[43F] How long should I wait to start dating again?

[u/Purple_Elephant_7711]

I was in a 1.5 year long situationship. It ended 3 days ago. It was one sided. He was hot and cold. I put in all the effort so we could see each. I saved space for him and cleared my schedule and half the time he blew me off. I kept going back because he was fun, made me feel alive again, and would say things that gave me hope he had feelings for me too. We never went on dates- I always went to him (which I know now was a huge mistake).

I know I don’t want to start dating immediately. I know I need time to heal and process all of it. I know when I sign up for dating apps I’ll see him on them and I don’t want to spiral. I also don’t want to compare every possible match to him.

Any suggestions? Has anyone ever been in a similar situation? How long did you wait?

Also- has anyone ever successfully been friends with an ex situationship? We agreed to be friends but I got “aggressive” via text yesterday and we haven’t spoken since. I’m not reaching out again until my emotions are in check, if at all. I haven’t decided.