So, I will readily admit that it is not an ideal situation to get back into the dating world while you are going through a divorce. However, worst case scenario, divorces can sometimes drag on and even last for years. In my personal opinion, thought it isn't an ideal situation, you shouldn't be stuck not being able to move on with your life simply because of a relationship that did not work out.
Mind you, in NO WAY am I saying that a husband and wife should decide to divorce, then be dating the next day. You obviously need to take time first to heal and be your own person. And, ideally, it is best if the divorce is final before you start to date. However, again, divorces can sometimes take a while, even if they are amicable (even worse if they are not). Nobody should have to be stuck from bettering their life because of that.
I am in that situation myself. I am in the middle of a divorce (which seems like it will be amicable, but you certainly never know until it is all said and done.) However, due to us both needing time to heal, as well as a temporary drawback in my financial situation (and the fact that we still get along, so there felt no rush to get things immediately settled) it has been nearly a year now since we broke up.
I healed from that relationship pretty quickly. Probably in large part due to the fact that it had been over in my own mind for so long, but I just didn't realize it. So, by this point, I am more than ready to move on. I'd like for things to be final first, but I don't want to hold off my new life forever.
So, my question is does anybody have advice on how to date while still going through a divorce? For example:
A) When do you tell the person you are dating? Is that something you make clear right off the bat? Or do you tell them after a certain amount of time? Or maybe when you feel things are progressing and could become serious?
B) How exactly is the best way to tell somebody about it? Because you know it has to raise red flags in a lot of people's minds. My biggest concern is I would meet somebody who could really be the right girl for me, but the instant she hears I am going through a divorce she will think of all those tv shows and romantic comedies were the sleezy guy tells his mistress that he is getting a divorce when he is really just using her. I don't want a potential girlfriend having to worry whether or not I am being truthful with her, or just using her, but at the same time I don't want to ignore what could be a good thing (hypothetically speaking, if I did meet somebody) just because my soon to be ex-wife and I have not yet signed the official papers. (And believe me, I want to sign them as soon as possible)
Any thoughts or advice? Thanks.