So I am a year out from separation. Divorce decree filed this past month. It was a rough ride that could’ve been rougher. Spent most of this year working on myself physically mentally emotionally. In the last month once the divorce decree was filed I decided to dip my toe into the dating pool as a 55-year-old man with two teenage boys. My ex wasted no time she was already in a relationship within two months of separation. I don’t know how it works anymore. I haven’t been on a legit date with a stranger in 23 years so everything is new again and I feel awkward as hell. I’ve been on three coffee dates that went nowhere. But now I just went on a fourth date where things just clicked. great conversation, some shared values, and an overall good first impression connection. I wasn’t sure if she was feeling me as a potential partner until the end of the date when I walked her to her car and just before we left, we shared about a minute worth of sensual kissing. Now I’m not sure where to go with this. I really like her and I can see a connection building, but I’m just concerned that is this a real connection or am I convincing myself it is to combat loneliness or seek validation. This is the first time I have had romantic interest in another woman after my ex and I’m concerned I’m gonna come across as either too needy, or too emotionally unavailable. It’s something I wrestle with in my Yin Yang of emotions. I’m guessing I’m like a lot of divorce men in the fact that the ground has shifted beneath my feet and I’m trying to figure out how to steady myself in this new environment.