Hey guys,

I've been separated for over a year and the divorce will be finalized in a week or so. I feel like I'm ready to start dating, but I'm worried my kids are going to think I'm trying to replace their mom. My oldest son (11) lives with me, and my youngest (5) lives with their mother. I'm worried that my oldest is going to resent me for dating, thinking that I'm trying to replace his mother, as a mom, and not as a companion. I suppose he may never understand, but I'm not sure what to do. I like to entertain, and cook, but I don't feel like I could invite a date over, and "ditching" him for the night, to go on a date, seems selfish and squirrelly. I am also worried about how my ex is going to react. We are (mostly) on good terms, but there is still a lot of jealousy between us. I am reasonably certain that she is dating, but she has managed to keep it out of view... Idk, it just feels like I need to keep it a secret, and that isn't fair to any potential partner, or to myself. My sons emotional well being is a priority for me, but at the same time, so is mine...

I would really appreciate any insight anybody has. I'm nearly in tears thinking that my son is going to feel like I'm betraying him.