I've been a single Mom with three children for the past 3 years (also with little or no help from their Dad)! So, I can truly, truly empathize with you... I've only recently began to be open to even considering allowing a man the chance to "date" me. I took time to heal from the pain of my divorce and I also spent a lot of time with other couples that truly have happy marriages/relationships. I'm also a crisis manager and have spent a lot of time helping other women heal from the wrong relationships. This is what I've learned...
Dating is not suppose to be Mating... It is to collect data. Spend time learning information about him (how he thinks, how he treats his mother, family, others, etc, how is his work ethic, what are his friends like (does he even have friends?)! Does he consider you a rare find, does he bring out the best in you, does he encourage you to be the best you can be, do you have the same goals, where does he see himself a year from now, three years from now...
Then, only if you're comfortable and content with all "the data" you collect about him should you even consider him as a possible mate... Do not waste any time or energy on a man that you feel like you're settling for because you want a father figure for your son or because you're lonely, etc...
Truly, the only relationship you will find true joy, peace and happiness with... will come from your heavenly father. God is the ultimate matchmaker, He will show "the right man" the right woman at the right time. All you have to do is sit pretty, heighten your awareness about individuals in your life and be patient. In God's timing (not ours) the man God has for you will find you, pursue you, do whatever he has to do to win your heart because God has shown him that you are from Him and "the one" for him. So, he knows that his efforts will bring him blessings - Big Time!
You will recognize this man by his actions, his behavior, his humbleness (he has to be humble because no man is perfect) -- he will make healthy deposits into your heart, mind, character and soul - not withdrawals! There will be no guessing, no games, none of that - Don't settle for less, ok?
Us women do not need to strategically place ourselves anywhere to be found (change our plans, wait by the phone, etc.). The right man for you, will find you (at the right time)! In the meantime, try your best to be patient (I know it's hard)! Just be yourself, spend "quality time" with your son, have "healthy" extracurricular activities with other people, continue to work on being the best you can be!
So, do not pursue (call, email, text msg, etc)any man - especially the ones you often have to second guess! In the end, your heart will be broken! I know many women who have done one or the other. (Settled or chose to wait) Go with the one that will pay off for you and your son - long term (choose to wait)! These are the women who have been blessed -- Big Time! So, don't waste any time on any man that is unworthy of your heart, your time, your energy, etc. Be strong, and be patient!
Please know I truly wish you the very best outcome! Feel free to write me back and let me know how you're doing!
K.