I think there is nothing wrong with dating post D even if you are still in love with ex... You need to continue the GAL process....
Before the D was final, I did give my W the idea that I was spending time with some gals from church.... I also did some other things before the D was final based on "expert" advise I received..... However, I never even held a woman's hand before the D was final....
What I did was starting dating the second the ink was dry on D..... I needed to continue my GAL.... I met lots of gals.... I dated a few...... I never had any desire to pursue anything physical with these gals because I believe that should be done only in the context of marriage.....
About four months post D, I sent my exW an e-mail..... I opened the door without pressuring at all... She chose not to respond.... I gave her that one last chance....
Getting back to your sitch, I think you should do something similar if you want....... If you meet a lady where you want to take it to the "next level," you may want to e-mail your ex.... What you choose to write is up to you..... That would at least open the door..... If she chooses not to walk through it, you can go on with your life knowing you have done everything you can...
Take Care,
NMD
"Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years. That is what makes a marriage last --more than passion or even sex!" - Simone Signoret
