I'm back... in Dana Bell

All is well in the world of Dana. Mostly.
I struggled with dating most of last year. I was rejected, stood up, and used. Dating in 2017 was equivalent to getting a root canal. Without Novocaine.
I dated a guy from the end of May until a month or two ago. The chemistry was there. I was happy when I was with him....
However, he was a workaholic and could only give me limited time. I was lucky if I saw him once a week and I never knew what day or time it was going to be. I left the relationship because I wasn’t happy and couldn’t imagine a future with him. He wouldn’t put the time and effort in. I never introduced him to my daughter. I’m extremely careful with who I decide to spend my time with who I will eventually have a serious relationship with.
Did I mention I hate dating?
I’m back on dating websites and giving it another go. Why? Because I’m crazy. Because I don’t want to die alone.
Oh! By the way, my ex husband is engaged (this happened in October) and she recently moved in with him. I was shocked, hurt, and angry. Time has made things easier. I’ve accepted it. I’ll eventually meet her. I’m not quite ready for that yet. My only concern is how well she gets along with my daughter. They spent the better part of the year spending time together. From what I understand they are bonding well. I’m glad. She’s going to be her step mom after all.

On February 4th it will have been a year since Greg left me. I’ve come such a long way. I’m stronger and happier in general. In some ways I’m still grieving the loss of my marriage. My family split apart. It broke my heart. I’ll never feel the same. It has affected the entire family on both sides. We’re still trying to pick up the pieces.
Greg has changed. I have no idea who I married years ago. He’s not the same person. He’s made a ton of bad decisions in a years time and his priorities are not where they should be.
But… he’s a good dad. I will say that.
I’m still close with his side of the family. No one will ruin the bond we have. They will always be important to me. I will always love them. They will always be somewhat involved in my life.

Back to dating. I’m all over the place in this entry. It’s been such a long time since I updated. I could probably write for days on end and never get it all out.
So, I met someone a few weeks ago.
We’ve been spending quite a bit of time together lately. We’re not quite a couple yet. Taking things slow. He’s been hurt and used - and I have my issues. It’s better if we just take it slow and see where this goes. We both enjoy each other’s company and get along well. He takes me out. I cook for him. We watch tv. He stays over every once in a while. It’s going well.
He’s 7 years older than me. He has his shit together. He’s sweet and caring.
I hope this relationship sticks. I’m ready to move on and be happy.

I think that’s about it for one day. I feel like I need an outlet lately when things get overwhelming. I’ll be back.