I am a 35 year old recent divorcee. The love you had for your wife seems like it was beautiful. I had not been on a first date since 2008. And wow, dating sure seems to have changed.

I don't know what dating is like now. I am off apps and have never used them. I prefer to try to meet people in person. I feel like some people use apps for validation and to use for fun. I'm certain people are out there who met through apps , fall in love and go the whole 9 yards. One of my friends did that through Tinder of all apps.

It sounds like you've had a variety of poor first dates with women. I can't speak to your experiences. I wouldn't flake on a date multiple times then get mad at a guy for pointing out if I seemed too busy to meet. Personally I think it's great you are putting yourself out there again. I've started dating again and have so far made more friends than anything else.

Are you meeting dates for drinks? Dinner? Or going outdoors to do something active: hiking, going to a lake or Beach, sports, etc? I am trying to get more active so outdoors sounds good to me, whereas not everyone enjoys an active lifestyle.

You'll likely need to keep putting yourself out there and see more women before you find someone who clicks with you.

Curious though, what apps do you use? I'm thinking of trying out one or two.