You never imagined you would be a single mum on the dating scene. It’s not what we ever think will happen when we have babies and start a family. The thought of dating could seem daunting, or even exciting. You may even be wondering if you are ready to start dating again.
And it doesn’t seem easier this time around. Suddenly there’s more to think about.
This time dating decisions don’t just affect you, but your children as well. There are lots of logistics as you try to juggle everything … dating with children can seem overwhelming.
Plus, the thought of getting intimate with someone new is very possibly terrifying. I’ve had more than a few women confess to me that they even wonder if everything is still working as it should!
So how do you know when it’s the right time to get back out there? And what else should you consider when you are ready?
How to know if you are ready to start dating again
THE RIGHT TIME WILL BE DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE
It’s easy to feel the pressure of everyone else telling you ‘just put yourself out there again’ or the judgement of ‘you should really just be focussing on your kids right now’. But only you can make the decision about when the time is right.
We all have a deep yearning for love, intimacy and affection and all of us will express it differently. If you want casual relationships to fulfil your physical needs before you start looking for your next long-term relationship, go for it. If you don’t want to get involved in anything until it’s serious, that’s your choice too.
What you’re open to will change over time. Be gentle on yourself.
LOVE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU START DATING AGAIN
One of the most important relationships you will ever have with anyone is the one with yourself. You, as much as anyone else in the world, deserves your love.
The relationship you have with yourself will influence every other relationship you create.
I don’t mean this in the fluffy self-love bumper sticker way, self-love comes through our actions too. This is your time to put yourself first. Show yourself love in every way that you can. Be kind to yourself, spoil yourself, buy yourself flowers, call on your girlfriends and build support around you.
When we start by falling in love with who we are, we don’t ‘need’ someone else. We don’t need them to make us feel better about ourselves, we don’t need them to ‘complete’ us, we show up whole and knowing our worth. And that changes everything.
REMEMBER YOU’RE STILL A CATCH!
You might be older and wiser than last time you were dating, but you bring a lot to the table. Whoever ends up with you – and your kids – in their life is going to be one very lucky man or lady. Never doubt that being a single mum makes you great to date.
LOOK AT HOW TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY THIS TIME
Looking for new relationships can feel scary, we can worry that we’ll fall into the same patterns we did before, fall for the wrong person again or worry that we won’t be able to let go of what we’re carrying from past relationships.
How to know when you are ready to date again after divorce (cont.)
GREAT RELATIONSHIPS BEGIN WITH OURSELVES
Rather than look at who the right person is and how to avoid ‘that type’ that you know you always fall for, look inward. What was it about you that attracted the wrong relationships in the past? What could you change about yourself and how you show up in a relationship to make things different? Are you still holding on to anger or resentment and what would it take to let it go?
When we work on ourselves, we attract different relationships. Remember this when considering if you are ready to start dating again.
MAINTAIN YOUR NEEDS AND BOUNDARIES
Take all the time that you need going into a new relationship.
Take things at your own pace and do what you feel is right for you. Whoever you start dating is going to need to understand what your priorities are and work with you.
