If you haven’t dated in a while, it can be pretty stressful to jump back into the swing of things. There are numerous reasons why you may be a little rusty. Perhaps, you have just gotten out of a rough breakup, a divorce, or a quarantine-induced dry spell. However, there’s no need to worry. The best way to start dating again is to embrace the uncertainty and take it day by day. Here are some tips for venturing back into the dating scene.
6 Steps to Start Dating Again
- Check-in with your mental and physical health
Before you start dating again, check-in on your mental and physical health. Pick up healthier habits such as exercising, cooking, eating right, and cutting down on screen time. This is an ideal time to be proactive about your insecurities.
If you have always felt like you aren’t the best-dresser, you can invest in getting new clothes that fit you well and embrace a bold, new style. The solutions are readily available. Now that you can get hair loss treatments seamlessly online, you don’t have to be insecure about your receding hairline and can address the issue at hand.
- Figure out what you want
After a failed relationship, try to reflect on why it didn’t work out. Though you may feel angry or bitter, you should do your best to be honest with yourself. Get a journal and write down things you learned from your previous partners. From this introspective exercise, you can figure out what a healthy relationship looks like to you.
- Revamp your dating profiles
These days, it’s quite common to meet new partners on dating apps. To start dating again with confidence, make sure that your app profiles are fully updated. Have you moved? Have you developed a new hobby or interest? Did you recently read a book that you love? Answer all the bio questions to share these interesting facts about yourself.
If you just got out of a long term relationship, chances are that you need to update your photos. Avoid an excessive amount of group photos and whatever you do, do not include any pictures with your ex-partner. Since some dating apps link to your social media, you should also add new photos and bios there as well.
- Try your best to relax
When it comes with dating, people tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves. Just remember that this is a process and though you may not find “the one” immediately, you’re learning more things about yourself as you go. Don’t rush into things and always keep an open-mind. It’s worth giving someone a second chance if the first date wasn’t perfect.
A great way to meet new people is through your social network. Ask your friends to set you up with any single people they know or to introduce you at their next outdoor gathering.
- Abide by COVID-19 restrictions
It’s not easy to start dating again during a global pandemic. However, if you abide by the rules and embrace a sense of transparency, it can be done. You should avoid dating indoors. Instead, start off by having a FaceTime or Zoom call too see if there’s chemistry. If it’s there, invite them to do a fun outdoor activity. There are plenty of options. You can go for a hike, a walk in the park, or have a picnic.
Before planning your date, check your city’s COVID-19 regulations. As you get to know the person better, you can figure out how you will follow social distancing guidelines together. At the end of the day, it depends on what you both feel comfortable with.
- Stay protected
Make sure you’re staying on top of your sexual health. Before getting intimate, have an open and honest conversation with your partner and ask them these questions:
- When was the last time you got tested for STDs and HIV?
- Are you having any sexual contact with other people?
- What do you want to use for birth control and protection?
If you haven’t dated in a while, getting back into the swing of things can be awkward and scary. Embrace the awkwardness and try your best to go with the flow. It may take some time before you feel fully confident again. But just know that by going on dates and putting yourself out there, you’re heading in the right direction. Think of it as a big, exciting adventure —you never know when you can meet “the one.”