How do you start dating after a divorce, when you have been off the market for a long time?

Relaxin’: How do you start dating after a divorce, when you have been off the market for a long time?
Was married for over 14 years. And I’m unfamiliar with the current dating world. I’m not even sure of the proper way to approach a woman in today’s world, LOL!!

Thanks in advance.

Answers and Views:

Answer by MikeandTiffany
Well, you are starting on the finish line then. Don’t think of it as approaching a woman to start dating, think of it as making new connections or friends. You can’t possibly know if you want to date a woman before you even approach her.
The best way to approach a woman is to either ask a question or pay her a compliment (nothing crude). What woman doesn’t want a man to notice how nice her hair looks or what a great outfit she is wearing?

Walk up to her and ask her for directions. This will make you stand out in her mind as the only man to ever ask for directions.

You could try online dating. This gives you an opportunity to learn a little bit about a woman by reading her profile. That way, you have something to talk about the first time you contact her. Apparently, women on dating sites get a lot of bad responses so be patient. There is a website that discusses this topic in great detail.

Answer by Spreedog
Been there myself.
I don’t go to bars. Not sure bars are a good way to meet people anyway.
I like internet dating. I’ve tried many different sites and made some terrific lady friends.
I haven’t found the exact “right” person, but that takes time.
Dating friends are nice too.
I usually communicate for weeks or months before I actually meet a new person.
Exchanging photos and talking is a good way to get to know someone.
Beware that there are people who lie on internet dating sites.
Yet, I have only once been surprised when I met someone
– that she was not what she said she was.
That’s the advantage of lengthy communication beforehand.
Women appreciate it if you are not looking for a quick and easy score.
Most women on the dating sites are looking for a serious relationship.
Most have had bad experiences with men.
Respect, courtesy, and patience go a long way.

Other options – women at work or at church.
Women at work can be problematic in relationships.
Maybe you don’t go to church regularly.
Sometimes married women friends or wives of your male friends can fix you up with their single friends. Some married women like to play matchmaker for you.

Answer by AKA Inverse Mushroom Cloud
Take some classes at a community college in areas that interest you (the non-credit kind of classes, like Asian cooking, pottery, that kind of thing). That way, even if you don’t meet a compatible lady, at least you will have learned something. And if you do, you will have met someone with a common interest. Other activities are fitness classes, outdoors (hiking, bicycling, etc.) clubs, etc.

Work dating … not so much. There are real risks in approaching people (harassment complaints). And as a woman who has been nearly “stalked” by a male coworker, I get a facial tic whenever a guy at work even hints at a romantic interest.