Thanks for the great responses and sharing your insight.
As I sit here reading these posts it occured to me that possibly what I am remembering of the giddy, nervous dating pre D is because I may still believe that is how I'm "supposed" to feel. In a fairy tale, all is loving and kind and the sun always shines and all the ladies look gorgeous and all the men... well who cares about the men! Anyway, I thinking maybe I'm still caught up in some of the Hollywood illusion of what dating "should" feel like. Not to discount those special feelings, I just think I'm experiencing something different because I know the Hollywood, sweep someone off their feet thing isn't the norm. It happens I'm sure, but with the experiences, emotions and MUCH broader picture of life, I'm starting to think this is what I'm supposed to feel. (or not feel, depending on your view.)
There is a ton of good input here. From Althea's suggestion to simply date. Play the field so to speak, it's our / my time to be realistic and just see what happens. (thanks FiatLux!) NOT go into a R with reckless abandon and hope that the butterflies carry you through. BarbieDoll's thoughts about allowing yourself to feel the important aspects of calm, comfort and companionship are undoubtably more significant in the long run than butterflies, right out of the chute.
I also agree there is no one size fits all description for this quandry, it is simply different and by listening to our hearts and minds as a blended effort, we can sort through these "different" feelings. I'm still in process, but knowing me, the lightbulb will begin with a dull glow before it gets to full candlepower!
Anyway, I thinking maybe I'm still caught up in some of the Hollywood illusion of what dating "should" feel like. Not to discount those special feelings, I just think I'm experiencing something different because I know the Hollywood, sweep someone off their feet thing isn't the norm. It happens I'm sure, but with the experiences, emotions and MUCH broader picture of life, I'm starting to think this is what I'm supposed to feel. (or not feel, depending on your view.)