I met my husband at work. I was not the least bit interested in him in the beginning. We became work buddies but I became work buddies with a lot of the guys.

At the time I was certainly not looking for anyone. I was quite over men, and just wanted to have fun. It was during this time of not being interested that I got more interest then ever. Ironic.

Then we started dating and I kept saying this is never going to be serious. At the time I was living in a town and planning to go back to my home town in a matter of months. Yet my heart was in my new town. A long distance romance and then I moved with him.

I think it's partly luck & fate & good timing. Yet I think you can increase your luck. If you are at home 24-7 it's unlikely you are going to meet someone, unless on the internet or a courier delivery. Not impossible but logic says your chances are much reduced.

However if you start with yourself, and doing it with the intention of having fun for yourself then I think that's a good place to start. You don't need to go out with the intention of looking for a man, but rather with the intention to enjoy yourself and be open to new friendships.

If you do things that have always interested you; art galleries, a short course, rock climbing, whatever appeals. You might meet that person in a laundromat or cafe. I think if you are open and friendly, yet cautious you stand a better chance of meeting someone.

Also if you can increase your social circle. Difficult with PTSD but very good for yourself if you can. A broad range of friends and interests casts the net a bit wider.

And I think being open minded about the criteria for man. My husband would not have met some of the elaborate criteria I had in my head at that stage. If I had been seriously looking at the time he probably wouldn't have got a first date. Obviously there are basic standards of decency & respectful behaviour but I'm talking more if you are normally into 'sports types' don't rule out 'business types' or 'music types'. Even if they are not the right one for you, dating can be fun & build your confidence. And who knows they might introduce you to their friends.

Maximise your chances and try and have fun (and keep safe).