How to Decide if You’re Ready to Start Dating Again

Whether you were in a long-term relationship or something shorter, it’s difficult to start dating again after a divorce. Even though your heart was (and maybe still is) broken, life goes on. Luckily, time heals all wounds, so you will get through the pain and eventually want to give dating another try. Here are some telltale signs that you may be ready to explore the dating world once again.

4 Signs that You’re Ready to Start Dating Again

1. You’re Excited to Start Dating

If you view dating as an exciting new adventure rather than a task that must be done, you’re probably ready to take on the dating scene again. Dating should be fun, so when you’re starting to look forward to the new experience, go for it! If you don’t know where to start, try matchmaking services or going on a blind date. Consider finding people who have common interests at locations you enjoy, such as clubs, volunteer groups, or sporting events.

Don’t start dating again just because you think you should. Everyone is different, which means the amount of time it takes to be ready to date again is based on individual preference. Make sure it’s something you want to do rather than something you think you need to do.

2. You’re Happy Again

As long as you’re truly happy again after your divorce, you’re ready to go on a date. However, this may take some time. A divorce is an emotional period full of sadness and loneliness. It’s important to grieve the loss of the past relationship before diving into another one. Otherwise, a new relationship is going to fall apart.

If you’re struggling to find happiness, get ready to do some soul searching. It’s important to understand that you have to be content when you’re alone before you can be truly happy with someone else. This process is also going to help you figure out what you’re looking for in a new partner and in a relationship. Dating too soon after a divorce can cause you to pursue someone whose purpose is to ease your loneliness or to find someone who reminds you of your ex-partner. Neither of these reasons are going to have positive outcomes.

3. You’re Not Obsessing over Your Ex

A sign that you’re ready to date is that you’re no longer interested in what your previous partner is doing. If you’ve stopped checking their social media accounts and put all of your ex’s pictures away, you’re on the right track. Holding onto an ex and thinking what might have been is going to consume you and keep you from finding a better partner who fulfills your needs.

Letting go is necessary because it gives you and a potential date the chance to get to know each other without any obstacles in the way. It’s unfair to date someone if you’re not fully over your ex.

4. You’ve Learned Valuable Lessons Through Dating

While you don’t want to constantly think about your ex, it’s perfectly acceptable to examine the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your past relationship. This helps you to grow as a person and a partner. What are some of the biggest regrets you have, and how could you have handled certain situations differently?

Although both parties in a relationship have their own faults, you’re only responsible for addressing your part. Be accountable for your mistakes and learn from them. Take time to work on yourself before getting involved with someone else. This is going to help you be a better partner in a relationship and a better person overall. Once you’ve learned some valuable lessons from this process, you’re ready to start dating.

Knowing when to start dating again can be tricky. Although these signs are helpful indicators that you’re ready to take the plunge into the dating world, there are no specific rules to tell you when you should start. The most important thing to understand is that your situation is different from everyone else’s, so your timeline is based on your own thoughts and feelings. Wait until you have no doubts or fears about dating, and go for it!