I know it sounds scary. It has probably been a while. Your social skills might be rusty. If 
you don’t feel that you are ready, that’s OK. But if there is not good reason not to, why not? No sense sitting home.
Pick your style. Maybe something less than formal dating might work for you. Try signing up for a cooking class, a new fitness club, or something else that sparks your interest. While it isn’t necessarily dating, it would put you out there in a new social setting, which can be a great way to test the waters before plunging in head-first. Plus, you might wind up meeting someone! A variety of classes are offered over Zoom these days, making joining a new social scene even easier. Consider joining a Meetup group that is focused on your area of interest.
Maybe wait until it’s final. Dating before a divorce is legally finalized is rarely, if ever, a good idea. Before your divorce is legally finalized, you’ll still be very busy with court dates and paperwork—depending on the route the two of you have chosen to take—and it’s probably better to allow yourself some space and alone time during this phase. There isn’t any one-size-fits-all dating after divorce timeline, but dating so soon after the end of a marriage can often create additional hardships. Take the time to focus on you, and think about dating after the divorce settlement is officially signed and official.
Have Realistic Expectations. The first person you date is probably not going to be your Prince Charming. That’s OK. You might need some practice to get your personal skills perfected.
Dating is probably different now. Maybe you didn’t use dating sites last time. You probably will this time. It beats going to a bar and meeting someone that you don’t know anything about. One good thing about dating sites is that it allows you to know a reasonable amount of information about the person ahead of time. Do you want to have more children? It’s good not to waste your time getting involved with someone who doesn’t share your views on this critical subject.
Take your tine. Trying to speed things along may be tempting at times, but rushing through a relationship will only create more problems. Instead, focus on living in the moment and take time to check in with yourself. Residual feelings from your divorce might resurface, sometimes suddenly, and that’s okay. Let yourself feel sad, frustrated, or upset, and take the time to face those emotions and move forward at your own pace. Even if you feel a strong attachment to someone you’re dating, remind yourself that you just got out of a serious relationship, and you need to pace yourself.
Have fun. Remember, dating should be fun—so enjoy it! Don’t be afraid to laugh at the bad dates and poke fun at the ridiculous encounters. And, when you do find someone you click with, let yourself be happy and carefree—you deserve it.
Steven W. Hair, focuses his practice as a divorce attorney, family law attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and Safety Harbor.
For more information, visit our website at www.FamilyLawClearwater.com
or call (727) 726-0797.