The Other "D" Word

     So lately Jared and I have been discussing the other "d" word. Not divorce, that is already agreed upon and in the process. But dating. It is an odd topic to approach. Neither one of us has formally dated anyone else in nearly 12 years. It is weird to even think about, but we both agree we are ready to move on. Those closest in our lives know we have been more or less just friends the past two years. So now is the time.
     Supporting your former spouse in dating is a strange thing. We both want each other to be happy, but in a way are both scared for what it might mean. Neither one of us wants to lose the other completely. We are still each others best friend, and that will be hard for some people to accept. I am afraid of someone coming into his life who doesn't understand the dynamic we have. That we are balancing the kids and house together. I want him to find someone who meshes well with us. Someone that I can get along with as well. Someone with an awesome, unique sense of humor and laid back attitude. It's almost like I will be "shopping" for this person as well.
     Jared is a great guy. He is funny, smart, patient, and caring. I will never have a bad word to say about him to anyone. He is an amazing dad. So this person will need to be understanding of the fact that his kids come first. It seems easier to be a single woman these days. Heck, I didn't have to do anything other than change my relationship status on Facebook to start getting almost creepy messages from random men around the area and an explosion of male friend requests. Not that I would accept them. Kind of flattering and totally inappropriate at the same time.
     In time I guess this will get easier, and we will figure it out. But for now it is an interesting experiment I guess you could say.