When thinking about how to date after a divorce, the hardest step can often be knowing where to start, especially as things might’ve changed quite a bit since you were last single. Don’t stress though! Below, we’ve put together a few fun and easy ways to jump back into the dating scene.
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1. Dating apps
You may have met your ex-spouse on a dating app, or you may have never used one at all. Either way, dating apps are a huge part of modern dating. . This is a great way to ease yourself back into dating after coming out of a divorce!
2. In-person classes
From salsa to poetry, in-person classes are one of the best ways to meet people. You show up to the same place over several weeks or months, learn a new skill, and slowly become friendly with a new crowd. It’s a less direct method of meeting somebody, but a more gentle way, too.
3. Singles events
There are tons of great date events out there. Whether it’s speed dating, a simple meet-and-greet, or just drinks, singles events offer fun and relaxed settings to meet new people and make genuine connections.
4. Social events
There are all kinds of communities out there, online and offline, offering social events. It might be group hiking, rock climbing, gardening, board games, or anything else. Choose the one you find interesting, and with a little luck, you’ll meet somebody you can really connect with.
Platforms like Meetup offer the opportunity to find social events based on your interests and location. So, wherever you’re based in the US, find an event you’re into a take the leap into a world of new connections!
5. Friends of friends
When it comes to knowing how to date after a divorce, sometimes the old-school options are still the best place to start. Hanging out with friends of friends can be an easy and relaxed way of meeting new people. Simply tag along to dinners and nights out with friends, and see who you end up meeting along the way.
5 Tips for Dating After Divorce
Got a date all set? Here are a few snippets of advice for the big night.
1. Be yourself
Don’t try to morph into the person your date seems to expect you to be. Be yourself and let your personality shine. When the right person comes along, they’ll like you for simply being you.
2. Relax
If it’s your first date in a long time, it’s natural to feel nervous. However, just be sure to remember to chill out, and keep your expectations realistic. Come equipped with some first date conversion and see if there’s some chemistry there!
3. Take it slow
There’s no rush! Take the time to get to know the person sitting opposite you, and ease yourself back into the dating scene. If you try to move too fast too soon, you risk feeling overwhelmed. Allow yourself to acclimatize, and don’t feel like you’re under any pressure.
4. Maintain your standards
Don’t accept poor behavior, even if you’re feeling a little lonely and are keen to find somebody. After a lengthy period in a marriage, any attention can be flattering, but watch out for any online dating flags!
5. Be upfront about your situation
If you have kids, let your date know sooner rather than later. You don’t need to get into the grisly details of your divorce — in fact, it’s probably better than you don’t — but do be upfront about any information that might influence their decision to date you.
How Date After a Divorce: The Bottom Line
Knowing how to date after a divorce can be both intimidating and exhilarating. There’s no telling who you might meet and what future rosy memories you might form together. But, remember to take it slow, go at your own pace, and hold onto your values. Above all, try to have fun and be yourself! Who knows where your next romantic encounter might lead?
