My child sex trafficking herstory made dating impossible for me. A child prostitute's interpretations of dating rituals are . . . Not pretty? Trigger city? Not ready for prime time? Call it what you will, I didn't date under the advice of psychiatric counsel.

As I approach my 38th anniversary, I am in danger of gratitude for that freak factor. I met my husband as a consequence of building a life I was proud to call my own. We still haven't had our "First Date." We're okay without it.

For what it's worth. . . Just sharing. . .

Continued support while you work your own puzzle, Kate.

I often wish PTSD puzzles came with pictures on the boxes. Maybe a few straight edges and replacements for the chewed up pieces? Just wishing. . .

Hi Katie,

Sorry to hear your story.

The fact that you are ready to date another guy shows you are willing to share yourself with someone you trust. Maybe have some time to reflect and see how you feel. See if you feel you can trust him a little to share your sorrow and see what he does with it. It could go one way or the other, and hopefully, he takes it positively and will help you along the way. If not, maybe you need more to heal.

Whatever your decision, wish you all the best and hope it all works out :)

wanting to hug you, sincerely, but thinking about dating makes me feel - or not feel really - i instinctively begin to dissociate too.

i've done it since childhood also and it is my most.. i want to say comfortable place, but that isn't accurate really - it's my most instinctive place - it is the quickest safe place i go. pretty much anywhere is unsafe. dating? super unsafe to me. the word might make me tremble if i were here.

Gosh, good question Katie. I disocciate a lot so probably not good to ask me. I suspect the right person will help you disoccaite less then normal. My ex made me disocciate more, so why be in that kind of relationship as you really are not in it. I guess your therapist would be helpful on this one as she knows you the best. Take care

I don’t have any advice. Just triple hugs of support.

It could be either, but give yourself some time. 3 dates is nice, but it could take more for a connection to happen. Or perhaps not. It may require "taking inventory" after the date - did he make me laugh, did I enjoy what we did, does he do little things to make me feel special? These answers may help decipher if it is emotional numbness or the lack of a connection. Take your time and try to be comfortable with where you are in life. Then perhaps allow the rest to fall into place. The hard part sometimes is waiting on God's timing, but He will make it worth it. Good luck!