If you’ve just broken up with your partner, it can be hard to know when to start dating again. Everyone has their own coping mechanism and timeline for recovery, so it’s important to take the time to heal properly before jumping back into the dating game.
According to a Glamour magazine report, psychologists suggest waiting a month before getting back into the dating scene. This time frame should be spent healing from the breakup and learning about yourself, says Sherman.
1. You’re ready to move on
Whether you’re ready to start dating again after a breakup is entirely up to you. But psychologists say that you should give yourself time to heal and adjust before jumping back into the dating world.
During the healing process, it can be helpful to spend some time alone. This can mean taking a social media detox, staying with friends, or going on a retreat to focus on your own needs.
It’s important to remember that you’re the only one who can determine when you’re ready to date again, says relationship expert Jennifer Goldenberg. She suggests checking in with yourself to see if you’re able to appreciate the people in your life without comparing them to your ex.
When you’re able to get past the stage of constantly thinking about your ex and how they made you feel, it’s a clear sign that you’re moving on. If you’re still hoping that your ex will come back to you, it could be a sign that you need more time, says licensed marriage and family therapist Katherine Parker.
2. You’re ready to meet new people
Whether you’re feeling ready to start dating again or you’ve simply moved on from your breakup, it’s important to take your time. If you’re still unsure about whether or not to get back out there, give yourself some time before jumping into another relationship, says psychologist and author Rebecca Goldenberg.
A breakup can take a toll on your sense of self, so it’s crucial to focus on rebuilding that sense of self again. This may mean talking to a therapist or doing long talks with your friends.
If you feel like you’ve found a few new passions and hobbies to pursue, that’s an excellent sign that you’re ready to start dating again. That’s because it means you’re no longer relying on a relationship for your happiness, and that you have more of an interest in the things that make you happy and satisfied on your own.
It’s also important to consider the ways your new relationships might affect you. For instance, you might need to unfollow your ex on social media or stop listening to music that triggered certain feelings during the breakup.
3. You’re ready to start dating again
It can be tough to put yourself out there again after a breakup. However, it’s a healthy and necessary part of the healing process.
One sign you’re ready to date again is when you’re no longer comparing your new love interest to your ex, says psychologist Tammer Malaty, MS, LPC. It’s also important to be willing to do your internal work and deal with emotions like anger and sadness.
Another indicator you’re ready to start dating again is when you feel confident in your own abilities and aren’t afraid to pursue a new relationship. This is especially helpful if the breakup caused you to doubt yourself, Malaty says.
It’s also a good idea to take time away from social media and online dating platforms to give yourself space to process your breakup. This will help you move on from the pain of your past relationship and be more open to meeting new people.
4. You’re ready to move on
As you work to get over your breakup, it’s important to honor where you are in the process and not rush things. It’s normal to feel sad, angry, frustrated or confused for a while.
During this time, it’s also important to do some self-care and get support from friends and family members who understand what you are going through. Frequent face-to-face contact with these people can help you cope with your emotions and move on from the breakup.
Once you’ve gotten over your breakup, it’s now time to start dating again. But don’t go into a new relationship too quickly, as this could lead to you endlessly comparing your new partner with your old one.