I'm mentally prepared for anything, but I just don't see it happening again.
If it does, I'm going to be more surprised than anyone.

You know how I know? I just dumped a guy who, when he was around, made me feel magically happy, but would withdraw at random times eaving me feeling abandoned, and for the first time in my life I took a long hard look at how he might as well be heroin, and dumped him abruptly, no chance to ingratiate himself! Just walked away. Feeling Terrible withdrawal symptoms right now, but Know I did the right thing for me.....it only took almost 70 years to learn the healthy thing, lol!

Yes I'm ready. One serious attempt 2 months ago with fellow member. Didn't work. Became friends. I'm ready to try again-lol

My ex was emotionally abusive and a skilled gaslighter. I want to want to date, but honestly I'm petrified.

I grieve and date. My wife died unexpectedly only 4 1/2 months ago. Dating helps my grief. I date mostly widows, and they understand my grief, and we share how we deal with grief..

Was in a mentally abusive relationship. Oddly, I think it changed me for the better. Took almost a year before I would even consider dating, though some of that had to do with living circumstances.

My ex was pretty psychologically abusive. I feel like I've handled it well, all things considered, and have faced up to the issues it brought about. But I couldn't say with absolute confidence that I'm ready, and for that reason, I vote no. And don't plan on rushing into the next relationship, though I'm starting to dip my toes in the pool.

Yes! It's taken 53 years and 6 mos to say it with conviction.

I am prepared for a relationship but it, like every relationship, will need to come with understanding and support.

I'm an abuse and trauma victim, so my partner needs to understand I come with the symptoms of that. It isn't a case of "facing it head on and getting over it" it's a lifelong issue that will need to be worked with.

I am ready but at 73 my body says otherwise. I can love, I can have all those nice feelings and my head is in a good space but my body just will not co-operate. I still get the feelings but as a gay man I can't do anything about it. I've tried medications and injections but a dead bird can't fly out of the nest. I do have a few beautiful friends who I really value. I really value being cuddled or being the cuddler but that's about as far as I can go.

Mentally, yes. Financially, no.

I have a method, I look at my situation from the outside looking in. I look at my facebook, I look at my interests and my status, and ask if I'm happy with everything, would I wanna date myself? Do I love myself? What are my best and worst qualities and either improve what I can or if I'm content then I'm ready to let someone else in.

I feel like you have to truly love yourself before you can let someone else love you. Know your worth and what you have to offer.

For some, being done with an ex is harder than for others. When im done, its DONE.

I do not want another relationship, but this post reminded me of my sister. She's 86, and she has a steady significant other. They've been together for about 5 years.

I love myself and I have a lot to offer. I feel that
if the time is right then it will.

I'm ready to start getting ready. Does that make sense? I've always been a harmless flirt, and I enjoy interacting with men and keeping things merry. After almost 18 years with my now ex-husband, I have no idea how people meet one another these days. Wanting to learn.

Straight up? I don't know. I simply do not know. In my current hierarchy of needs, a relationship is well down the priority order. All I know is that I have a phonebook sized list of things not to screw up again. I repeat - I don't know.

Yes, for certain, my mind has never been more clear, my soul is rested, my future is brite, my past is gone, I live for the moment.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

A complex question asking for simple ideas. I have had a variety of relationships the first 2 of which were not very good and ended in separation. The next 2 were OK but I was not ready to make a committment to those women (I am still best friends with one). My last one was loving and wildly successful but she died suddenly (after 16 years). We both agreed we would keep the mourning period low (I was told and agreed she would have given me 2 weeks - one has to remember just because one stops mourning one forgets). Time references don't take into account the quality of the relationship and the mindset/experiences of the people involved. I asked myself if I was ready many times and then, one day, woke up and thought, ready for what? For a successful relationship there needs to be a lot of connections. That takes time. Even though it has not been quite 2 years since my partner died I am ready for another relationship but it will have to be a friendship relationship first and only time will tell if it will go further.

Great question. And one we all need to seriously contemplate before embarking on a new endeavor.
I did go through some abuse over the course of a 20 year marriage with an alcoholic. Without going into detail, I believe the main issue I'll never get past is personal dignity. It's important. And a deal breaker if I feel I'm being disrespected. I've actually got this big old soft heart that would love to love the right man...lavishly!
Am I holding my breath? Oh hell no! I'm fairly satisfied with myself. But it would be nice if it happened.

After a couple episodes of epic stupidity slapping me upside the head I have realized I'm not ready at the moment for much of any kind of commitment.

I don't practice celibacy, I just know I wouldn't be any good at it and it is not something I wish to perfect. I don't gave any issues re an ex, but I have become very set in my ways, and I see that as a problem.

No apostrophe needed on Singles