Originally Posted by
lulu1974 
I have to work on NOT getting attached too quickly and handle meeting guys like a business meeting. Check them out and do some screening before allowing my emotions to get involved. That would make it easier on myself. And I would imagine easier to think clearer.
It took me a long time to get to that point.
I knew I had made tremendous progress when I finally started dating, and it was just that, a date.
There was no emotional jumping into it, no bedding down first and getting to know each other later (which was my modus operandi for years and years), no overlooking any potential red flags.
It was always limited to a dinner/movie/whatever social activity was selected, and I came home that evening, happy to be back home.
It was just another part of my day, albeit a pleasant part usually.
There was no thinking about when 'he' would call again, or even if there was another date in the future.
It was a wonderful feeling when I realized how far I had come in my own recovery.