How to Start Dating After Divorce

It can be challenging dating after divorce. You may be living on your own without kids and are clueless how to get started back into the dating game.  

By Wendi Schuller Updated: July 23, 2021Categories: Life After Divorce, Relationships and Dating

It can be challenging dating after divorce. You may be living on your own without kids and are clueless how to get started back into the dating game.  Perhaps there may be children in the house and you are not free to come and go as you please.

Here are Tips on Dating After Divorce

Is dating something you want to do? Or are you being nudged back into it by well-meaning friends? Sometimes people say “It’s about time – you’ve been divorced for a while.” I know plenty of content individuals who never went on a date after their divorces. They lead full, busy lives. Others did date and are in happy second marriages. You do not owe anyone an explanation if or when you are dating again.

Online Dating

There are more online dating sites now than there were in the past. Some are very specific. Ask your friends for a personal recommendation.   That gives you a starting point. Some dating sites may be a better fit for you. If you decide to go this route, be sure to use an up-to-date photo.

Have someone read your profile before you submit it. It may come across as too cutesy, needy, or not reflecting your interests. It can be daunting trying to write something about yourself that is accurate, but enticing at the same time. Have a friend help you out.

How to Meet People

It can be embarrassing for an introvert to put themselves out there. It takes practice.

Get comfortable talking to a wide variety of individuals. I start conversations with kids, parents, cute guys, and grannies. Guys come up to me when they notice how easy it is to have a chat with me. One guy and I started talking when we were in a queue to get into a Greek festival. That led to a date and later on, an engagement. Again, be approachable and look friendly.

Where to Meet People

Coffee shops or venues with a community table are great places to meet people. As a writer, this is my hangout and I have met interesting people in these types of places.  Individuals (like me) tend to butt into others’ conversations in this setting. Sometimes the whole table joins in and that is informational and fun.

Allow people to fix you up with others. For example, my seamstress suggested I meet one of her clients. We started going out and we clicked. He took a job out of town and it was a hard decision not to follow. My dentist even fixed me up with his son! We did not click romantically, but had great times as friends.

Be Patient

Dating after divorce takes time. Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people and widen your social circle. Remember that people who you do not end up dating can become good friends or helpful business contacts. They may have a friend who is just the right match for you.