5 Tips for Dating After Divorce

Going through a divorce can be stressful. Moving forward after your marriage ends can be stressful as well. It’s natural to be self-reflective and to mourn the end of a relationship says Good Housekeeping¹. And you should wait until your divorce or separation is final before moving on to the next stage. However, if you’re leaning toward dating again, there are number of things you can do to make the process easier.

For instance, make sure you’re dating for the right reasons suggest Good Housekeeping². If you’re still hurt or angry, you may want to wait a bit longer. And it’s always good to take it slow at first. You don’t have to dive head-first into an intense relationship right away points out Good Housekeeping³.

If you’ve thought it over and decide, “Yes, I’d like to try dating again” here are 5 tips you can use to help make the experience fun.

1. Take it public. Grabbing coffee or ice cream together is a popular first date for good reason. Not only will you both feel safe suggest the experts at Men’s Health⁴, there is also lots to talk about. The coffee, the atmosphere, people at the establishment, the neighborhood—there are all sorts of things to spark discussions.

2. Relax and enjoy yourself. It’s important to take the pressure off says Men’s Health⁵. Yes, you’re coming out of a stressful relationship, but try not to let that carry over when you date. Don’t take the first date too seriously, just try to have fun and see where it goes.

3. Sign up for a class. If you’re looking for places to make a personal connection – or find it hard to strike up conversations -- try taking a class. Men’s Health⁶ suggests finding something that interests you and go in with an open mind. Since everyone there is interested in the subject, it will be easier to find things to talk about.

4. Get outside or volunteer. If your first date does well and you want to start forming a bond with the person, Men’s Health⁷ recommends something active like hiking or volunteering. You should probably avoid alcohol per Men’s Health⁸. You’re trying to get to know each and drinks can cloud the picture.

5. Just be you. Jumping back into the dating scene can be a little scary. And, although self-doubt is natural and you may be tempted to adjust your actions so you’re more aligned with the person you’re going out with, that’s not the best choice according to Men’s Health⁹. You can’t fake it forever. So be honest right from the start. If your date isn’t into you, that’s fine.

It’s True, Dating Has Changed.

If you haven’t dated in a while, you will probably notice that things are much different. Apps and online sites are now one of the most common ways that people find dates Men’s Health¹⁰ observes. Yes, meeting people through friends or in random social situations still happens, but it does so less frequently. There are lots of dating apps available and many have a specific focus such as people over 50, Christian singles or casual dating.

These convenient tools could be just the resource you need to find someone right for you. Remember: relax, be yourself, and make it a fun night out for you and your date.

Sources:

1. “12 Smart Ways to Make Dating After Divorce Easier, According to Therapists,” Good Housekeeping, Last accessed January 11, 2023,   https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/relationships/a26537409/dating-after-divorce-tips/
2. “12 Smart Ways to Make Dating After Divorce Easier, According to Therapists”
3. “12 Smart Ways to Make Dating After Divorce Easier, According to Therapists”
4. “Dating After Divorce Isn't Easy, But These Expert Tips Will Help You Get Started” Men’s Health, Last accessed December 8, 2022,   http://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/g25683227/tips-dating-after-divorce
5. “Dating After Divorce Isn't Easy, But These Expert Tips Will Help You Get Started”
6. “Dating After Divorce Isn't Easy, But These Expert Tips Will Help You Get Started”
7. “Dating After Divorce Isn't Easy, But These Expert Tips Will Help You Get Started”
8. “Dating After Divorce Isn't Easy, But These Expert Tips Will Help You Get Started”
9. “Dating After Divorce Isn't Easy, But These Expert Tips Will Help You Get Started”
10. “Dating After Divorce Isn't Easy, But These Expert Tips Will Help You Get Started”

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