Jodi,

Thank you for the response. I am indeed honest and up front. Though obviously I’m not going to go into a first (or second) date and say “Hi, my name is Brian, I have PTSD etc” ;). The first step for me would be to put myself in a position where I could meet people. That’s rather difficult for me, but as I explained in the response to Alex I need to act opposite to my unjustified fear.

Anita,

Inside I do hurt and fear like everyone else…just on a higher level than most of the population. Sometimes I think I’m alone in my struggle, but rationally I know I’m not. Once I get to know someone, I actually don’t have much problem discussing my stuff. I think I listed the diagnoses in order to state my “stuff” more succinctly. It’s the getting to know someone that is the issue. And also a conflict about what I really want. A good part of me wants to be alone…probably because it’s easier and comfortable. Another part of me wants the closeness that I’m really scared of.

A real issue, at 39, is that very often I come across women who already have kids, who want kids, or want to get married. I want none of these things. It’s a bit discouraging on dating sites when I see someone who appears to be wonderful, but then has one or all of these listed.