When divorce law firms help clients get through the difficult process of a bad marriage, many clients enter a new stage of their life looking forward to some regained independence.
Although this does include a new chance to date again, family divorce lawyers encourage those who are newly divorced to proceed with caution.
Before jumping right back into the dating pool, take time to consider some post-divorce dating rules that can help build a happier new relationship without falling back into the same problems that may have affected previous social interactions.
Reflect, Heal, And Practice Self-Care First
It is never a good idea to start looking for new relationships while still healing from past, bad ones.
Considering this, most family divorce attorneys suggest a cool-off period for self-reflection on what went wrong in the past and how clients can positively move forward from that.
Divorce lawyers also suggest that their divorced clients should use this period for needed self-care, whether that involves counseling, learning meditation, working out more, eating better, or all of these things to reach a healthier state of mind and feel better overall.
Reconnect With Friends and Family and Then Dating
Another helpful way to move into the dating world is to reconnect first with friends and family.
Having spent so much time dealing with the personal restrictions recommended by divorce law firms while trying to get through the divorce process, people can forget what it is like to interact normally with other people.
Reconnect, have fun, and build positive habits and social relationships again, then ease into dating.
Take It Slow With A Balance Of Fun
As many divorce attorneys see people rushing to get into new relationships in reaction to newly-found freedom, the recommendation is instead to take things slow to avoid falling into the same behaviors that could cause problems later.
Try different ways of meeting people and get to know them more slowly as those who can’t wait are probably not the right ones.
Still, don't be afraid to have some fun, as enjoyable experiences are some of what is important for forming lasting friendships and romantic relationships.
Be Honest and Patient - But Trust Gut Instinct
Honesty and patience are two essential traits that anyone getting back into the dating pool must exercise.
Be patient in the efforts to connect with someone to date, then be honest once a connection is made.
While chemistry is important for a lasting relationship, family divorce lawyers stress the importance of trusting gut instinct, too.
Avoid situations that don’t feel right simply because it took a long time to find someone.
Set Reasonable Expectations and Keep A Good Attitude
A critical point offered by family divorce attorneys to divorced clients moving on into new things is the importance of setting reasonable expectations when seeking a new dating relationship.
Divorced people must give themselves time to find the right person, while also avoiding the expectation that a new partner will be just like their old one.
The whole point of starting a new relationship is meshing with someone new and different and having new experiences with them.
To this effect, divorce law firms encourage their clients to remain as positive as possible and keep a healthy attitude when re-entering the dating world to have the best experience.
Don’t Talk About An Ex
One of the most important parts about dating as most divorce lawyers will point out to clients heading toward a hopefully happier new life is that talking about the ex should be avoided because people want to learn about each other, not their ex-spouse.
When the time is right to bring in more details other than the simple truth of being divorced, it will come.
It should be somewhat apparent that talking about an ex too early is a turnoff to many and could lead people down the same path they were on before.
Enter the Dating World With New Rules For Success
Dating again can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for clients, divorce attorneys usually find.
The best way to slowly re-enter the dating pool is with care, starting with these helpful tips.
After some time for self-reflection and self-care, most attorneys find that their clients are able to move on to enjoy dating again and find new, happier relationships.
