After signing the divorce papers, getting down in the dark is likely the last thing on your mind. But as time passes, you might feel lighter and ready to open your life to someone new. There’s no right or wrong way to start dating after divorce, but there are some strategies you can use to build healthy and satisfying relationships.
In this guide, we’re looking at everything you need to know before dating after divorce.
Keep reading to find out how to navigate those tricky first dates.
Anyone going through a divorce will know the thought of dating and sex is daunting. Leaving someone you’ve spent a large chunk of life with isn’t pleasant, so it’s no surprise if you don’t feel like jumping into bed with someone else.
You’re adjusting to single life, have emotional baggage, and perhaps a few trust issues to boot. However, when the fog clears, you probably will find yourself interested in dating again – and it’s good to be ready for when this time comes.
Post-divorce sex doesn’t have to be scary, and there are plenty of ways to lessen the nerves. From working on self-care to prioritising self-growth, you should work on your development before meeting anyone new. This way, you can approach dating with confidence and higher self-esteem.
You also need to give yourself time to grieve the relationship. You may need to accept what happened, forgive your ex-partner, and reflect on what went wrong. Throughout this journey, patience and grace are critical.
Are you considering getting back in the game? Here are some tips to help you know if it’s time to download the apps or not:
Going slow is one of the main tips you’ll see about post-divorce sex, and we’re here to reinforce the news. Rushing into new relationships after leaving once can lead to jumping into things before you’re emotionally ready, which can result in messy situations.
Sex and relationships can be intense. Waiting until you feel ready might save you some future hurt.
It’s time to stop and listen to your gut. Your intuition often knows how you feel before your brain does, and if you’re feeling anxious or on edge around someone, it might be a sign that you’re not a match.
In contrast, if you feel comfortable and like you can be yourself around them, it’s a good sign that they’re not making you feel stressed or anxious. And who wants those issues in the bedroom? Not us.
Honesty is the best policy, so don’t keep it to yourself if you’re feeling nervous. Telling your new partner about your anxiety will help them understand your mindset, and they can adapt and make things more comfortable for you.
They’ll also likely appreciate the heads up and may take it as a sign for them to also open up about their feelings. This can bring you both closer and lead to a more trusting relationship.
Many divorcees report feeling guilty or as if they’ve cheated on someone after post-divorce sex. This is understandable, considering you’ve just gotten out of a relationship, but it’s not an ideal nor empowering mindset.
Remember that you’re not doing anything wrong by having sex, and it’s normal to start dating again. If you really can’t shake the guilt, it’s helpful to talk to a sex therapist about your worries. These experts know how to help you overcome the woes and create healthy dating habits, so don’t brush them off.
If you’ve just gotten out of a marriage, there’s a high chance you haven’t slept with someone new in a while. This can lead to a type of “first-time syndrome”, where you treat your next hook-up like losing your virginity.
Sleeping with someone after a divorce isn’t something to brush off. But simultaneously, you should avoid making a dramatic scene about it. The less pressure you put on the event, the more relaxed you’ll feel, and the higher chance you’ll have a good time.
Similarly, it’s quick to become attached to the first person you have sex with as you’ve let your guard down and been vulnerable. Take things slow, and don’t put all your eggs in one basket. This can lead to co-dependent mindsets and further hurt if things don’t pan out how you expect.
It’s difficult to say how soon is too soon for post-divorce dating, as it genuinely looks different for everyone. Some people feel comfortable dating mere months after a divorce, while others prefer to wait for years.
If dating feels too overwhelming or sends shivers down your spine, it’s usually a sign to stay away from the singles nights for a while. But if you’ve done the inner work, feel independent, have reflected on your past relationship, and are open to new experiences, it might be time to jump back into the dating world.
So, you’re ready to start dating again. But where should you start? Here are the top ways to meet new people:
If you take anything away from this blog, it’s that there’s no fixed timescale for dating after divorce. You should only put yourself out there when you feel ready. Don’t feel pressured to get back on the scene quickly. It’s all about how comfortable you are and whether you’re emotionally ready.
Read more sex and relationship content on the Vivastreet blog today.
How often do you feel nervous? Is it something you feel from time to time,… Read More
OnlyFans is a platform that’s given sex workers and adult content creators the freedom to… Read More
Want to rip the bandaid off and meet other singles in the same boat as… Read More
Zoom meetings and conference calls rarely feel sexy. So, what’s the buzz about virtual sexy… Read More
Pelvic floor exercises are starting to be discussed more, yet the term still leaves many… Read More
OnlyFans offers a great way to connect with your audience and monetise your content. That… Read More
This website uses cookies.