After a separation or divorce, getting back into dating can be a daunting task. While it is encouraged to move on right away and start joining online dating sites looking for other singles, it is recommended as well to slow down and make sure you assess your traumatic life changing event. You need some more time to really get yourself ready before going back out there in the dating world, even if it is online.
There is no rule on how long exactly you have to wait until you start dating again, but you should honestly feel ready to move on before you actually do it. Only you know how long you should wait for. Maybe you are, for example, just looking for company to comfort you because you are lonely and trying to find a distraction from the pain. Is it really fair to lead someone else on thinking there is potential for a relationship when you are clearly not ready for one yet? Your dates that you are going to be going out with will be looking for a long term relationship, something you just got out of.
Dating while feeling vulnerable is an unhealthy start to any relationship. Try to use this time to find yourself again and for personal growth and renewal. Dating isn’t a way to escape, it is a way for finding someone new to be together with in a committed relationship.
Hold off on dating until you are emotionally in a better place and ready for it. When you are ready to commit to someone again, try numerous online dating sites and resources. In a relationship, you can’t just consider your own feelings, you have to consider your partners feelings as well. So it is important to really get a grip on your own feelings before worrying about someone else’s. Make sure that you are honest with yourself and of course with your dates