I met a man who took me by surprise. He was warm, kind, funny — so different. On our first date, sparks flew. The chemistry was there. I felt hopeful again that maybe this time things would work.

But, overnight, I was thrown into a brave, new world -- one that involved a three year old. I scoured the Internet for Advice about dating people with kids. Considering the divorce rate in this country, I thought finding the advice would be easy. NOPE. I got the same advice from multiple people: "Be yourself." OK, what next? *crickets

So I'm sharing what I have learned so far and trust me I am still learning every single day;

1. Forget the Opinions. The situation is not easy for some people in your life to understand but know this, the more you Love your decisions, the less you need others to love them.

I know plenty of people who will not even consider being with someone who has a child. The sad truth is that they are not only possibility missing out on a beautiful person they are missing out on a wonderful child as well.

2. Meet the Other Parent. This was a really important step for me. I wanted his mom to know who I was and who her child will be around. This is a good time to set expectations also.

3. Different Perception of Love. You learn about a love that most do not get to experience. An absolute unconditional love. No one tells the child, "you are forced to love them" That is what makes this love so very special. I loved my boyfriends son before I even met him, because he was a part of the man that I love.

4. Special Moments. When you want to scream and rip your hair out, remember the memories that you have made and will continue to make, and await the special times, the first time they say they love you, when you are the first they run to you with a bloody knee, their smile when you tell them you are proud of them. So many other moments and so many more to come that make all of it worth it.

5. GO AHEAD AND FALL IN LOVE. Let that child or children into your heart. Go for it. That child is a blessing, I promise you.