Once your marriage end, the mere thought of dating again can be terrifying. Depending on your situation, you may be hard pressed to even find someone to have a cup of coffee with, let alone date or maybe marry in the future.
Starting to date again as a single parent can be challenging, that isn’t a secret. Fortunately, we’ve come up with some tips that will help you get back out there and get your groove on.
- Try Online Dating
Online dating is something to go for many divorcees. These dating sites give you a way to venture back into the world of flirting and dating without having to worry about finding a babysitter or having to go to the clubs and bars. You can go online when your children are asleep and the in the morning, who knows, you may have a few new messages from potential suitors.
- Go Beyond Dating Sites
If you aren’t keen on the idea of joining an online dating site, there are plenty of other sites that are geared toward introducing singles with shared interests. The purpose of joining websites where they form group meetups is to bring people together and have fun doing things that they all enjoy doing. Sure, you may find the next love of your life, but that isn’t the name of the game with these types of sites.
- Network
When you feel like you are ready to begin dating again, you will want to let people know. You might feel awkward at first, but you would be surprised to learn how many people are anxious to help you get back out there. Why, they may even have a few people they think are “perfect” for you and set you up on a date.
- Time It Just Right…
For you. There isn’t a right or wrong time to begin dating again. Some people jump right back out there with little to no time after the divorce. Sometimes, people need to take a while to feel good enough to meet someone new. You don’t want to get back out there too early, as you are still sensitive from the divorce. You will want to make the leap when you feel ready.
- Don’t Lie
There is nothing worse than a parent who is dating but makes up excuses to their children for why they are going out or why they are gone so long. This only gives your children that you are doing something wrong and when the time comes for them to meet this person you are seeing, they will be distrustful. Instead, you will always want to be honest with them. Tell them you are going on a date. Tell them that you like this person. Remember, honesty is always the best policy.
- Expect Pushback
While you may think the world of this new guy, it’s a 50/50 chance that your kids will either love or hate him. It doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with him, but it could have everything to do with what he represents—there is no hope for you to get back with their father, they will not have you undivided attention anymore, and there may even be children in the future. Just give them some time and let them get used to the whole arrangement. Just be compassionate and patient—they will come around eventually.