It takes awhile for us to realize that our "worth" is not dependant upon any man. That's where your comfort level is coming from regarding talking with men these days, I think.
It's great to hear that your life is going so well and Argo "the wonder dog" is "obeying" the rules. My dog, Nelson, was the only dog who flunked obedience class. He will do all the commands at any other place but was just too distracted in class with all the other dogs, smells, etc. He's a bassett/beagle mix and definitely has a mind of his own. And....don't even think about trying to control him if he sees a rabbit!!!!