I can tell it is a female asking the question, I'm wondering is it all females replying?
Had any formerly divorced men replied, or am I the first?
First point, If he's willing to talk about it, it would be pertinent to find out his relationship regarding his ex-wife. Maybe she broke up and he hasn't gotten over her, or he broke up and may, or may not, be looking for a second wife.
It mostly depends on the individual, but if the man approached the woman and she responds in the interest in him, he may like her more because of the attention she gives him. If his previous marriage did not indicate the ex's initiation to giving him attention, he may be searching elsewhere.
18 years of marriage is a long time, to divorce after that, it would be highly suggested that the new partner knows a little bit about why the breakdown.
I was divorced after 10 years, and suddenly re-married. I think it was God's blessing, for the second marriage, though!
Three major factors in a marriage, love, trust and communication, and they all had broken down in mine. The love may had gone first--I didn't think I was sterile, but she (we) were shocked when the news broke. I don't think she ever forgave me. Then the trust was breaking down. After several more years, I knew less about her private live (communication breakdown) and I felt like I had a room-mate sponging off of my income. She'd "Stay at a friends" too frequent, (whom I've never met), and I'd never see her on the weekend.
Needless to say, the man's former relationship is pertinent to what relationship he's looking for in the future.
My current marriage is happy. I laid the groud for my new wife, holding nothing back about my health, sterility, etc. (previous marriage), and this gave indication as to what my ideal marriage and partner was in my image.
I hope sharing this is very helpful in your endeavor.