Stage Six, when you'll finally, at last, after all this time...start to flirt again. Don't get too excited, because it's mostly with yourself. Oh, you may try to flirt with boys, but don't let it devastate you if the first few times are probably unsuccessful. I have a pretty banged-up toe as a reminder of my first attempt. Surprisingly, the sting of him not taking the bait went away pretty quickly, but the toe still hurts when it rains.

But you will flirt with new things. You'll start thinking more about what you like and what you don't like. What you feel like doing and what you don't. You'll start to connect with people you like and appreciate and open up to them. You start to read Twitter and Facebook – you might even start typing things in there and reach out to folks.

Some things you try won't work, but some will. You may even invite people to do things. You have to be careful not to be too pushy or excited. Nobody needs to know that you're new at this.

The Universe mysteriously and miraculously presents you with like-minded and generous people. You flirt with the idea of opening up and letting them know what you've been dealing with the last few years. You connect and exchange ideas and advice. You get to know you. The new you. Not the single mom you, but you. Just you. You feel supported and comfortable enough to think about plans and dreams for your future.

After 20 years of being in warrior mode as a single mother, Stage Six is a soft place to land. I worked with a "coach" - not crazy about that word, especially since she's more of a mentor and champion and friend - because I had to re-learn how to think for myself and make decisions based solely on me.

The fun thing to know about flirting with yourself is that it inevitably and without you even knowing, it leads right into Stage Seven of PSM: Satisfaction.

Symptom  List
New ways of thinking
"What do I want to do now?"
Social networking leading to local networking
Thoughts of joining a club or a group you like 
Lots of dreamy spreadsheet creation for the soon-to-be new YOU budget

Early Warning Signs
You double-take a boy for the first time in 100 years
Going out a little more
Enjoying your time at home

Therapy
This Stage is about exploration. You might spend a lot of time online, researching and reading things you are interested in. In doing this, you'll find people who inspire and motivate you. You'll find yourself fascinated by stories of daring adventure - even if it's just a small dare in the scheme of things. Please share the cool things you come across with us!!

I imagine you'll be out more this year, and, when you're not, you'll have a pretty good idea of what therapies work for you because you're paying attention to yourself more.

And, as always, Tom Jones and babies and puppies videos on You Tube help.