fridi105

I’m about four months post ending a long term relationship so I’m sure there are some relatable feelings. For me, I would have to be sure that I am healed to a level that I wouldn’t potentially hurt someone else. I would need to be pretty certain of my feelings as well. I’m not sure how your last relationship ended but I’m sure that would change things too.

Reply ●●● 6 months

juanda

@fridi105 Yeah, I don’t want to confuse loneliness with care and end up being a fuck boy to people who actually want something real.

Reply ● 6 months

fridi105

@juanda yes! For sure, I’m also SUPER honest with anyone I may be taking to about my situation, feelings, and what I can realistically give.

Reply ● 6 months

beachbum

it feels soft and gentle when you’re intentions are authentic … from my experience at least

Reply ● 6 months

theartfulroger

Rewarding. Affirming. Complicated.

Reply 6 months

southerncowrie

It’s something I didn’t know I closed myself off from. I think being honest with yourself about feelings of loneliness and the care you need comes from self, not in a cliche “love yourself” way but to be honest about what you feel you’ve lost or what feels attainable (friends/people/dates to chat with about it). Reflecting on what you enjoyed about that connection, I think it’s normal to be apprehensive, but know you’re human and your want for connection should be honored. From some of the comments I can already see you’re approaching it with awareness which is good

Reply ●●● 6 months

here-lies-harry

Love is a Life force. We don’t get to contain it. Treat it as the inevitability it is, and the pain makes more sense.

Reply ● 6 months

xserg

Tolerance for friction has evaporated. Choosing to show up intentionally takes priority. Collaboration in authoring when needed. Balance and dignity.

Reply ● 6 months

_cuttothe_chase

Being able to openly express your feelings and emotions, because it’s true to who you are. If someone isn’t willing to accept that then they aren’t the one for you

Reply ● 6 months

hidden

Initially scary as hell, as I’d never been this open, vocal and honest with a previous partner about my emotions, and what I’d like from the relationship. Now we’re 5 years in, and we’re still the same as when we got together, but having check-ins from time to time, to make sure we’re singing from the same hymn sheet. Just take it slow and only move at pace you’re comfortable with, and be honest if things are moving too fast for you, if the person you’re with wants to be with you, they’ll understand, respect and be happy to go at that pace.

Reply 6 months

brionne

I like relationships, bc I always seem to learn something new about myself in each one. There’s always a little hesitancy in being vulnerable again with someone, but often the lessons and risks that come with being someone heavily outweigh the cost of being too scared to be open or potential heartbreak.

Reply ● 6 months

thaddeus_25

I usually wait a few months or even years after ending a relationship before dating again. It’s important to feel at peace being single and it gives me the space I need to reflect and work at letting go of unhealthy thought patterns. It can be lonely at times, but learning to enjoy solitude gives you much more capacity to be a caring partner in the future, whenever someone meaningful shows up in your life again.

Reply ● 6 months

_cuttothe_chase

@thaddeus_25 that’s a great way to go about things. Like you said it can be lonely, but at least you know you’re not compromising yourself just to be with someone

Reply 6 months

thaddeus_25

@cuttothechasefashion For sure. I don’t think it’s ever worth settling for someone you’re not really into just to avoid feeling lonely. And it’s still ok to date casually, as long as you make your intentions clear, so that you don’t give false hope to guys you don’t really plan on investing in something meaningful with.

Reply ● 6 months

hidden

It was confusing at first, as you’re used to love one way. Learning new ways to express care is quite opening, but also it feels more limited as there are boundaries that might determine if it’s something worth pursuing or not.

Reply 6 months