Hey Don, congrats on the sobriety! I'm a recovered alcoholic and know what an accomplishment it is to be straight. I haven't touched a drop in over 30 years. My younger brother just went through the same rehab centre I did...it was kind of weird being back there visiting him every Sunday. I guess addiction is our family bonding exercise lol. Anyway, dating is tough. Online can be kind of brutal. As you've said elsewhere, people think 'cuz it's online that it's not the same as in person. I find that in real life, you meet somebody, it goes south, you lick your wounds and a few months later try again. In online it's coming at you from all directions. You're dealing with multiple people sometimes and it's difficult. I'm pretty sensitive and believe in treating people the way I want to be treated so I acknowledge people and if I don't want to continue I give them the courtesy of letting them know nicely. It would be easier just to ghost people but I can't do that to others...I know I hate it when it happens to me. Anyway, I've had one relationship in over 8 years of being apart and it last about 15 months, otherwise it's just me and my turtle. What has been a saving grace for me is my church ( I know, here he goes lol). I actually converted to my denomination through my last relationship...I didn't keep the girl but I kept the faith I'm very involved with the activities in my church and hang out with my church friends a lot. I feel like I'm part of a family. If I miss church due to illness I have 9 or 10 people contacting me to see if I'm Ok. That's huge for me...I've never felt so loved in a group like this before...and no, we're not a cult lol. Of course, not all churches operate this way but I am thankful that I've found one that does. Sabbath day is the highlight of my week and I look forward to it! Anyway, I don't know your faith background but I found it extremely helpful to connect and get involved. So, hang in there...this too shall pass
I'm very involved with the activities in my church and hang out with my church friends a lot. I feel like I'm part of a family. If I miss church due to illness I have 9 or 10 people contacting me to see if I'm Ok. That's huge for me...I've never felt so loved in a group like this before...and no, we're not a cult lol. Of course, not all churches operate this way but I am thankful that I've found one that does. Sabbath day is the highlight of my week and I look forward to it! Anyway, I don't know your faith background but I found it extremely helpful to connect and get involved. So, hang in there...this too shall pass 