And chances also are, that’s something you haven’t done in quite a while!

You might be at a loss on where to begin.

How to Know If You’re Ready to Date

Thinking aboutdipping your toes in the dating pool?

Cheerful couple on a date at a restaurant

The Good Brigade / Getty Images

Have You Grieved and Processed?

Dating should begin after you’ve invested this time in recovering, not before.

Dating will work best if you are comfortable with the fact that your marriage has ended.

If you aren’t there yet, that’s OK.

However, it would help to wait until you are before you begin dating.

Are You Clear About What You’re Looking For?

To date successfully, you should have a solid idea about what you are looking for.

You may be wondering how, exactly, that can happen.

Here are a few common ways to begin meeting new people.

Dating Apps

Using an appto find dates is often a preferred approach.

Choose flattering photos, and check that they’re current.

Set dates up at public meeting places only without disclosing where you live.

Consider withholding your phone number in advance of the date.

Know that there aredating scammersout there in cyberland, so avoid giving away personal information.

Maybe you regularly attend your child’s sporting events or a neighborhood block party.

These can be great places to meet people for dating.

Classes

Breakups often inspire new hobbies and interests.

If there’s something that you’ve wanted to try doing, look up a local class for it.

Classes could include photography, dance, cooking, or anything you’d like to pursue further.

Then, keep an open mind in your class about meeting new people to date.

The bonus is that you know from the start you share a common interest.

Here is some guidance for how to go about dating someone new.

Trust Your Instincts

Remember, our instincts generally serve us well.

If something feels off about a person, your best call is to abort that specific dating mission.

Never do anything that feels outside of your safety zone.

Only consent to activities you absolutely want to do.

Being singleis the perfect opportunity to know yourself and your own needs and wants better than ever before.

Know that there is no need to hurry anything along.

Meet people at your own pace, and get to know them at your own pace, too.

That said, it can be confusing for them to meet new people you are dating.