6 Tips for Dating After Divorce, According to a Dating Coach
There are a lot of things you’re going to have to get used to about your new life post-divorce. While some aspects will be less thrilling than others (hello, single income household), dating should not make your cons list. Have fun, be safe, you’ve got this.
- Take Your Time
Being newly single affords you the freedom to start meeting new, exciting people. True. But what’s the rush? Make sure you’ve given yourself the time and space to truly appreciate this major life change before moving on to someone new. There’s no right or wrong time to start dating after a divorce. Your ex might be ready next week, and it might take you over a year to agree to go out for a drink.
- You Come First
There are a number reasons why a marriage ends. Sometimes you just fall out of love. When it’s particularly ugly, however, (we’re looking at you, infidelity) the pieces of your personality that were a prime target during the breakup, like your self—esteem and confidence, need a little TLC before you can move on.
- Use Protection
Guarding yourself from potential health risks when you decide to take a new relationship up a notch is a no brainer, but protect that heart of yours, too.
- Get Over Your “Type”
Ain’t nobody got time for types—especially after a divorce. You thought you knew who or what your type was the first time around, right? Time to throw that way of thinking out the window. Part of the beauty of this time in your life is that you now have free reign to go on dates and if you don’t like what you find, then keep it moving…just try not to settle for the first ship that sails into your docks after your relationship ends.
- Fire Up the Apps
Dating apps probably weren’t a part of your pre-marriage single life. They can be intimidating, and the horror stories some of your friends have shared are pretty deterring (Tinder Nightmares is a thing for a reason). But that doesn’t mean those experiences will be yours–especially if you’re on the right sites.
- Happy Parent, Happy Kids
Finding time to date when you have children can be difficult, but that’s why you moved so close to your own mom, right? Just remember: The happier you are, the happier your kids will be, too. You might not want to take your ex’s feelings into consideration here, but he or she will certainly still be a part of your life for a good, long time if there are kids involved. Avoid a potentially sticky situation and factor them in when you start thinking about introducing your new partner to your kids.
