Let’s not beat about the bush here – marriage is hard. It takes time to make a marriage last until that famous “till death do us part” line kicks in. And even if you can make it last for that long, there is still the question of being in a happy marriage. It’s no wonder that the marriage rate between heterosexual couples has almost halved in the last 50 years! People aren’t as sold on the idea of tying the knot anymore, and divorce rates are increasing!
Naturally, this has many consequences, such as an increase in divorced individuals. Dating after divorce is becoming increasingly common, and this growing demographic may find new and unexpected challenges when looking for their next match. Inevitably, a bit more baggage has to come along for the ride.
At this point, you may be wondering how to start dating after divorce. Believe it or not, this is the easy part! Online dating is, unsurprisingly, the simplest place to start because of the myriad of divorce dating apps available! Before visiting the top 5 sites, there are some things to bear in mind before dating again.
Potential Challenges Of Divorced Dating
Even though divorce is becoming more widespread, there is, unfortunately, still quite a stigma around dating a divorcee. Being in a “failed” marriage remains a blemish on your hypothetical dating resumé. The traditional view that marriage is something to endure until the end of your days is still very prevalent, and many married couples even choose to stay together to avoid judgment!
Then there is the matter of dating after divorce with kids – this is a dealbreaker for many people. They either think you are trying to find a co-parent for your children, or they don’t like kids at all! Where your priorities lie also gets more complex. You become unable to devote 100% of your interest to one party without unintentionally neglecting the other. Learning how to balance the two is important to keep everyone happy. And then, on top of this, things are complicated because your children’s opinion of your potential next partner is crucial!
Benefits Of Divorced Dating
However, all hope is not lost; despite these hiccups, divorcees have some clear dating advantages. Freeing yourself from the bonds you felt from your marriage gives you the perfect opportunity to kickstart your self-care journey. You have more freedom to get out and meet new people to enrich your life.
Another benefit is that having gone through the whole marriage process, you probably have a better idea than most about what you want (and don’t want) from a relationship. That’s not to say that a new relationship won’t have challenges and learning curves. But, having been part of a long-term commitment, you will undoubtedly know how to handle things more efficiently. After all, hindsight is clear sight; as a divorcee, you have a unique set of conflict resolution skills that many will never learn!
Divorce can also bring a renewed sense of hope and optimism. You’ve likely rediscovered your self-worth, which makes you look forward to the future more. You’ve been through a lot and deserve something better and brighter! Dating after a divorce doesn’t sound too bad.
Now that we’ve covered the various opportunities and obstacles, it’s time to help find the perfect divorce dating site for you!
Match
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. While it is not specifically aimed at divorced individuals, Match boasts over 21 million users worldwide and is available in over 60 countries! Based on sheer numbers alone, you will have no trouble finding a “match” (see what we did there?). They are the online dating industry leaders, and almost a third of the pairings on the site result in a relationship.
JustDivorcedSingles
This site is exclusively for divorced singles and is the perfect way to meet like-minded people. While it may not be a free dating site, a monthly subscription will allow you to connect with others in a refreshingly straightforward way. Potential matches are suggested for you based on engagement with others – the more active you are, the more accurate your suggestions become. There is also the option of creating a video profile – the perfect way to capture your essence in a way that a photograph can’t!
SingleAndDivorcedDating
This divorced dating app is a worthy contender if you are a single parent looking to meet someone special. Unlike some online dating apps, it’s free to sign-up and message others (although there is an option to upgrade your membership to a paid one). This app stands out from the crowd, specifically for divorced and single parents.
OurTime
While not directly aimed toward divorced singles, OurTime is popular with more mature individuals. The sign-up process is detailed but easy to follow, and you can add a very wide range of information to your profile. The ease of use, in-depth profile information, and match-making algorithms all work together to give you the best possible chance of success!
DivorcedFreeAndSingle
Not only is this site specifically for the divorced, but it is also designed for longer-term relationships. Some basic features are available but to get the most out of the site, try a subscription!
Dating on its own is tricky, but adding divorce into the mix can cause some bumps along the road. This is no reason not to get back out there, though!
Many people go through tough times before considering meeting someone special again. But remember one thing – the hard part is in the past. So onwards and upwards to a happier new beginning, all you have to do is take that first step!
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