How to Start Dating Again

Getting back into the dating game can be a real struggle, especially if you’ve been out of it for several years. After a lengthy relationship, you’re probably left feeling nervous or even scared about finding a new partner or simply going on a relaxed date with someone. We’re here to help with this handy guide on how to start dating again, whether it’s been 3 months or 30 years!

1. Make Sure You’re Over Your Ex
You can’t move on if you’re still holding on to your last relationship. Yes, it’s okay to still have a special place in your heart for your ex and look back on old memories with a smile, but if you’re not OVER this individual and the relationship you had, you won’t be able to last in a new relationship. Make sure you’re mind and heart are free of any strings attached.

2. Take Enough Time for Yourself
After a breakup (or even losing a partner due to some other reason), you need to take time for yourself. It’s an important part of the healing process. Make sure you’ve taken plenty of time to regain your self esteem and happiness within yourself so you don’t end up looking to someone else to fill the empty void. Join a gym, start a new hobby, go back to school- whatever YOU want to do for you, now is the best time to do it; before you try dating again.

3. Be Confident and Outgoing
Confidence is so important in every aspect of life, especially when it comes to dating. If your last relationship left you feeling insecure and down about the outcome, you probably won’t attract a nice person to be a potential partner. As mentioned above, take time to yourself and regain your confidence. When it comes time to start talking and flirting with new people, show them how confident and outgoing you are. A potential date doesn’t want to go out with someone who is closed off and lacking strength due to a recent breakup!

4. Know What You Are Looking For
It is really important to know what you are looking for before entering the dating scene. Your last relationships failed for one reason or another, so before you start dating you need to reflect on the individual you were with and WHY the relationship failed. At that point you can decide what’s important to you and what you want to find in your next mate and partnership. Having this list of ‘must-haves’ will help you to find the ideal individual that could potentially lead to a very long and strong relationship!
Enter into the scene without a clue on what you want, and you may end up choosing the wrong person- yet again.

5. Don’t Jump Into Anything
It’s the golden rule everyone knows: never, EVER jump into a relationship soon after a breakup. This type of situation never ends well! Instead of entering the dating game solely looking for your future husband or wife, take your time. Enjoy the process. Date a few different people and just have fun. Get to know these individuals for who they really are before you decide to settle down. A strong relationship takes plenty of time to build, and you want to make sure you’re building it with the right person. So my BEST advice is to take things SLOW and enjoy every minute of it. Some dates will be incredible, and others may leave you falling asleep at the dinner table. But hey, that’s all just part of the fun.

6. Spend Time With Your Single Friends
If you’re having trouble getting back into the dating scene, who better to call then your single friends! They will know exactly where to go, how to act, and may even have a blind date ready for you. Go out and have fun with your single pals and just enjoy the time you spend together. Not only will they be able to let you ‘in’ on the new dating rituals, you’ll also get to work on your confidence and outgoing personality in the process. Win-win situation!

Getting back into the dating game is easier than you think, huh? What advice would you give your newly single friends trying to date again?

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