Dating is hard. You have to go on plenty of first dates and kiss a lot of frogs to find your Prince Charming. And sometimes you think you found that one person you can spend the rest of your life with, and then they break your heart. It’s hard to get back out there after heartbreak or if you have never really had an intimate relationship in your life. Dating is tricky and complex even for people who have been doing it for a while. If you’re feeling a little rusty, it’s understandable that you may feel discouraged or a little nervous about getting back out there.
Preparing to reenter the dating scene takes a lot of mental work and soul-searching. If you don’t feel ready, you may not be successful. The key to finding love is truly loving yourself first and knowing who you’re looking for as a partner for your life. But you also don’t need to get too far ahead of yourself too quickly. It’s more than okay to take it slow as you start dating again; in fact, it’s encouraged! Take the time to practice your flirting skills and figure out what you’re really looking for in another person. As long as you have a good head on your shoulders, you’re sure to find success as you get back out there and start dating again.
Take care of yourself first.
For whatever reason, you’ve chosen not to date for a while. Maybe you were having trouble finding the right partner, or maybe you got heartbroken, and you’re scared of being vulnerable again. No matter the reason, it can actually be incredibly beneficial to be single for a while before you find a partner. You’ve seen those people who are constantly in relationships to the point where they don’t even know who they are on their own. You want to avoid this if at all possible. Take the time to love yourself and take care of your own needs before investing in another person. Because once you love yourself and find your own sense of confidence, you’ll know that any person who enters your life is lucky to be there, and you’ll be able to make clearer decisions about your dating future.
One way to be sure you’re ready is actually to talk it over with someone. Maybe consulting a therapist or psychiatrist will help you be sure you’re in a good mental and emotional state to welcome someone into your life again. A Tucson psychiatrist will keep your best interest at heart while you discuss your own health first. The person who should love you the most is you. Therapy and counseling can help you get to a good place where that is the case.
Find a look that you love.
Once you’re sure you’re ready to start dating again, you need to enter the scene in style. You need to show the world what they’ve been missing. Updating your style and wardrobe can be a great way to find some confidence and strut your stuff. And you don’t have to put on layers of makeup and dress in skin-tight clothing to do it. If you’re comfortable and feel great in a white sweater and a great pair of jeans, then that’s what you should wear on your date. Find a look that makes you feel great and ready to make a connection. Whether that is an updated haircut, a new blouse, or a fresh skincare routine, find the look you love that will make you feel like you can take on the world. Cause if you’re already conquering the world, one little date should be no problem.
Make sure you’re finding the right people.
As you’re getting back out there, you want to be sure you’re finding the best people. It’s okay to set standards and know what you’re looking for. Of course, you don’t want to cut off all your options, but make an effort to find the kind of person you could see yourself ending up with. Especially in a world of online dating and instant connections, it’s okay to admit if you aren’t feeling it. You also have to be careful to know if you are being catfished or making a connection only online that doesn’t really work in person. Ask your friends for help set you up or look for other opportunities to meet people. If you put yourself out there in a church group or volleyball league or volunteer organization, you already know the people you’re meeting share your interests and values. There are plenty of ways to find good people to go on dates with; you just may have to get a little creative.
Don’t be afraid to flirt a little.
When you haven’t dated in a while, it’s okay to admit your flirting may be a little rusty. Don’t be afraid to practice, even if you know it isn’t going anywhere. Have the conversation with someone on Tinder where you can test out some witty responses and cute banter. Or let that person buy you a drink out at the bar and simply have a conversation. You won’t really know how to have a successful blind date if you don’t put in a little practice. Being a little flirty isn’t a crime, and it can be a great way to regain your confidence and practice putting yourself out there again.
It’s okay to take it slow.
As you’re getting back into dating, remember it’s okay to take it slow. In some cases, this is even encouraged. You may be a gooey romantic who falls in love instantly. Try to keep your emotions in check initially. You don’t want to rush into anything and get your heart broken again. Go on a few dates, flirt with new people, continue learning how to love yourself first. You are not broken or wrong for needing a little time to embrace vulnerability and openness again. Ultimately, there is no time limit. You get to operate at your own pace. Be deliberate and let your heart grow in the right way for your needs.
