Dating after divorce

Dating after a divorce can seem like a huge, terrifying thing. Especially if you have come out of a long-term relationship, you are probably feeling bruised, scared and a little unsure about ‘putting yourself out there’ again. If you’ve spent years with one person, it can seem overwhelming to have to start back at the beginning, meeting people, getting to know them, creating whole new relationships. Even simple things like what to wear, where to go,  or what to talk about can be daunting.

So how can you step back into the world of dating after a divorce?

1| Make sure you are ready

There is no need to rush into dating again if you are not ready. There is no ‘correct’ time to wait – it might be weeks, it could be months, it might even be years. It’s usually more clear that you’re not ready than that you are ready – but if the idea of dating pops into your mind and you don’t immediately shut it down, than chances are you are ready. Don’t feel rushed into dating too soon – after a long relationship, it can take some adjusting and figuring out who ‘you’ are now you are not part of a couple.

2| It’s alright to feel the fear

If you’re ready to date, but it still feels a little scary, that’s OK! If you’ve dealt with betrayal and/or the ending of a relationship, it is normal to be cautious.

3| Think about what you are looking for

Are you wanting to jump straight into a long-term relationship, or perhaps just looking for someone local to have fun with? It could be worth looking at a Hertfordshire dating site and see who else is looking for a date! Maybe you don’t want a relationship, but just a little naughty dating.

4| Use the internet

It’s likely that the last time you dated there wasn’t even an Internet to look on! But it can be a great way to meet new people, whether you are looking for single women in Exeter or for Dorset dating sites. Internet dating is fantastic if you don’t get out very often, or just want to meet people outside of your usual circle, most areas have their own specific dating sites, for example, these Jersey dating sites.

5| Date around

Don’t feel that you have to be in an exclusive relationship straight away. It is perfectly acceptable to see several different people at the same time. For one thing, you will not be putting all your bets on one person, but also it lets you get a feel for what you do or don’t like, what it is you are looking for and allows you the space to ‘practice’ dating again!

6| Keep it fun

Rather than worrying about when you are going to meet ‘the one’, see dating as fun. See dating as a time to explore this new you, to get out into the world and meet new people and just have a little bit of fun again.