How to Jump-Start My Life Again

Dear Michelle Valentine,
I am 29 years old and currently going through a long and drawn-out divorce. It has been a very traumatic time in my life, and even more so, since I found out my "ex-wife" is currently on the dating scene. She's even dated one of our mutual friends already. I have been so lonely staying in this apartment and preparing myself for life as a single guy again. My buddies are all married and/or have a steady girlfriend, and I feel out of place. Got any advice to help me jump-start my life again as a single guy?

David, Winter Park

Dear David,
Going through a divorce or breakup of any long-term relationship can be very heavy on the heart. If the other partner is "getting on with my life without you, thank-you-very-much", it can be even more difficult on the still-grieving partner. David, you are showing a small desire to get your single life back in gear. . . and this is a wonderful first step towards achieving a balanced life again. Just be sure you are not equating being single with being lonely, for you cannot be too desirable to someone if you will be placing your efforts into trying to make them make you happy. I suggest you take the dating scene a little slow right now. Do not plunge into going to something like the large singles dances. Go to the smaller, low-keyed events. . . with some type of activity you normally have an interest in: a singles bowling night, a singles billiards tournament, a seminar at a local bookstore. These are "nurturing" activities that get your heart a little jump start. Place a Personals ad, too. . . it's a wonderful way to meet women who may have gone through a situation like yours and are looking to meet someone for activity dating and good conversation.

Amore till next week