"Am I ready to put myself back out there?"
That is probably the one question you're constantly asking yourself some time after a breakup. Here's the truth: if you keep waiting for the right time, you're only holding yourself back. However, it's never a good idea to immediately jump into the world right after your relationship ends, unless you deliberately want to spiral down into a giant hole of rebound mess.
If you need some guidance of any sort, here are a few ways you can slowly ease your way back into dating, and actually feeling excited about it.
Signs you're ready for a new relationship:
• You no longer feel the need to explain your side of the story
• The thought of your ex doesn't make you come undone anymore
• You start to fantasize about the possibility of meeting someone new
• You can talk about your ex in casual conversations knowing you've finally let go
Now that you've completely moved on, how do you start finding other fishes in the sea? Keep on reading.
1. Steer Clear From Impossible Expectations
When you first dip your toes into the dating pool after getting out of a relationship, do your mental health a favor and get rid of impossible expectations that your experience will be somewhat memorable. The act of opening yourself up to the possibility of meeting someone new is in itself, a rewarding enough progress.
Take it easy. Gotta kiss a few frogs before you find your prince or princesses.
2. Don't Do The Comparing Game
If you still find yourself comparing every date you meet with your ex, it's a sign that you're not quite over your breakup. You need to deal with that issue first and foremost before you decide to waste someone else's time.
3. Set Better Standards For Yourself
After a failed relationship, you're probably a little too familiar now with what you want and do not want from a partner. You owe it to yourself to start dating better people and start being a better person yourself. Set boundaries when necessary and never water yourself down just to be more acceptable.
