It takes courage to return to the dating scene after a divorce or a breakup. But think of it this way: everything you learned in your last relationship can help you find, and keep, a better and happier relationship.
Here are some dating tips to help you through this process. You will get some life tips so you can break the patterns that prevent you from finding true love, plus a few practical tips on meeting new people.
Dating tip # 1: Think before you leap.
A little perspective and reflection can prevent you from getting into a rebound relationship, or attracting the same kind of people. Review your past relationship. What worked? What didn’t? What would you like to do differently? Try to be objective. Even the worst, messiest breakups started from something good. What did you originally love about your ex? What were the biggest problems that turned the relationship sour?
Dating tip # 2: Shake off regret.
After sorting things out, let it go and leave the past behind. It may take time for some wounds to heal, but you still need to make the decision to move on and welcome new, better things.
This is actually the root of one of the most crucial dating tips of all: negativity is a huge turn-off. Deciding that ‘the best of my life is still ahead of me’ will be prophetic, because you’ll attract the right people and be open to possibilities. (FInding it hard to move on? Read our life tips on how to get over a breakup.)
Dating tip # 3: Take baby steps.
Your confidence may be at a low point, so build it up with baby steps. Tell a few friends that you’re ready to start dating. Sign up for a dating site, so you have time to get to know people and get used to the dating scene before plunging head first into a new relationship. Manage your expectations, too. It’s unrealistic for you to hope that every new date is ‘the one.’ Just tell yourself that you want to meet other people, and that you’ll take it one guy, one date, at a time.
Dating tip # 4: Let your personality shine through.
You’ve been hurt, so the tendency is to pull back and hide yourself. However, if you hold back and don’t reveal your personality, you won’t give anyone the chance of getting to know you. This doesn’t mean that you have to pour your life story on the first date, but you can set up your date so the best of you shines through. If you’re most confidence and carefree when you’re outdoors, ask to be set up with someone whose also sports-minded, and go on a nature hike together. If your eyes light up when you talk about music, ask your date if he’d like to watch a concert with you. (Do you feel awkward during your dates? Get dating tips on how to break the ice on first dates.)
Dating tip # 5: Reach out to your date.
One of the most effective dating tips—which works even for people who are shy or insecure—is to ask a lot of questions about your date. Get to know him, and be interested in what he has to say. Even if things don’t work out you would have at least met someone new and made a new friend.
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