How to Begin Dating After a Divorce

Divorce. It is such an ugly word. Yet statistics show that around half of first marriages in the United States end up in divorce. With this number, you shouldn’t feel like you’re alone in this world. You might feel like your whole life has crumbled into dust. But these feelings will not last forever.  Think of this time in your life as a second chance at love and you’re all the wiser for it.

Dating might be the last thing on your mind. You might even feel clueless on what the dating scene is like after your marriage. Don’t despair. Here are a few tips to help you get back into the dating scene.

1. Nurture Yourself.  When you were married, you functioned as the other half of a whole unit. Now that you’re divorced, you feel like you’re left with only half of yourself. But that’s only your perception. All you need to do is find yourself once more. Nurture yourself.  Find friends who will help you rebuild your self-esteem. Now is the time to do the things you didn’t have the time to do when you were married. When you have picked yourself up, you’ll be more than ready to go back to the dating scene. You’ll be more confident because you know you’re bringing something into your next relationship.
2. Prepare for Loneliness.  When you’re expecting loneliness, then you’ll be more than prepared to rise above it. Holidays are especially lonely for divorced people because they have a lot of good memories that are attached to these special days. When holidays approach, you can surround yourselves with your friends and family. They will be able to support you during these tough times. When you’re less lonely, you’re less vulnerable from mistakes that you might later regret, such as engaging in risky behavior.
3. Stay Active. When you’re divorced, it’s easy to curl up on a couch and watch TV all day long. But don’t take the easy road. Go out, shop, or have lunch with your friends. Always make sure that you look your best. Also, you can’t start dating without trying. Look for unconventional ways to get a date. Why don’t you try online dating services? Research shows that when you date online, you’ll feel more intimate with the person than when you meet them face-to-face. When you do date online, take the necessary precautions. Don’t give out your contact details freely and initially plan short dates in public places. Coffee shop dates are your best bet for first dates. They will help you decide whether or not you are ready for the first real date.

All in all, the key to successfully dating after a divorce is to make sure that you enter it with a realistic idea of what you’re worth. When you know yourself well and what you expect from a relationship, you’ll be more attractive to others.