Hi Ripe, I'm just going to offer my 0.2c - How does asking this woman out fit with your desire not to date for a year after D? You're in a similar timeline to me and not D yet.
What you post does sound like an excuse to have a date. But as you say, you are not ready for dating? I think if you find a woman attractive and want to ask her for dinner - that's a date. So, how do you think this is going to go?
You're going to enjoy the affirmation from her? Enjoy that she finds you attractive? Enjoys your company? But then you're going to tell her you're standing for your M and not dating just now?
I think the safest thing is to avoid this all together and not get yourself into a convoluted situation. Your post above has the ring of - yes I'm a principled guy, and I still hope to save our M (tho I'm letting go of the rope) - but Man, this girl was attractive and made me feel good about myself, so I'm gonna ask her out anyway.
Hope this helps and good luck with whatever you decide. However, I think it's important to be honest with her and with yourself.
