Divorce often means falling apart emotionally for some time and discovering when it is tad to commence dating once again can be difficult. Understanding when you are keen and what you need in a relationship is really how is necessary before dating should begin. How long this takes does not really issue – it might be a year, it could be 3 years. Each person is different.

Emotionally Ready to Start Dating?

Knowing if one is emotionally ready is the biggest, and hardest, part of beginning to date again. There are a few questions that should be asked in order to understand this. These questions require honest, deep self reflection.

1. How would you feel about seeing someone if you ran into your ex while out with that new person?
2. How would you feel if you ran into your ex while your ex was on a date?
3. What input do you get from your friends about you being ready to date again? Ask them to be honest!
4. Are you 100% comfortable if you ran into friends or relatives (yours or your ex’s) while on a date?

If the answers to these questions are all positive then the chances are that you are emotionally ready to start dating again. But there is more!

Understanding What You Need in a New Relationship

Fro some people when they start dating all they need is something light, casual and no commitments. Others need a certain amount of security fairly quickly – like within the first couple of months of dating. After a divorce there might be some fears surrounding these issues, and one should really examine what is needed psychologically and emotionally. For most people new to dating after divorce there should be no rush to start a serious relationship again. It’s usually best to take things slow and see how each person feels. There will be moments when a divorced person can have breakdowns, even years after the divorce. And it takes a strong and emotionally evolved person to understand that. Far too many people rush into a new, committed relationship within a couple of years after a divorce, seeking that comfort that was had before. Is it worth it? A lot of self reflection should be done beforehand.

A casual relationship is often what most people need to start with. This is relaxed, someone who can be a friend (and maybe lover), and with whom it is understood that there are not going to be any quick commitments. And if this relationship only lasts a couple of months or so, then there is less likelihood of anyone getting hurt. And if it ends up developing into something more, then so be it.

If one decides on pursuing a serious relationship, then be sure to list all of the qualities that you are looking for in a partner and take your time to really get to know that other person. Lists are great. But grading isn’t! Sometimes the best love in the world doesn’t have the qualities that one originally thought they might. That’s okay! Just be ready to be open-minded and with an open heart! And remember that communication is the most important aspect of maintaining a good relationship. Start taking actions to change your social life forever!