[Always *]

It's really a matter of how long you really want to wait... I've had people be like "I want to be single for a while" only to have a new boyfriend within a few weeks and call that "waiting" where as my idea of being single for a while being like at least a few months. I think a lot of it has to do with whether you are really ready to be in a new relationship, if there is that special someone etc. I know a lot of people end up leaving a relationship and end up just sort of seeking out a new partner because they're to afraid to be alone or they are rebounding and just want someone to fill that hole, but some people just "get over it" more easily and really do just like another person.

It does sound like you do want to wait a bit, you could always just date this guy casually, spend time with him go for walks or out to dinner, what ever floats your proverbial boat. And enter an actual relationship when you are certain that making it "official" is the right thing to do. You don't necessarily have to make it an all or nothing deal, you CAN be in a casual dating scenario with a guy and know you'd LIKE to be in a relationship with him and not rush into it just because you can, this would also provide you the opportunity to get to know him better in addition to allowing you to be essentially single for a while as well as avoiding upsetting others.

I agree with PureStorm, you really shouldn't have to worry about whether other people will care or not that you have chosen to move on already, but I can most certainly understand the concern, it's not like you are worrying about whether or not someone is going to like your new shoes, if you don't want to burn bridges with the exes family by risking offending them and that is something important to you then you are in your right to make that a consideration. But realistically, the worst is over, you already broke up with their son/brother so if they're still accepting of you then your golden, they will understand that obviously you will be with someone else eventually, but if you still feel waiting a bit is for the best then so be it.

The real question is what is best for you. Do you think that being single for a while, even if it is only for a few weeks or a month or so, would be for the best? You CAN be single while still getting to know/spending time with this guy, I just want to emphasize that (at least in my view) it can be combatible, you might not be as 100% single as someone such as myself who isn't interested in anyone and who isn't dating someone, but I do think it's possible. That way you can keep the guy, you can give the time to avoid what others will think AND satisfy the mention of wishing to be single.

But at the end of the day, this is just one possible route you can take, you realistically have to do what you think will be best, whether it is getting into a relationship now or later or what have you