Dear Dave,

I am yes, definitely feeling the pressure to not mess things up next time, but I think I am also feeling a sense of calm, that I definitely know what I want and need from a relationship, and will be able to choose carefully before becoming too involved, and also to be honest with people I date about this.

This is great that you know what you want from a relationship, and will be able to choose wiser, not so much from your wound but more from a sense of wholeness and knowing yourself.

Thanks for the advice, I have joined two meetup groups in my area and have planned to go to two events in the next few weeks

Good for you, I hope you have a good time!

I’m a little nervous about telling my friends about these, as I’m not sure if they would judge, but then again, they are all in couples, so it would be hard to understand my position right now.

Maybe you don’t need to tell your friends, if you feel they’d judge you. Tell them only afterwards, if things work out fine.

Wishing a speedy recovery to your father!