never been maried but heres my two cent,

''Are you married'' answer either ''used to be'' or ''not anymore'' either together or seperate and try have a neutral expression when answering, not giving the impression of bitterness or flippancy. that way you are telling the truth while at the same time giving the message that your past marriage is over and you are single.

I'm divorced, but did some pick up when separated (separation lasted about 1.5 yrs).

I played around with responses to 'are you married?' during that time and I found "separated for a while now" and simply "separated" without looking apologetic or like you're doing anything wrong (cause you aren't...)

I never advertised my status, and the truth is very few women actually asked - I wasn't wearing a ring and didn't have kids or baggage. If it ever progressed beyond a couple dates I'd tell her about it cause really they probably deserve to know at that point... Reactions were always positive - but that may have just been lucky.

To echo the statements of other posters - if you just simply casually date, test the waters and have fun, this may never be an issue for you - as you may never get serious enough for them to ask about it (your current example/question is an exception of course).

Good luck - gets easier.

== This is a question on how to approach being separated and how to start up a relationship. I have searched here but no real answer. I also have read this is the forum in which to ask questions like this. ==

I'm technically married, but for all intent, not. Separated, not divorced, for well over a year now after the woman 'kicked me out' based on her losing love for me. She says she gave up on our marriage three years earlier.

That said, I picked up and met this fantastic woman New Years Eve. No, she's not 'the one' -- at least at this point. Got her number and had all intent on taking her back to the hotel for a little S&T, but she went home with her two friends. Later that night I [texted] her for her last name to put in my contacts, and she asked me if I was married. I had to say legally yes. That might be a deal breaker with her for going out or moving forward.

I'm a flirt, have been active in PU (Confidence, confidence, confidence). I know that I'm not 'cheating' as my marriage is basically dead in all respects short of the law. Divorce is only a vehicle to allow for division of marital assets, establish child support and alimony, prevention of polygamy, etc.

What I want to know is are there any separated men out there who are active in PU and how do [you] work around 'being separated' in regards to starting a relationship with someone? NOT one offs. I mean possible long(er) term relationships.

Thanks guys.

If what you say is true, you are effectively "not married", I wouldn't even worry much about it one way or the other. You can tell the truth or not, I don't think it will matter.