My ex called it quits after a 15 year relationship. How do I start seeing other women without any practice? I'm a shy guy, and confrontation isn't one of my strengths. All input greatly appreciated.

When you are ready, you will know.

Sorry to hear of your break up. When you have picked up all the pieces and put them back together again, and as others have said, you will know when you are ready to date again In the meantime take it easy and do what you want to do, and don't dwell in the past.
Welcome to Mingle2.

Well I'd say to do some self searching and think of all the things that made you well you before the relationship. Build around your confidence in those things. When you can feel comfortable with yourself and your abilities. Then everything else should just fall into place.

It's hard I'd say right now it's fresh foucus on you and your kids. When your ready you will know and it will all fall in to place. Good luck

Thanks for the advice everyone.
The hardest thing so far, is letting go of what we had.
We still talk and text as 'friends', but every now and then, I say the wrong thing, and World War 9 begins.
The kids are fine and nothing will change for them, with the exception of dad not sleeping in the house.
We originally agreed that one of us would move to the spare room, but it would be harder on both of us, to act independently, and also put on the facade of a family with no problems.
Went to the kids school xmas concert and when I left for darts, I texted her that xmas is celebrated as a family, not a separated couple with kids. I felt sick.

my advice is to spend time enjoying life with yourself for a while, take time to really be introspective about what was right and wrong in the last relationship and what to look for in the future to prevent it



too many people rebound out of a need to fill a void, and they just repeat the same mistakes





after you are cool in your own company and loving yourself,, Id say you will be ready to truly move on with someone new,,,,

Rebound is something that could happen if you try to date too soon after such a break-up, and rebound isn't a good thing.

Ok. Cheers all!
No rebounding, rebounding bad, got it.
Me time, got it.
Find myself, got it.
I have been doing some serious thinking about where, when and what went wrong. I understand the why's, and I am committed to adjusting myself to better myself.
Has anyone ever had their respective others return? Or is that a wrong move?

Until you reach a point where it's unimportant why the last relationship ended, I don't think you should try to start a new one. It's not fair to the other person or to yourself. Relationships are hard enough without someone being stuck on their past one. Until you're over the ex (which you're obviously not, from the sounds of it) I'd focus on co-parenting my kids and leave dating on the back burner for now.

Take time. Rushing into something new because your single could make things even worse.Do the little things in life you enjoy until the dust settles and you feel more stable about things. Good luck to you!

Ok. So far, all advice has been for me NOT to start up something new. I will endeavor to hold off till it's time.
Does that count for the ex too?
However, she's the one who called it off, but (here's the clincher) she started kissing and fondling a co-worker, at a work function, and they are still texting and, probably, seeing each other. This occurred 3wweeks ago.
I don't want her to be hurt by him, and I don't want to hurt her, but could the rebound effect happen to her?

better learn not to be shy, or it will be lonely for you...

best thing to do is just move on, or at least act like you are... sitting around being depressed, thinking about her won't help get her back... her knowing it doesn't bother you is a big step for getting her back, or letting her go... either way, you win

The shyness comes from a fear of rejection. Being alone, companion wise, also scares the crap out of me.

so what scares you more... being alone or being with someone? just remember, what in life has a 100% acceptance rate? doesn't matter who you are, you will hear a no... don't worry about no's, worry about the yeses...

New companionship can help ease the trauma of losing the old.
Do not underestimate the empathy you may find out there for
someone in your position, newly unattached.
Women have a soft spot for the hurting.

Methinks that as soon as you are divorced, ready to trust
again, ready to open up a free heart, you will see those
around you with new eyes.

Life goes on :-)

I'm curious about that well. My ex called it off after ten years. I'm ready to start dating again but i don't know how

just ask... LOA says you'll get a yes no matter who or what you are...

Between Stefani117, Adarkin and I, we could start a band!! My ex called it quits after 16 years and this whole dating thing is a distant memory for me!! Right now I am looking to actually get out and meet people just to hang out with, do stuff with, etc. It has been years since I have done that as I was content-ish with being a home body, but now sitting here on my own is way to confining. I have a distinct need to, at least occasionally, be in the company of others and a good friend or two is something I need to acquire. All of my old BFF's are too far away (too far north or out of state) so I need to start again and, frankly, finding people like that when I have really only had acquaintances through work, or been around her friends, seems almost as difficult as dating!