I'm 25, about 2 months ago I ended an emotionally abusive relationship. It was really awful.

I'm now "over it" (as much as I can be, all things considered) and am lonely and bored af. My one friend that I had in this town has just entered into a new relationship, so is now rarely available for me to hang out with. My other friends are over an hour away and it takes a lot of planning to be able to meet up with them, and they are all very busy. So I am on my own pretty much all the time, except when at work.

I want to start dating again, even though I might not be completely "ready". I am pretty nervous about it, and I don't know how I'll ever psyche myself up to actually meet someone in person.

I feel that if I don't get back on the horse soon, I will just be sitting around forever, and not taking any action is only increasing my anxiety.

Any advice for me? I know I need to try and make some more friends.

Any good ideas for the first date after meeting online? I know the advice on here is to not accept "low value" dates ie. getting coffee, but the thought of sitting through a dinner is a bit nerve wracking.