Divorce Tips: How Do I Know When I'm Ready to Date Again?

Since divorcing Tom Brady last year, there have been rumors that Gisele Bündchen is dating Joaquim Valente, her Jiu Jitsu instructor. However, Bündchen has repeatedly stated that she and Valente are only friends. Now, according to Yahoo! Life, rumors have begun to swirl that Bündchen is dating billionaire hotel magnate Jeffrey Soffer.

Reportedly, Soffer, who is friends with Tom Brady and was formerly married to supermodel Elle Macpherson, and Bündchen have been secretly dating for the past few months. Only time will tell whether the speculation is true and Bündchen has moved on from Brady and begun dating again post-divorce.

How Will I Know It’s Time to Start Dating Again After My Divorce?

One common question we hear from divorced people trying to figure out what's next is: When should I start dating again? Whether it's due to feelings of guilt, concerns about logistic issues, or something else, it can be hard to take that first step. So, we're here today to provide you with some tips that may be able to help you tell when you’re ready to start dating again after your divorce:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings – Take time to process your emotions and accept that it is okay to feel them. After going through a divorce, it is completely normal and okay to feel an array of emotions, such as sadness, anger, confusion, or anxiety. It is important to acknowledge your feelings and take some time to process these emotions before deciding when to start dating again. It's often better to do this work privately, so that you have time and space for self-reflection without feeling rushed into any decisions. Taking small steps forward can make this process much easier. Consider talking with trusted friends or family members who can provide moral support and help guide you as you go through this journey of healing and exploration.
• Understand What Went Wrong in the Marriage – Reflect on why the marriage ended and take accountability for any mistakes made. After a divorce, it can be difficult to process the emotions that come with the end of a marriage. It is important to take some time to reflect on why the marriage ended and what could have been done differently. This can be a very personal journey, but understanding and taking accountability for any mistakes that were made is an essential step towards finding a healthy, fulfilling relationship in the future.
• Re-Establish Your Self-Confidence – Take this time to focus on yourself, develop new hobbies, and build a strong support system. After going through a divorce, it is essential to take time to re-establish your self-confidence. This can be done in many ways, such as developing new hobbies, pursuing interests that you have neglected in the past, investing time into building a strong support system of close friends and family members, or revisiting old hobbies that you used to enjoy. Taking this period of your life to spur personal growth and get back on track will empower you and put you on the quickest and most successful path to beginning your dating journey.
• Embrace Your Newly Single Status – Use this time to explore dating without pressure or expectations of a long-term relationship. Being newly single after a divorce can be intimidating, but it's a great opportunity to get to know yourself and find out what you want in a future relationship. It's important to resist the urge to rush into something serious right away and instead use this time to go on dates with various people. Enjoying being single can help you increase your self-confidence and give you the courage to approach future relationships with an open heart.
• Find the Right Person for You – Make sure whatever relationship you choose next is one that will bring out the best in you. After a divorce, it's important to take your time and choose the right person to share a relationship with. Being mindful of the type of person that is right for you is essential in being able to form a lasting connection with someone. Rather than searching desperately for another partner, look carefully at what qualities and traits make up the person who will bring out the best in you. Not only will this kind of partnership lead to better understanding and communication, but it can also lead to long-term success in the relationship. It's worth taking your time to find the right person. Be disciplined enough not to settle for an arrangement that isn't likely to result in a successful relationship.
• Be Honest with Yourself and Others – Be honest with yourself about what you want and need in a relationship before stepping back into a serious relationship. After going through a difficult divorce, taking some time to honestly evaluate and reflect on the kind of relationship you desire is essential before starting to date again. At this point in your life, your needs and wants may have changed, so it is important to ensure any future romantic partners respect the boundaries and expectations that you have determined for yourself. Openness with yourself and others about what you are looking for can help ensure that any relationships you pursue will be healthy ones built on mutual understanding and respect.

Arnold Law Group, APC has been helping clients in Fresno, and its surrounding communities, successfully navigate the divorce process and its aftermath for years. Call us at (559) 900-1263 or get in touch with us online today for a confidential consultation with our knowledgeable and skilled divorce lawyers.