Post-Divorce: How to Get Back in the Dating Game

Whether you have been divorced for a while or you just signed the papers, you are able to get back into the dating game whenever you feel most comfortable. However, after you’ve been married, you may not be entirely sure how to get back into the dating game. Thankfully, even though things have likely changed since you’ve been single, getting back into the game isn’t going to be as scary or as difficult as you may initially think. After you are divorced, be sure to use these tips to start dating again.

Get yourself date ready.

Before you can start looking for someone else to care about, you need to make sure you have cared about yourself and put yourself first. Self-love and self-care is the most important piece after a divorce, and it’s not fair for you to bring any baggage or other issues to a new individual. Whether this means taking time for yourself, getting your hair done, getting a makeover, or just doing something specifically for yourself, you need to make sure that this is what you really want before you actually put yourself out there and start dating again.

Ask friends or family to play matchmaker.

While you may not want to be set up, sometimes getting back in the game is easier if you have someone you trust set you up with someone they believe would be a good match for you. Make sure to only ask people whose opinion you truly value and someone who truly knows what you are looking for in a date. By doing this, you are at least going out with someone who has been referenced by someone you trust, so there’s no threat to your safety. Plus, because this person will vouch for your date, then you can do some serious background checks beforehand just by asking your friend or family member for information.

Try online dating.

Online dating is not what it used to be, and there is no stigma behind it anymore. If you want a fresh start, you should consider online dating. There are many different programs and companies out there, so be sure to do your research to find the one that makes sense for you or ask friends or family members if they have ones they recommend.

You should also look to the dating experts for a little help. Check out these rankings of the best divorce dating apps according to the dating coaches at Beyond Ages. These are the apps that have been working for divorced men and women most consistently. They put a lot of time into testing out the apps on their list so they tend to be a good place to start.

If you really want to get the best results you’ll probably need to try a couple different apps and sites until you find the right fit. Everyone is slightly different and you will get different results in different areas. As long as you approach it as just another way to meet divorced singles, and not your only option, you will do just fine.

Don’t expect to do nothing and get tons of dates though! Like anything else in life you get what you put in. Spend some time putting together good photos and a good profile and you will get much better results than if you just do the minimum.

According to Stoic Matchmaker, “The best tip for online dating profiles is to simply be yourself. Being authentic will help you find a better match that actually has something in common with you, and you’ll have a better success rate.” Most online dating programs allow you to have free trials, so you try a variety and then stick with the one that makes you feel comfortable.

Get out there.

If being set up hasn’t worked and you’re not yet ready to try online dating, you need to simply get yourself out there. The only way you will meet people is to do something other than sit at home or work. Instead, make sure you find things that interest you and do them, whether it’s joining a gym, taking up a hobby, or even heading to your local dog park. When you can get out of your normal routine, you will have a better chance of meeting someone. And if you need your friends to take you out for a weekend, then go ahead and ask them. If you can get yourself out there more often, you’ll find that a relationship is right around the corner.

Know what you want.

After a divorce, you may realize that there are certain things you want and don’t want in a relationship. Before you decide to get out there and date again, be sure you know what you want. Are you looking for someone to settle down with again and to possibly get married, or are you just looking for something casual? The more idea you have of what you want, the easier it will be for you to find exactly what you’re looking for. Plus, by knowing what you want, you will ensure that your happiness is always a top priority and you’re doing everything you can to get it.

Getting back in the dating game after a divorce may seem like a lot of work, but when you use these tips and follow these suggestions, you’ll find that it’s not as big of a deal as you initially thought.