Thank you everyone for the support. :hug: Some of you are going through much more trying times than I am. Hugs to all who need and want them :hug:
I'm better today - I processed the sadness and cried a little yesterday over the guy not liking me as much as I liked him and the "I'm not dating material" is beginning to lift. He was kind, thoughtful, understanding about my crazy/busy work schedule (he did the same work for twenty years that I do now, and got me thru a very tough patch). He was generous - went out of his way so we could to get together and we had fun. When I think of these things, there's no way I can be angry or bitter nor any reason for beating myself up. My self-esteem is moving is moving upwards.
Today, the ol' procrastinative feeling is back. When I need to do the crazy/busy work dance my home and personal life goes to :poop: I was intent on trying to be open about the possibility of a relationship with that guy, and my home is worse than it was a few weeks ago. :rolleyes: I need routine and stability in my life. I'll work to regain that over the next week, then opening myself up again.
Dating can be disappointing and tiring and can feel demoralizing because it's full of being judged.
You're right, Franciemarnie - it can be disappointing. And feeling/worrying about other people judging one (or doing/saying mean/hurtful things, as ex#2 did) can be demoralizing. All the men in my life except for ex#2 have been "good men" I know in my core that I'm a decent person, one that can give and receive love, and that I deserve the best: not some scum. I also know my next step in healing my trauma is to develop a thicker skin, get over my fear of being judged/mistreated, allow myself to be open to the good men out there and let them appreciate me - kind of like exposing a wound to clean fresh air so it will heal well. :tup:
BTW - Instead of wearing that old lady clown suit when I was little, that happened just a few years ago. Even funnier now, eh?:p