How soon is too soon?

So this post could be relatively controversial and that's ok. I know I've stated it before, but I started this for me to get my thoughts and feelings out and no one is forced to read it.

So I'm not sure how soon is too soon for a new "relationship". Of course I don't want to rush anything for myself but I also don't feel that hurt anymore from everything that happened with the divorce. I think a lot of that is the fact that I know I was emotionally done long before it was legally done. I don't want to be frowned upon by anyone (which I know is inevitable and I know I shouldn't care but I always have and I probably always will).

The funniest thing that I learned at a relatively young age is that a lot of the time you find what you are looking for as soon as you stop looking. I've always been pretty laid back about finding someone and I've always had people interested in me (that's not trying to sound self-centered...it's just being honest). I've always been told that I'm a great catch because I'm pretty, funny and fun to hang around. It's a compliment and a very nice thing for people to say to me. But I really think a lot of that is just because who you meet is who I am. I'm not a fake person and I genuinely care for life and all of the people involved in mine.

All of that is meant to preface what I'm about to say:

I've met someone that is a great person. He's funny and nice and very sweet to me. I know I've mentioned him on here before. We were actually set up. My cousin/best friend is dating Kevin who is best friends with Rick. They thought we'd hit it off or at least have great sex when Rick was in town. haha!

I met him at the end of January. Rick lives in Pittsburgh (where Kevin is from also) and came in town to spend the weekend with Nicki and Kevin. Saturday night after work I headed up there and the four of us went to dinner. Quite honestly, Nicki and Kevin thought we'd hit it off, but they were mostly just helping us both get a little ass. We all four had a great time out and um, Rick and I definitely had a great time later that night. (What can I say, I can be a bit of a whore, I guess...don't judge! haha!)

Anyhow, I almost didn't even go that night. I had options of alternative plans and I knew this guy was 10 years older than me. But I knew I had nothing to lose and knew I'd at least have a great time with Nicki and Kevin. So I went. When I met Rick I was pleasantly surprised. He's not exactly the kind of guy I'd normally go for, but I think he's really attractive. We went to Hibachi Japan and as we were all sitting there talking the topic of counseling came up. I knew Rick was divorced so I made a joke about how I hoped he didn't have to go to counseling and suffer through some of the sessions like I did and his response? "I wanted to, for the kids' sake, but she wasn't interested." Holy fuck. Did he just say kids?!?! The entire rest of the night I thought about how I had just been set up with a 35 year old guy with two kids. haha! All I could hope was that the sex was completely worth it.

We had a complete blast that night though. I laughed so hard at Kevin and Rick together and of course at the comedy club later. When we went home I had my Steeler's Fan Initiation (don't ask) and Rick and I had some really great conversations. We were awake most of the night and really found out a lot about each other. In the morning he was sweet and brought me coffee and then all day the four of us lounged and watched movies and talked and laughed and napped.

Rick and I both stayed again Sunday night and then he left early Monday morning to make it to work on time. I talked to Nicki later that day and she said that Rick asked Kevin for my number (yeah, we totally didn't even exchange numbers! haha). I told her that I'd have her give him mine so the ball can be in his court so there is no pressure for him. The crazy thing? He called me that night. We talked for about 2 hours and everything was completely easy and normal.

Since then we've seen each other a couple more times and talked endless hours. He is genuinely someone that I love having in my life. When I'm with him I'm happy. Just happy. Of course there is some giddiness but it's more than just that. I'm myself and we tell each other absolutely everything. There are no secrets or worrying what the other one will think.

I honestly think that both of us being divorced is something that helps that though. We have both been in failed marriages that truly broke our hearts. Neither of us were perfect and we both know there were things we'd change about ourselves as well as how the relationship was handled.

The kid thing? Scares me a bit. I've actually already met the girls and they are freaking adorable. They are 6 and 3 and really like me as well. It's not that. It's actually more about if I want my own kids or not. Strangely enough, Rick and I have talked about it. Yes, I realize we've known each other less than 3 months, but again this is the open converstaion thing where we talk about everything. I'm not sure if I'd be ok with not having kids of my own or if I'd want to have Victoria and Gabby have a half sibling. He is actually open to the idea of having more kids so it'd be more about what I want. Anyhow, that part of things is actually relatively minor right now. Even though it's definitely an important thing if I'm wanting to be in a relationship with a person.

I'm not saying I'm going to go out and marry this man tomorrow. But I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with him and who I am when I'm with him. He actually encourages me to have friends and chase my dreams instead of holding me back telling me I can't do it.

So how soon is too soon? I know I'm the only one that will know for sure...but I guess just some other opinions would be ok with me.