You finalized your divorce three months ago. And while you previously had negative thoughts about you and your family having to start over, you have to admit that your divorce lawyer was right — there can be a light at the end of the tunnel. The kids are thriving, you have a great job, a better outlook on life, and you even want to start dating again. But you cannot help but wonder if enough time has passed and if dating after divorce is a good idea right now.
All new relationships are exciting, and it is quite possible that you have grown as a person and are ready to seek companionship again. This is especially true if you find someone you genuinely connect with and can see yourself being with long-term. But I advise many of our clients to wait at least six months after the divorce is final before getting involved with someone else.
We are not trying to rain on your parade. We want you to be happy and find love again. That said, you may need more time to accept the death of your marriage — including what went wrong and the role you played in it.
Furthermore, you must work hard to change any lingering negative behaviors that might interfere with future relationships.
Ask Yourself These Questions Before Dating After Divorce
- Have I fully moved on from my marriage?
- What was my role in the demise of our marriage?
- What was lacking in my marriage?
- What things about myself should I still be working on?
- Have I truly changed enough for the better to start dating again?
- Do I love myself?
- Why do I want to start dating?
- Can my heart handle a long-term relationship right now?
- Am I afraid of being alone?
- What do I bring to the table in a potential new relationship?
- What do my children think of me dating again (so soon)?
- What do I hope to gain from a new relationship?
Many clients pondering dating after divorce find that they still need more time to work on themselves, their family, and their overall situation before they can emotionally, mentally, and physically dive back into the dating scene. For one person, this might only take a few months. For someone else, it might take six months, nine months, or even a few years. There is no right answer — we simply caution you to wait on dating until you can confidently answer the questions above.
As we said before, all new relationships are exciting. But when you rush into things and the initial excitement wears off, you are left with all the hard work that led to your divorce – and the likelihood that you picked someone just like your ex is high.
Take your time, work on yourself, and when you are ready to start dating again after divorce, we wish you the best.
Call Nelson Law Group Today!!
If divorce is the answer, you need an advisor to guide you through each stage and help you deal with the fears that naturally come with that. We work diligently to achieve a result that ensures you receive what you are entitled to as you move forward onto the next stage of your life. The Nelson Law Group brings nearly two decades of family law experience to every case.
Give our knowledgeable staff at Nelson Law Group, PC, a call if you have any further questions. Our staff is always available. Give us a call today! For more information about Brett A. Nelson, click here.
