Dating after divorce is both exhilarating and frightening! On the one hand, the thought of having someone find you attractive and interesting again can make you positively giddy.
Sure your life has been turned upside down and things are a bit different now than when you were raising hell several years ago, but with a few tips and a little gumption you could be in for some really fun times and new loves. Just remember, dating after divorce is not as hard as it may sound.
You’ll need to be open and honest with yourself about what you do and don’t want in a relationship. This can sometimes be difficult when you are starting over, so take some time out for introspection before jumping back into the dating game. You should also know that your ex-spouse will not always play nice in the breakup department; there is no way around this unfortunate truth.
Wait until your divorce or separation is final before you start dating. Dating sooner could reflect poorly on you in the eyes of the court and might make it more difficult to come to an agreement.
Be prepared for a rebound relationship. It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a new, intense relationship shortly after your divorce is finalized. This isn’t always a bad thing, but be honest with yourself about why you’re drawn to this person and what you hope to gain from the relationship.
Take some time for yourself! Dating can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve been out of the game for a while. Make sure that you take some time for introspection and self-care during your dating hiatus; this will help ensure that you are ready for a healthy, happy relationship when the time comes.
Online dating sites like ClickDate have made it much easier than ever to meet new people without having to worry about awkward introductions at work or through mutual acquaintances! Online dating can provide just enough distance between you and old wounds while still allowing potential partners access to information they would otherwise need years of friendship to acquire.
Make sure you’ve let go of your past relationship
You really don’t want to be taking a whole load of baggage into a new one. Beginning with a clean slate will make everything so much more enjoyable.
Start by setting some boundaries for yourself and stick to them
If you’re not quite ready for a new relationship, don’t be afraid to say so! It can take time to get over a bad breakup, so don’t feel like you have to jump into the dating pool right away.
Be honest with yourself about what you want
It might sound clichéd but if you know what you want, then it makes finding it that much easier. If your heart is still heavy from your last relationship, maybe casual dating isn’t for you right now.
Have a clear idea of what you want from dating after divorce
Are you looking for a new partner or for someone to go on occasional dates with? Make this clear in your profile. If you’re looking for long-term commitment, there’s no point in falling for someone who’s looking for a quick fling. It can only end in tears.
If you’re not happy with your body, then fix it
It may sound obvious but if you want to attract someone new when dating after divorce, being in good physical shape is important. Make sure that your clothes are flattering and not too loose or tight. Regular exercise can help boost your mood so sign up for a class at the gym. It might be socializing with strangers but what have you got to lose?
Be truthful
Sorry if this is a tough one for those in midlife who appreciate that age is a big thing. It’s hard to go back from lying about your age or showing that you’ve got a full head of hair in a profile picture when reality is very different. Online dating is all about honesty so be upfront in your profile and save yourself the disappointment of meeting someone who was expecting you to be a decade younger.
Include recent photos
People like to see what they’re getting into, especially online. If you’ve got great pictures from a recent holiday or just generally look good then make sure to include them as part of your dating after divorce portfolio. Don’t leave potential suitors guessing whether you’ll turn up looking like your saggy old self!
Be positive
It can be hard putting yourself out there again but try and think positively about it. Dating after divorce is a new opportunity to find someone amazing so don’t get bogged down by past.
Know your values
The things that are really important to you in life should be reflected in your relationships. This isn’t about a long shopping list of requirements but it’s worth getting some sense of what you hold dear.
Write a great online profile
Spend time writing a great profile that stands out from the crowd, with as few clichés as possible. Be different and don’t be shy.
Check your state of mind
Make sure you’re in the right frame of mind before you head to dating websites. If you have a heavy and disillusioned heart with negative inner dialogue, it’s not the right time to be looking for a mate. Dating after divorce may take a long time.
Be open-minded
You never know who you might meet if you can finally avoid looking for or dating what you believe to be ‘your type’. Dare to step out of your comfort zone.
Online Dating is an easy way of meeting people who share similar interests
More than half of all single Americans have used online dating sites or mobile dating apps in order to find dates according to recent surveys by Match. Online profiles enable us to express our personalities via text-based conversations which makes finding compatible partners much more easier.
To sum up
Now that you are more mature and experienced, you know what it is you want. Learn how to filter in exactly what you are looking for. You’ll meet some amazing people. Online dating is a great way to meet people and move past the initial awkwardness that can come with dating. It’s an easy way of meeting like-minded people who share similar interests, as well as reducing some pressure – you don’t have to worry about impressing your date by having perfect hair or wearing the latest fashion! Online profiles enable us to express our personalities via text based conversations which makes finding compatible partners much more easier.
