I am so sorry to hear about the hardship you have experienced, but you are a very strong woman. You are strong for sticking up for yourself, drawing the line, and doing what was best for you and your kids. I also commend you for trying to make it work for so long. As far as dating goes, it will happen when it is supposed to. I know sometimes it is lonely without a companion, but it is better to wait than to rush into something that you are unsure of. As for your ex, he may not be as happy as he seems. Often times, we do not know what happens behind closed doors. When my ex and I split, he rushed into a new relationship, and I was crushed. Later on, I found out how unhappy he was and how he felt stupid for rushing into something that he wasn't ready for. He ended things with her only a few months after they started dating. Some people do that to distract themselves from the real issues that they need to deal with. It is a way that they avoid facing the underlying problem(s). Whereas, I took the separation for myself in order to get over things I needed to. It is also nice to start doing things you enjoy doing. You said you are really active, which is great. Perhaps running, hiking, or biking could be a good hobby to get into. I know that online dating seems weird, but it is a very common way in which people meet now a days. In-fact, most of the couples I speak with anymore say that they met on some form of the internet, whether it be a dating cite or Facebook for example. It makes sense considering how much we use technology. However, I still wouldn't rush into things. It will happen, and sometimes the best relationships are the ones you don't see coming. Keep your head up because it sounds like you have a lot going for you, and you should be proud and confident. The right man will come along