In recent years I’d say mums the word. I do tell certain friends certain things, but not in a rushed phone call like when I just started dating again 5 years ago. I also keep most details to myself. I figure if the dates and relationship continue, there’s time for people important to me to get to know a guy. I really don’t even tell most people that I date at all — as you know I live in a married world and people don’t ask. I think single dating mothers make married people itch!

In the past I’ve scheduled dates on days my kids are with their dad, or I’m fortunate my parents now live nearby and will sit. (They’re usually very excited at the prospect of me having a date!)

I”m re-entering the online dating world again — been through a few tours before — so I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m sure I’ll have stories. Are you setting up a hotline?!

Kvetch, I do hear you about keeping details to yourself… until you know for sure that this might be The Real Thing. I’ve learned not to blab too early. (But it took me a while to get a handle on this — like five years).

Susan, oooooh, I can’t wait to hear those stories! is it eHarmony this time around?

Actually, Chemistry.com. I wasn’t impressed with eHarmony when I tried it a few years ago, so we’ll see if this one lives up to its claims. Someone also told me about GreatBoyfriends.com. I can “approach” the guys on there, but they can’t find me because I haven’t yet been recommended byanyone. But who knows? Will be worth a shot. Maybe!

F.W.B.

That’s as close to dating as I’ve been in years….I don’t even know if I’d have a clue where to start.

I do sporadic online dating through Match.com. I find that there are few people who interest me enough to want to take time away from my kids. I only end up dating maybe a couple of times a month and rarely do I meet anyone I want to date more than once.
When I do date sometimes my 13 year old watches her 6 year old sibling. Depending on how late or long the date is. I also have family that live nearby that will babysit. And the last time their dad visited, I took the opportunity to schedule a date so he could watch the kids I rarely talk about dates unless it’s a particularly good one and then I am still sparing with details. I tell my kids very little but will share more with the 13 year old than the 6 year old. Nothing too private…where we went, what we ate, if he was funny…light details without being too confiding.
I’m hoping one of these days to meet someone to date regularly and actually have something interesting to confide in my girlfriend.

I’m terrible and writing — and understanding — those Internet acronyms, like F.B.I.

I confess that I had to look that one up… Friends With Benefits.

Ah, yes.

I get it now.

Thanks Jen!