[ProspectiveSingleMom]

I am divorced, but not a parent yet. I know that, for myself, the grieving process over the divorce took over a year from the time we separated. I don't know if this is normal, though, because my relationship with my ex was very unhealthy. I did date less than a year after the separation, but not until after the divorce was finalized. That relationship went very badly partially because of my remaining issues from my divorce. Now, after another short-lived relationship, I've decided to completely put dating on the shelf at least until after I complete my adoption. After that, I will see how I feel, but I know that if I do decide to date again as a single mom, I will put my child's needs first, even if it means the relationship will have to move much more slowly than it otherwise would.