has been with him almost 8 months.

I'm terrified of dating. I know it's too soon for me - but the looming anxiety is there.

I can't tell you if it's normal - but it does sound like you're holding off for some reason. Instead of jumping in full of gusto - like "yeah, I'm ready to do this" you're only kind of there. Maybe it's a trust issue? Maybe it's an insecurity (God knows I have them) - but for me, I know it will be the right time when I'm okay with myself. And have discarded the weights of abandonment. Then I can go into a relationship as something to complement my life and not fulfill or otherwise be a tool to provide me with something that I feel I'm missing.

But that's just me ;)

There is no hard and fast rule as to when you are truly ready to start dating again after divorce. In fact, there is no rule that says you EVER have to do it. If you're hesitant, have no real interest and are actually trying to talk yourself OUT of doing it, then don't.
If and when you start to feel the urge, THEN try again. Life is too stressful without adding something else to the list.

Why not give the dating scene a break for a while and just join groups to do activities with, with other people who share similar interests as you. Just enjoy your single life and hang out with friends etc. Give yourself time to heal and regain your trust in people.
Let life take it's own course and don't force yourself back into the dating scene if it makes you feel so anxious.