How do I explain this......I have been single for a fair amount of time and I know I want something serious and longterm for my nearer future, BUT....this is the weird part. I have been talking with a few very nice gentleman here and in person, but I can't help but stay "reserved" and keep them in the friends' zone. By all means they would be wonderful to date but I guess I'm just looking for something else? And lately, I'm assuming from just being lonely, I've considered having a friend with benefits until the right guy came along or I had an epiphany of some sort. Is this normal to feel this way and will it pass? Anyone else going through or have gone through something similar?

I have but I think the reason I have it is because I was married and now divorced so I feel like I am damaged goods and one day they are going to decide to leave and I honestly don't want to have to go through that pain again.

idk if this will help or confuse you more but once you cross that bridge with someone you can never go back and wen it ends there is always a degree of hurt for one or both of you

I started a very similar thread once....for myself I decided against a fwb, at least for now lol, so I can't give you any advice other that to say I don't believe your "wrong"....I think its kinda natural to look for companionship however your comfortable with it :^) Sorry I cldn't b more helpful

Thats what I have done for the last 11yrs cuz I would meet men who werent what I really wanted in my life w my kids. There were a few that turned serious, but somethin always went wrong, so I have decided to wait until I meet a guy that wants a serious relationship now. My kids are all movin out now& its my turn:) But truly, I have been struggling with the exact same problem:( Guys Im talkin to are very tempting but arent exactly what Im lookin for lol:)

@smgangel: Sweetie who really knows whats truly right or wrong all we can do is hope for the best in any situation that we are faced with in our lifes do what you think is best and thats all anybody can ask of you wish you the best of luck.

Thank you all very much :-) your insight has been very helpful

I did that kinda stuff for a year or two after a really serious relationship break up "fwb", I don't regret it persay but isn't and wasn't me. Just was a way to cope with being alone again. I don't think its wrong but you probably can find better than a fwb. But that's your choice, long as you're honest to who you want that with. Go for it, if what you really want to do.

Sucks ass being alone lol

Hiya girl. I've missed you! Girl, pick one of the two good guys make him your bf and get some lol

@anonymoususer321: thank you very much for the advice :-) I've decided to stop pouting about being lonely, pull up my big girl pants, and not settle for less. If I don't feel the connection I'm looking for then I don't need to stick around reaching for something that just isn't there.