I think what you pointed out may have quite a bit to do with our difference in thinking. You were only married for a short time. I was with my H for 13 years and almost 11 of those years were marriage.... we met when we were both 23. I am 35 now. So the majority of my adult life was in a very, very serious and what I thought was a very vested R. You have been single for the majority of your life so it makes more sense when you spell it out that way.
I am actually fascinated by the way you just decide you don't want to be alone and you do something about it! Dating to me seems so manufactured and I don't have any desire to date just to date. Now I would date because I liked the person but I am not sure I would date to find somebody I liked.
