Dating How hard is it after baby comes? I've been out with dudes I knew before here and there while…

I dated someone seriously when my son was 2. I waited months before introducing them. He really loved my son. He treated him as his own and would show him off to everyone. Unfortunately we broke up. I haven't dated anyone since. It takes to much effort and energy that I just don't have right now. I never felt like I was pushing my son off on anyone though. It felt natural. They formed a bond. I didn't expect it to be so tight. Things will happen and fall into place when the time is right. For me, between working full time and taking care of my son and dealing with his health issues, I just don't feel like it's the right time for me to date. I wouldn't be able to give someone the time and attention they deserve.

It's a little hard for me at the moment. I'm used to being single and self sufficient, but I've always LOVED the thrill of flirting with men and dates and the pursuit from both sides. I'm having to learn how to be totally alone and how to not need/want a man's attention. I've had men who still want to be with me, but I feel like I would be settling if I did. And that wouldn't be fair to them. So I'll just try my best to accept being alone. Until the little man gets here of course.

I dated someone for 3 months while I've been pregnant. I ended up breaking up with him though because I knew once baby gets here I wouldn't be able to give him the time and attention he deserves (and I also realized I'm not over my ex, who is not the dad either lol) it's tough being alone but in time I think you'll know when it feels right to date again. I've told myself it will be a while before I can seriously date a man again and I've come to be content with it

You are not putting him off on another man. Another man would LOVE the horns of being able to be a father to your son and not just a BD. You are beautiful inside and out and have a son who is gonna be proud. Mommy is strong independent and won't let nothing stop her. You have a great head on your shoulders. Any MAN would love to be a asset to your amazing would. As long as you are honestly most MEN are very open to women having kids these days.

I started dating when my son was about 9 months old. It was hard, because I also worked full time and felt bad when I would take some of our precious time together and instead go out with a man. I dated casually (no sex) a few men, and honestly after all I had been through with my son's sperm donor, I found myself REALLY good at winnowing out the bad guys, and also not settling. I did not introduce my son to anyone. I met my now-fiancée about a year and a half ago at work. He is a therapist and I am a counselor. He shared an office with my sister, who is also a counselor. We became best friends (though it was obvious we had feelings for each other from the start), and spent time together over the next 6 months. Eventually he met my son (3 years old at the time) since we were just friends. A year ago he confessed his feelings, mine matched, and we became a couple. He moved in 6 months ago, and now my son really sees him as a dad. He is everything I could have ever asked for, and his family is as well. We're expecting a baby in July and got engaged a few weeks ago. It's drama free and peaceful and just RIGHT. There is no doubt in my mind that we will last forever.

I know that was a long story, but the point is: it'll come, and when it does you won't feel like you're passing your son off on someone else. You'll feel like you finally met his real dad. But it won't happen if you stay stuck in old patterns and/or settle. As much as some of the men offering to be there for you and baby can seem like great guys...and may be great guys...they're being "Captain Save-a-ho" (not calling you a ho, it's just the term!), and they have their own issues that cause them to swoop in and want to rescue you. Focus on you and baby. Nothing wrong with flirting, but leave it there. Once baby arrives and you settle into it all, you'll be amazed at how your view of men, and of what is worth your time, changes. Sounds like that is already starting for you, actually.

You seem like a smart person. You should wait till your baby is born that way you two can bond before you bond with someone else after all baby comes first.

Of course no one would ever come before my son.

I won't lie, dating someone while having a child is hard. There are just so many things that they do not understand.

For me it's dividing the attention between both of them equally and realising that there is no time for me, that's hard.

If you find it hard just trying to get a minute for yourself when little one is here how will dating go? Don't get me wrong, to have some company in this lonely world is great but it I can't justify having to put so much effort in with little return.

Yes, finding a partner is important to me but I feel if they really cared they will let me have time to myself instead of demanding my attention.

Maybe I'm just a cynic and hate men/boys.

MonkeyMan, I can understand that for sure. But I still love having a man's company. I probably won't last very long after I given birth until I at least need a special friend lol. But we will see.

Ahh my dear! You sound just like me!! ? seriously. You do!

If it makes you happy then by all means, go for it.

Unfortunately now that you will be mumma, you will be judged much more harshly. As much as the world has progressed, when it comes to single mum's dating or going out for the night, we are still frowned upon.

Sad truth. As long as us single mum's stick together we will be ok.

If I cared what others thought of me, I would have been destroyed years and years ago honestly. I'm not worried about that.