It was supposed to be a potentially short term thing where we met up and burned off sexual tension and needs. We met at a theater and something kinda clicked. It's hard to describe, but I had a feeling that it wasn't going to be just a hook up.

Within the first two dates, we had become mutually exclusive to one another without putting any labels on the relationship we were forming. As a single parent, the feeling of having that made me significantly less stressed.

Five dates later and we sort of started unofficially dating. We shared the things about ourselves that aren't ideal and might be a problem. That was a scary step for me, I felt like I had baggage but he took it in stride. The fact that he wants nothing more than to make me comfortable was foreign and very welcome.

He includes my son in things without being selfish or cautious. If there's ever a situation where I need to be home, it's not even a discussion. He welcomes me being a mom with open arms, and I didn't know that was possible. It seemed like a fairytale.

If the most that comes from this is a positive relationship that helps reform my past ones, I'm so happy for it. He made me realize that I'm not broken beyond repair and I'm capable of being wanted.

If more comes from this, I feel that it has a strong foundation built on trust and honesty. I am blown away by this all and I'm so excited to see where it takes me. I'm happy about being in a relationship and I didn't know I could be again.