Question for the ladies...

Despite the fact  that I am still married, I've been thinking about getting back into the social aspect of dating or even just communicating on a friendly level with other females (other than my stbx).   I've been out of the dating seen so long, I forget what it is like to have female friends and or girlfriends (now that my stbx and I don't talk the way we used to, I feel like it would do me some good to be able to have a girl I can talk with about anything).  Just a note: No plans on getting serious with anyone until I've spent a few years getting to know who I am as a single guy.   

Is it a bad idea to even attempt this while I am in the middle of a separation process? Why or Why not?

I know it's baggage, but will the words "I'm still married", just kill all chances of any kind of relationship with a girl? 
(because hiding the truth is not an option for me)

How many of you would consider dating a guy in the middle of a separation? Why or Why not?

Is there a right way to go about getting know a girl without the issues of separation becoming a problem?

What do you think?