Dating Dilemma

In September, it will be three years that I have been single. It has been a huge, healing, neccessary absence from the world of dating.

My previous experience in dating is filled with the horror stories you hear about: the guy who got TWO other women pregnant while we were together; the guy who I thought "traveled for work" a lot, only to find out he was MARRIED.

It didn't help that I never went more than six months without dating. After a while I realized I was partly to blame. Some part of me was seeking out these jerks, and that part of me needed some serious healing to stop the cycle of emotional abuse.

I've matured a lot and now know what I'm looking for in a long-term partner. More importantly, I know when to turn and RUN the other way. I know too many people who have settled, and I don't want their lives.

I've also made an effort to surround myself with people in positive relationships. No partnership is perfect, but the company you keep has a way of affecting your outlook on love.

I feel like I might be ready to at least get my feet wet again, but how do I KNOW the other parts of me are ready to? I think that it "just feels right," but I've spent so much time listening to the negative little voice in my head, I kinda forget what the positive voice sounds like.

I've met a couple guys recently that have given me reason to hope again. I didn't actually get their phone numbers or anything, but I started to feel excited about the possibilities again. Hope is a great start.