Jenny McCarthy is "taking baby steps" into dating again.

The actress and comedian - who split from Jim Carrey after five years together in 2010 - has recently been linked to NFL player Brian Urlacher, but she's being cautious of how things develop.

"I haven't made too many comments other than the fact that I'm taking baby steps. We'll see. But I'm giddy right now," she told Parade magazine.

Jenny - who now hosts dating show Love in the Wild - was spotted out on a date with Brian earlier this month, and he is said to be smitten with her, but also keen to take any chance of a relationship one step at a time. "Brian really likes Jenny, and not just because she's hot. They've gone out a few times, but he's trying to take it slow. He thinks Jenny is awesome, but he just got out of a relationship a few weeks ago," a source said.

Jenny, 39, is also cautious, and admitted it has taken her a long to be ready to date anyone again: "It took awhile. I felt like, 'Oh, I'm so alone I have to be with somebody.' But I got to a place whereI'm happy with myself. I don't need to have a lover to have love in my life."