to the YourTango newsletter!

Continue to Site »»

ProConnect

Divorced & Dating: 3 Tips For Your Fresh Start

By . Posted on .

older couple clinking chapagne glasses
Cheers to you!
Are you ready to start dating again?

If you're wondering when is the right time to tell someone that you're divorced, you should probably be asking yourself "Should I be dating?" instead. Questioning whether to tell the person you're seeing that you're divorced is a sign. It means you have not yet regained your self-confidence, and you may not be ready to start dating again.

We understand that the desire for intimacy can be powerful, and intimacy is one of the first things to go in a marriage that ends. By the time separation occurs, it's been years since any meaningful, intimate contact has occurred between husband and wife, leaving you with a large emotional gap yearning to be filled. But the need to heal and grow should also be a top priority.

More from YourTango: 6 Reasons Love Is Better After 50

At the same time, it is not always necessary to heal and grow before you start dating. This brings me back to the question "Should I be dating?" Dating can be more than just trying to find a partner. While you're in this healing and growing phase, change the purpose of your dating. Just like a golfer practices his swing, you can use dating to practice healing and growth.

1. Be honest. Be upfront with your lady friend, letting her know your expectations of the relationship. If you're not interested in a committed relationship, let her know upfront.

2. Experiment. For instance, if you need to practice setting boundaries, use dating to practice setting boundaries like creating specific time limits for any dates, regardless of how well the date is going.

3. Be smart. Change your paradigm about dating from trying to find a partner to just meeting someone and having a great conversation. Make it intentional not to have more than two or three dates with one person. You'll soon learn that you can create great conversations with anyone.

More from YourTango: Leave Your Partner When Your Bank Account is Empty

Once you've mastered the "Should I be dating?" question, you'll be able to answer the original question yourself. When should you tell someone you're divorced? Within the first few dates. Why? You're healed — you have found that by dating several women, you have the ability to create a great relationship with anyone you choose. Armed with this newfound confidence, you'll realize that divorce is actually an asset that has made you a better person.

More divorce advice from YourTango:

Article contributed by
Advanced Member

Divorced Guys LLC

Author

Divorced Guys LLC — Moving men forward to happiness, faster!

www.thedivorcedguys.com

Location: Golden Valley, MN
Credentials: Other
Specialties: Divorce/Divorce Prevention, Financial Stress, Life Transitions
Other Articles/News by Divorced Guys LLC:

6 Reasons Love Is Better After 50

By

Okay, first things first. I am an honest man so I have to admit as I write this I am 49, but in just a few short months, in May, I will be 50. Some may break out in a cold sweat at the thought that life is half over. Some may deny their age. And some may just resign to life and let it push them the rest of the way to the grave. Not me. I am looking forward ... Read more

Leave Your Partner When Your Bank Account is Empty

By

No, this is not some article giving financially frivolous advice to anyone that puts money above love. The type of bank account I am referring to is your emotional bank account. Now before you close this article, I think you may find interesting what I have to say. When it comes to relationships, our mind is like a bank. Do a good deed, make a love coin ... Read more

5 Steps To Get Your Man Back

By

First off, let me say that in all my years, there has never been an old girlfriend/wife that I’ve ever taken back, but one. My philosophy – tried it, it didn't work, move on. Then came my last girlfriend.  We met in the fall of 2007. I was enamored from the first sight. Yes, I thought she was physically attractive, but her inner beauty ... Read more

See More

Recent Expert Posts
Shocked

Perks of Being A Voyeur

Sex and intimacy doesn’t necessarily require participation. And that's ok!

Sad Dude

3 Secret Reasons He Sabotages Your Relationship

Money and sex issues aren't the only relationship bombs. Your man has secrets he won't tell you.

is childhood trauma running your love life?

Is Your Inner Child Running Your Love Life?

Your childhood may be preventing you from forming healthy, loving relationships.

Ask The Experts

Have a dating or relationship question?
Visit Ask YourTango and let our experts and community answer.

Resources
How to find the right pro for you
10 Reasons Mental Health Pros Should Join YourTango Experts

10 Reasons Mental Health Pros Should Join YourTango Experts

YourTango Experts can help your business go from good to great.

10 Steps To Improve Your Coaching Business

Take your coaching business from mediocre to great in no time…

Frequently Asked Questions About YourTango Experts

Thinking of joining? Here's all the facts you need to know to make the most of your membership.

Getting Your Guy To Join You In A Therapy Or Coaching Session

So how can your get your strong, self-reliant, superman to talk to an Expert with you?

Therapist/Counselors: Who We Are & What We Do

What exactly does a therapist/counselor do and can they really help?

See more resources>
HOT STUFF!
FROM OUR PARTNERS