Reentering the dating scene can be intimidating. Many people find it easier to put themselves out there with the help of friends or family who can keep an eye out for potential matches in their circle of acquaintances.Before jumping back in, it is important to figure out what holes the previous relationship left in your heart. This can be done by identifying and filling these voids in other ways.
Know What You Want
It’s important to have clear intentions before you dive back into the dating world. For example, do you want to date casually or are you looking for a committed relationship? Setting these boundaries will help you stay in integrity and avoid resentment. It’s also a good idea to educate yourself on current dating trends and norms. For example, you might want to read reputable articles about popular dating apps or texting etiquette in relationships.It’s also a good idea to reflect on what you learned from your previous relationship. While you may miss the happy parts of your relationship, it’s important to understand what went wrong so that you don’t repeat the same unhealthy dynamics in a future relationship. In this way, you’ll be better equipped to recognize potential red flags and avoid unnecessary heartbreak. In addition, taking the time to heal emotionally can ensure you’re ready to enter a new relationship. It can also make it easier to build meaningful, lasting connections with people who are a good fit for you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Be Vulnerable
Whether you’re still trying to figure out what went wrong with your last relationship or are just looking for new opportunities to love, getting back in the dating game is a risk. It’s normal to want to play it safe and not open yourself up to rejection again, but that way of being will only keep you from all the juicy goodness that a true wholesome relationship can offer.People who are afraid to be vulnerable become “distancers,” using well-honed strategies to keep potential partners at arm’s length. Choosing to be vulnerable can help you build stronger relationships, increase your self-worth, and teach you to rely on yourself more than others.Embracing vulnerability isn’t weak; it takes a great deal of strength. For more on this topic, check out Brene Brown’s TED Talk. It’s an excellent resource on why being vulnerable is a good thing. It’s also what makes relationships truly work. Being vulnerable allows us to share our true selves with the people we care about, fostering intimacy and connection.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
You don’t want to jump back into dating before you’re completely healed from the pain and heartache of your last relationship. A therapist can help you cope with your feelings and move on from the past, so consider seeking professional support.It’s easy to fall back into old patterns when reentering the dating scene. You may feel like you need to download every dating app and hound your single friends to hook you up with potential matches, but that’s not always the case.Instead, try to go slowly and enjoy the process of getting to know someone new. Eventually, the fun and excitement will take over your anxiety and your heart will heal, too. This book by Blythe Roberson is a little like having a witty, sassy bestie by your side to give you advice on the modern dating scene. It’s full of humor and a lot of wisdom. It’s a must-read for anyone entering the dating world after a breakup.
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About Your Ex
Even if your ex is no longer in your life it can be hard to stop thinking about them. They may come up in conversation with your friends or they may appear in public and a part of you wonders how they have changed and what might have caused the break up.However, it’s important to let go of your old relationship in order to move forward and start dating again. A new romance is a chance to learn lessons from your past relationship and not repeat the same mistakes.Remember that while your last relationship might have ended badly, it probably taught you priceless life lessons. Take the time to work through those lessons in a way that’s healthy for you and don’t be afraid to open yourself up to new possibilities. You might find that the next relationship ends up being exactly what you want. If it doesn’t, that’s okay too. You’ll still be better for the experience.