How / When do I communicate that I'm not looking for an exclusive relationship? Just casual dating.

[Beagle]

Hi. I am resuming dating after the end of a long-term relationship. I am in my early 40's and recently divorced. I have a young son and I am very involved with him. My last relationship, with a lovely and intelligent woman, ended because of the amount of time I'm out of town with him in various activities. I know I'm not at the point in my life where I need to be in a committed relationship. I'm also extremely involved in volunteer work, that my son and I do together, and we're gone for extended periods of time.

My question is this, how and when do I communicate that I'm not looking for an exclusive relationship. I would like to date casually, but I'm worried about leading someone into thinking I'm ready for more than I am, and hurting someone. Of course, when my son is grown, a committed relationship may be an option. Right now, it's not fair to someone when I'm gone for a week at a time several times a year. These aren't activities I can invite a date to join us, since it's working with kids.

It seems kind of egotistical to say "Would you like to go out; I don't want a commitment." How and when in dating should I share that I'm not at a point that I can be a committed partner?

[Saishuu]

maby date people & mention this, say you do this with your kid so it doesn't shock them when you say you are off for a week.

Some Women might not mind.

[Mandie]

Just be up front and honest with your dates. I agree, there's nothing worse than someone being lead on to think that the person they're seeing wants more than they really do. Explain that you have a lot going on in your life with your son, work, traveling and such and just want some casual fun. You'd be surprised at how many women are looking for the casual thing. Dating can be a fun and great experience if more people were just honest. Good luck

[Dan And Jennifer]

Just want casual dating. How / when do I communicate that I'm not looking for an something more?

[Beagle]

Thank you Dan, for the great answer. You hit right into the core of everything. That was an amazing insight. I didn't realize I was judging future relationships by my last experience, until you said that. That was exactly what I was doing and I didn't realize it.