single parent dating?

I'm a 23 year old single mother, my son is 5. For the past 3 years I have been single, I've dated a few guys but haven't had a serious relationship in years. I stay single by choice because I don't want to bring a man into my son's life that will note there for the long run. I don't want to subject him to seeing a man in his life one year and gone the next. It's hard trying to date with a child and to be honest I don't want to, I'm more focused on my education, work, and my son. Aside from what I want, family members of mine keep pressuring me to date and they keep telling me time is running out for me to find a husban and a father for my son. Its hard not to be angry with myself because I see friends my age getting married and planning for a family, I feel selfish because I don't want a intimate relationship right now and my son constantly tells me he wants a brother & sister and he wants me to get married, he has even cried because he wants a sibling so badly. I have had 2 serious relationships my sons father for 4 years and I dated someone else for a year after my break up with him. They were not good relationships or good breakups, so now I shy away fro relatioships because I'm afraid of the drama, I feel a relationship to me now would be a burden. If anyone has any input or advice on my outlook please give your opinions, I'm open to any advice because I feel like I'm at a crossroads and I'm very indecisive on this matter of my life. Its so frustrating and I would appreciate any opinions & advice from other parents. Thanks
~Dom

I know this thread is over a month old, but I am going to respond anyway. I am exactly where you are right now in my life. The only difference is I do not have family members pressuring me and I actually do want to date and settle down, but because of all the other issues you mentioned, I choose not to. I have two girls(13 and 7)and I am trying to role model for them how a woman should behave, but I can not be their father too. I realize that I need a mate for that. I say do what you want to do and stop worrying about what your family wants. At the end of the day, YOU have to be happy and healthy in order to take care of your son effectively. If you do not want to date that is fine and think positively, not negatively.Think about what you do want in a mate. Write it down. Do not focus on negative relationships or negative things. I know that is easier said than done, but what we think about will manifest itself, wether that is negative or positive, so try to remain positive. If you do want to date, do not feel guilty about it. You deserve to be happy. Just make sure that you do not introduce the guy to your child until you are sure about him. For me that takes at least 3-6 months. Also, do not be afraid to google a guy or check to make sure he has no record. You can never be to safe when it comes to your child.