A healthy relationship with your next romantic partner generally occurs when you are comfortable with yourself, first. I am not aware of any specific time limit that is applicable to all humans after the ending of a romantic relationship to begin of another romantic relationship. Dating someone to avoid your feelings about your ex generally results in even more emotional and other problems throughout your life. When you are able to think about your ex and not be overwhelmed by your emotions or find yourself looking forward towards dating another person, as opposed to dreading it, may be another indication you are ready to move forward with your life. Of course, if you start to date someone and realize you are not ready to be in a romantic relationship, let the other person know your thoughts and feelings. If they are a mature and understanding person, they will understand and you can call them when you are ready to move forward with your life. The first relationship after the ending of a significant relationship will most always feel weird. Allowing yourself an appropriate amount of time to heal after going through a divorce is essential if you want to pursue healthy relationships in the future.

*Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for informational purposes only. Use of and access to this article or any of the links contained within the article or website do not create a relationship between the author and the user or browser. We are professionals that have been trained and have experience in assisting individuals going through a divorce. We are not lawyers and do not provide legal advice.

Wouldn't it be great if someone could just give us a simple time schedule to follow? Unfortunately, and as you are probably already learning if you are asking this question, the answer is different for every individual; your timeline might not be the same as for others you know or even what others would like it to be. Fortunately, there are some clues to look for to help you decide when an appropriate time is to date for you.

Divorce is a huge, life-changing process. Don't rush. It requires an adjustment period in which some difficult emotional work is accomplished. Post-divorce grief and depression should be largely healed when you consider dating, grief and depression do not mix well with new relationships. It will be important to identify yourself emotionally as a single person. When you are emotionally single, your ex-spouse no longer figures into your day-to-day thoughts. Check yourself to see if you are ready to leave your comfort zone. Dating doesn't need to be the first new thing you try since divorce, nor should it be. Trying a new activity and socializing as a single person are steps to being ready for the more emotionally taxing dating.

You'll know you're ready to start dating when you have learned to enjoy other aspects of life without your ex-partner. If you are still focusing on what your ex is doing or who he or she is doing it with, you are not ready for a healthy relationship. Love yourself, first. We are far more likeable to others when we are happy and comfortable with ourselves. Then, as you think about dating, begin by identifying what a healthy relationship looks like for you. You'll be ready to date, again, when you have taken care of yourself and can imagine yourself in the new relationship without judging it based on emotional baggage from the past. If you attempt a date and the ghost of your ex is interfering with enjoying the person you are with, you aren't ready. If you go on that date and can focus on the person you are with, you are ready.

*Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for informational purposes only. Use of and access to this article or any of the links contained within the article or website do not create a relationship between the author and the user or browser. We are professionals that have been trained and have experience in assisting individuals going through a divorce. We are not lawyers and do not provide legal advice.