After a divorce or the end of a long-term relationship, you need to take time to reflect upon the demise of the relationship and to heal so that you don’t carry baggage from your past into your new relationship.   Don’t rush to get back out there.  Start dating when you’re ready.  You need time to gain your confidence and to get your swag back.  Screen your dates for compatibility and chemistry.

When in a marriage for many years, you may fear getting back into the dating game.  The dating scene has changed so much over the last 10 years.  Online dating is the best and most popular way to jump right in and casually date to get yourself comfortable with being single again, but take it slow and be careful to meet in public places and don’t reveal too much personal information about yourself.  Never go to a bar or happy hour alone.  It has desperate, lonely or pick me up, written all over your forehead!

Hanging out with friends and dating different men will help to fill the void of not being in a relationship.  It sure beats being at home alone, being a couch potato and eating ice cream.   Keeping it real, men aren’t going to come knocking at your door.

Enjoy the freedom you have to explore your options and be patient.  Remember, it’s a numbers game!  The more men you date, the greater chance you have of meeting someone.