Learning how to date after a years-long relationship ends can be weird, to say the least. It may seem like, one minute, you have a steady cuddle buddy to spoon with every night, and the next, you’re painfully aware of how big your bed feels now that you’re the only one in it. And let’s be honest—your flirting skills might be a little rusty, making the thought of striking up a conversation with a cute stranger all the more intimidating.
Getting over a breakup is hard work, and even after you’ve moved past the grief and sadness, there are still other challenges that come with reentering the dating scene, says Patrice Le Goy, PhD, LMFT, a Los Angeles–based couples therapist . “You might feel insecure about how dating works or have the fear of being intimate with a new person. It can also feel awkward, or like you’re ‘cheating,’ when you share or do things with someone new after you’ve had a long-term partner, ” Dr.
Le Goy points out. But when you’re finally feeling ready—excited even—to get back out there and explore your options, these pointers can make the transition feel a little more natural (and a lot less scary). Here’s how you can learn how to date again after getting out of a long-term relationship : 1.
Make sure you’re actually ready to date again Signing up for dating apps with the sole purpose of making your ex jealous or to avoid sleeping alone might not be the best idea. Because when you’re motivated by revenge or a fear of loneli.