I’m in a unique position amongst my old school friends. I was the first to get married, first to have kids and subsequently the only one divorced and hoping to find love again. We are at the age now where I get a few wedding invites a year and the ones whose weddings I’ve recently attended are either trying for or expecting their first child. Sure I’ve met other friends along the way; baby group friends, school gate friends, work colleagues. I can’t think of one in a position like mine. I’m not complaining, that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. 

All of the above friends are interested in my love life and eager for me to find happiness. I’m blessed to have friends that care. One of the reasons I started this blog was to share with them and others my experiences of dating and finding love second time round. 

Second time round…

Everything’s that little bit more complicated the second time round. 

Kids are involved for me and possibly whoever I were to meet. Consequently I wouldn’t want to rush any introductions. I’ve seen the effects on my children their Dad leaving has had, I wouldn’t want them to become attached to another man for it not to work and them to leave. I’d have more than one broken heart to contend with. 

When I can date is dependent on the diaries of others and when I can persuade a family member to babysit or my children are at their dad’s. 

I’m pretty independent. I build my own flat pack furniture. How easy would it be to accept help off someone else? 

I have my own house that is just the right size for me and my children. How would I fit in another person and possibly their kids? I’d have to sell up and move. Would I want to? 

I’ve become a lazy cook, mainly sticking to what I know the kids will eat and the odd trip to McDonald’s. Would I want to consider another’s nutritional needs?

I don’t miss hoovering up sock fluff and ironing copious amounts of shirts. 

Sometimes I wonder how it would ever work and if I can really be bothered with anything serious whilst my kids are so young still. 

Then I remember that I’m more likely to attract a man now, before I start producing too much testosterone and grow facial hair! 

I went to see Bridget Jones’ Baby with the girls last week (spoiler alert) and as we watched the last part of the film, a dear friend turned to me and said “one day!”. I admit I choked up. I want that. The happily ever after. My Mr Darcy. My Mr Right. I want that more than anything. 

Even if it is second time lucky with a hell of a lot of complications (and sock fluff) along the way. 

So now I’ve been ruined by Disney, and Bridget Jones 😩 but I’m not giving up just yet x