Excuse me if the topic has been done to death. I'm new to this.

If you are separated and otherwise unattached are you considered single? In some cases people looking for someone not married accept unwashed separated types like myself. In other cases, they are quick to point out that separated is still married. (This reminder gives me panic flashes.)

And how do you refer to the former light of your life? I kind of choke on the word wife but ex isn't legally correct either. And soon-to-be-ex doesn't trip off the tongue.

Has Miss Manners written on this?

peter

I know I'll catch some shat...but

You are either;

single----never married, dating, bf or gf
married---betrothed,separated, estranged
divorced--was betrothed....not single

Well I'm seperated. But single


Have a friend. But single

He has me. But he's single

Single is as single does!!!

Myself, When it says seperated it means just that. I tend to always think there is a chance of getting back with the other. But then again I realize it takes forever to get a divorce. I know this doesn't really help anything. Sorry

single not a pair

separated = single (no longer a pair)
divorced = single (no longer a pair)
widowed = single (no longer a pair)

married = not single (a pair)
dating = not single (a pair)

good luck

My ex wife's Mother passed recently. My ex doesn't like the idea we are ex's. So at the funeral I told her to introduce me as her first husband. It was easier on her.

I remember after the Deeeeeeevorce....I went to buy a house.

On the legal documents, they asked my marital status...I said I was single, that I was divorced. Instead of putting "Single" on all the papers, they used the term "An Un-Married Man".

I guess I am not really "Single" after all legally. I'm "Un-Married".

Good definition. I'll go with that.

Divorce doesn't always take a long time. Mine took 6 months, and there are minor children, etc. etc.

Some folks are shy to date an individual whose status is
'Separated'
In general, not always, its too soon to date as the divorce is not final, the possibility of returning to the 'ex', considered 'still married'

Also they may not have had sufficient time to heal after the break up.
I started dating rather quickly after being excused from the residence, before divorce was final. I thought I was ready to date.
I found out I was not.

not dipping your wick in anything for 6 + months means you're married

Good luck

Just be honest with yourself and with the person you chose to date (if ready). I was separated for over 7 yrs, just because I chose not to pay for the divorce and there was no chance of reconciliation.

There were many who decided they knew more than I did. They'd tell me I was not ready to date, that I was still considered married, and to those I say OK, thanks for letting me know how I feel

Live according to your standards not the standards set up by others who don't know you nor do they know your situation.

michiganman3 was correct - when I decided to file for divorce it took less than 3 months

Me...everything about me. I am the definition of the word single. Next to single in dictionary...a pic of me.

Some people are scared they while you are separated, you maybe looking for a rebound, whether you realize it or not.

you and me both brother... I am not interested in dating those who are separated. I just don't want to go through their divorce drama with them.
People need time in between, most anyway, I know I did.

Single= Not married. Not dating.
Involved= Have a signficant other
Married= LEGAL TERM... you are married until the courts say you are not.
Separated= MARRIED
Divorced= You were married and the courts finally say you're not. Once divorced, you will always be divorced. You can no longer say you are single. Not correctly.

I don't date separated people. I don't date married people, and married is separated. Once a person has one relationship resolved and over with... then after a bit they can enter into another one. But no way I'm getting involved with someone that has yet to finish what they started with someone else. Unless they are missing in action, get a divorce. Then date. To do otherwise is usually totally unfair to everyone.

And Fran... I love you.

Hi Lilith...Hope you are doing good. Please add this in your profile...I am also copying this for mine...excuse me.

I like my profile just the way it is, thanks. I've posted this and e-mailed my thoughts as needed. I don't feel a need for a blanket statement in my profile. If I did, it would be there. But I'm glad you liked it.

To me, single means one, not a pair. If I'm divorced I'm one, not a pair so single!

its informative