Bitterness is a form of anger, which is a secondary emotion. The primary emotion is associated with beliefs that one is inadequate, to blame, unworthy, etc. So, whenever we feel that anger, bitterness, or frustration well up, we should ask ourselves, “What’s really going here? What am I really feeling and what’s the belief that’s driving that feeling?” The next question can be, “How true is this?” I find that this helps me get out of my story. It’s not easy, though. My story has been well crafted over the decades. And that’s the problem with dating later in life, isn’t it!

I can relate to much of what you wrote, and I will need to close my eyes and take a deep breath before jumping back into the dating fray. At some point. Probably.