Back on the market...

I posted a while back about some problems that were going on with me and my boyfriend and that I wanted to move back home with my mom to get my life back on track. Well, I am now free as a bird and while the last thing I want is to jump into another relationship, I still want to get out and go on dates and just have fun. It's been a very long time since I've been on the market and I'm afraid I just don't know what to do with myself. I'm also extremely shy which isn't helping matters. Do any of you ladies or gentlemen have any tips for a shy, socially awkward lady who's back in the game after a break of about 3 years?

Unfortunately I'm the worst person in the world to be giving dating advice, so I just wanted to say I'm happy for you that you broke free of the situation and are able to move on and get your life back! :partay

Go do fun stuff you would want to do anyway. Try a new bar, take up a new hobby or start a new exercise program. Find a cause you want to volunteer with. You may or may not meet like-minded people for romance but will probably make new friends. There is also online dating, which is often made fun of but saves a ton of time in weeding out deal breakers like Duhs. My best advice is don't think of the dating process as a man-hunt but use it as a chance to do lots of fun stuff you want to do anyway.

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evilchildlessbitch
Go do fun stuff you would want to do anyway. Try a new bar, take up a new hobby or start a new exercise program. Find a cause you want to volunteer with. You may or may not meet like-minded people for romance but will probably make new friends. There is also online dating, which is often made fun of but saves a ton of time in weeding out deal breakers like Duhs. My best advice is don't think of the dating process as a man-hunt but use it as a chance to do lots of fun stuff you want to do anyway.

This is excellent advice. Volunteer work especially. The nice grandma you bring a Meals on Wheels meal to might start scheming to introduce you to her great-nephew (this is not THE reason to do volunteer work of course but it helps to be mingling out in society).

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Established tiling methods are for unlambent nonbreathers filled with tiny rage.--CrabCake

I completely agree, this is the time to be YOU! in all your glory. There really is nothing like FREEDOM. So enjoy it while it lasts because I am sure you will be snapped up again by a guy who's smart enough to appreciate you.

Being in a relationship is great but can be somewhat confining.

Dating is a fact-finding mission. The trip is the point. Just HAVE FUN. Enjoy your single life for now and do what you want to do.