Jumping back into the dating pool isn’t always easy. Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve been on a date, maybe you’ve been hurt in the past or perhaps your prior dating experiences have been disappointing, disconcerting or a bit distressing. Whatever the case may be, if you’re wondering if you should reenter the dating scene, there are five key questions that you should ask yourself before immersing yourself into the dating world.
And after some self-reflection and soul-searching, you’ll be able to determine if you’re ready to continue your search for your soul mate.
Are you over your ex?
Do you still bring up your ex in daily conversations? Do you find yourself thinking about him or her more than you’d like to admit? Do you spend your free time online tracking his or her social presence?
The reality is that for you to find happiness and success in the dating world, it’s imperative that you’re not still hung up on your ex. After all, if you refuse to give someone else a chance because you’re still firmly invested in the past, it’ll be a slim chance that you’ll be able to have any sort of future with someone new. Remember, if you’re still longing for your ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend, you may want to take a longer break before reentering the dating world.
Are you willing to make yourself vulnerable?
Reentering the dating scene can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve been hurt in the past or find yourself just getting out of a relationship. Besides, if you’ve been left heartbroken or let down before, why would you want to put yourself in this kind of painful position again?
However, to be truly ready to go back into the dating scene, you have to be able and willing to open up and make yourself vulnerable again, as it’s the only way to truly build a connection with someone new. Being emotionally prepared is an important part of getting back into the dating game.
Are you available?
When it comes to reentering the dating world, it’s important that you’re not only emotionally available, but physically available as well.
Dating takes time and calls for a large commitment, and if you’re not willing to make dating a priority, it may be more difficult for you to derive any pleasure or success from it. Remember, everyone’s busy and has many different commitments, both personal and professional. But when you’re ready to start dating again, you’ll stop making excuses and will be able to make a real commitment to devote your time and energy to finding the one.
Do you have a positive outlook?
If you’re trying to determine if you should start dating again, it’s important to focus on your personal view of dating itself. Are you hopeful and confident about finding someone? Do you believe that love is possible for you? Or do you feel that meeting that perfect person just isn’t in the cards for you? If you’re more of a pessimist than an optimist when it comes to finding someone special, you’re not quite ready to get back into the dating scene, as you’re actually setting yourself up to fail. In fact, your negative expectations will likely become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and dating will be far more of a chore and a bore than an opportunity. If you’re looking to start dating again, having a positive mindset can set the stage for success.
Do you want to date again?
The personal decision to reenter the dating world has to come from you and you alone, and if you’re being pressured by friends, family or even society to get back into the dating scene, this is far from healthy or productive. While others may insist that you download dating apps, sign up for dating sites and go to singles events, these actions will only be fruitful and beneficial for you if you actually have the desire to date again. However, if you feel in your gut and in your heart that you need more time, you should take it, no matter what others may be telling you. As soon as you’re excited and energized about the prospect of meeting someone new, it’s likely that your future dating experiences will be far more prosperous.
