I've been single for about 2 years and recently started dating again. I have a 7-year-old and I'm not sure if I should mention it before we meet or wait until things feel more serious. I don't want to scare people off, but I also don't want to waste time with someone who can't handle it.
Tell them before you meet. It's not a minor detail you spring on someone later - it's a core part of your life, and anyone worth your time will appreciate the honesty upfront. People who can't handle it will self-select out early, which saves you both time and energy. You're not scaring off the right person by being straightforward; you're just filtering for someone genuinely compatible with your situation.
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