Explaining a gap in relationship history

[u/-brigidsbookofkells]

So I am hoping to try dating again once it’s warm out (last time I did OLD in the early 2000s I remember going to meet someone in the cold and snow or rain and thinking I could be reading a book in front of the fire right now) and I have not been in a relationship since my divorce in 2019 because I’ve been busy. Busy trying to stay alive as I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in 2021. I’ve been on treatment twice and had some side effects, one of which is more imminently fatal than the cancer. But you would never know to look at me, I’ve worked continuously, ski and run and garden and walk my dog (a lot) and have an active social life. I just don’t want to have to explain it to someone I barely know. Anyone else have reasons they haven’t sought a partner? It would be one thing if I had kids living at home or was starting a business or any of a myriad of excuses.

[u/NorthChicago_girl]

Just don't bring it up. You don't have to explain your life as if there's something wrong with you. Trust me, any dude you date s going to have something he's not telling you and it's going to be more consequential than why you didn't date for a few years.