What other people think is none of your business! ? Be free! ?

Go and have a great time. You're divorced, not dead.

You've got to live your life doll (((( hugs)))
It may be just that you're getting your feet wet & need to do something less "out there", not for others but for you?
I get why you might be reticent being a "fretter".

Other than that bleep! everyone else, have fun. You've every right!

Why are you worrying about what anyone "might" think?
You are divorced. You are allowed to live your life in ANY manner you see fit.
Be bold. Hold hands if you want to.
NO ONE has any right to say anything about anything you are doing, or who you're seeing socially.
So what if you see anyone you know, or your ex? It's going to happen sometime.
Go and have a great time.

Just go! Have a wonderful time and if you see your ex, smile and be happy you've moved on.

Go! Enjoy! Be free and happy, you have earned it and deserve it! Those that talk will do so about anyone, anything, any time. It doesn't matter if it is tomorrow, next month or next year. Be wicked, give them a reason to talk, there is no shame in your game. ?

Shouldn't be about your ex or anybody in town. Should be about you, so have fun!

Marcie---do whatever feels right....although I'd put the brakes on PUBLIC SEX for awhile. Just saying. (And..deep down...won't it be fun to smile sweetly at your former husband while looking very happy with a date? Love, Brenda Bitch!)

I remember feeling like that when I first got divorced, it takes a while to get over but go and have fun! You will feel free once you see your ex out there too, don't feel weird, it's ok! Sounds like you went through a horrible marriage and divorce! It's understandable, it's ok

I have to echo everyone else here and say GO. You shouldn't care what others think, and you can't spend the rest of your life avoiding the ex. Go, have fun, hold hands, kiss like nobody's watching (if you want to).

Move on with your life. You both deserve happiness.
There may be some awkward points for you but life is full of those anyway. Just follow your heart
Those that judge you can easily avoid but I suspect most of your friends will be happy for you

I have been separated from my ex since December 2016 - so I have passed the 18 month mark. I have tentatively (and so far unsuccessfully) tried a couple of dates recently. So, I know where you are coming from. In my view, yes after a year you should be to take a date somewhere that has people who know you. It sounds like your social orbit already know you're divorced. A date after a year is nothing to be embarrassed about it - in fact, it should be celebrated. You go, girl!

Just a good time to find out who the real friends are

Ohferpetessake....go! Hold hands! Snuggle if you feel the need! You are a grown woman legally divorced. Period

Accept that some of your former mutual friends will judge and/or ostracize you to some extent, or take sides on behalf of your ex, if they haven't already. It goes with the territory.

I always admired my current wife for ignoring raised eyebrows when she began dating me mere weeks after her husband's death (the marriage had been going south anyway). People don't have a right to judge such things, as they don't have all the information and it's none of their business anyway.

Be brave. If you can, take pride in whose hand you're holding!

If you sincerely like each other, enjoy yourself.

unless your scoring points or some such crap why are you even feeling these thoughts its your life live for the moment not the brain buzz

Wow what great advice and good friends you have . Amazing!!!

Go. Enjoy. Be careful.

Take him! It is no ones business who you are holding hands with and your ex is your ex for a reason. I know, easier said then done but I think if this person is willing to drive the 2 hours and wants to go you should do it. And let us know how it goes!

Stop fretting.

Well you have 2 lives so this is just a try-out. Also you won't die for millions of years so why not waste a little more time worrying about what other people think. <-- Sarcasm

Seriously, just go and have fun. If you run into someone or an uncomfortable situation, lean into it and remind yourself that you're not there trying to make sure they enjoy their life, you're doing your best to enjoy yours. Good luck!

I went to a concert with my ex years ago and one of his exes was there. Bound to happen. Would he feel uncomfortable? Would you? Might want to ask him. Is it someone from here? If so he wouldn't mind seeking advice?

Your ex doesn't own you, and people's opinions should not sway you either. This is 2018. Live your life. If the match is good hey have him sleep over. Have fun.