Dating after a divorce or breakup is never easy, but for some, online dating can help restore confidence and self-esteem. For those already familiar with online dating, think about how many messages or winks you amassed during the first few days you joined your online dating site of choice. How sexy did you feel just seeing the amount of attention you were receiving?
Sharyn Bires of Huffington Post addressed this exact instance in her story, “From Rock Bottom to Loving Online.“ Bires found personal success and restored self confidence when she immediately jumped into online dating following a sudden breakup with her fiance. Says Bires, “there is no better way to heal after a breakup than to go online and be reminded that there is a city full of men who would love to take you out.” Even Hollywood celebs such are jumping on board with this idea. In a recent statement, Jennifer Aniston encouraged Demi Moore to try online dating to help her cope with her recent split from Ashton Kutcher. Other celebrities who have tried online dating include Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, and even Joan Rivers.
If you’re newly single and considering giving online dating a go, we definitely think you should, but first be wary if a few things.
- Think about what kind of relationship you are realistically ready for. Are you really looking for a long-term relationship, or is a “friends only” scenario better for you?
- Remember that honesty is still key. Even if you’re not looking for a real relationship yet, don’t use an online dating service to create a fake persona. That’s what chat rooms and forums are for.
- Be able to come up with a quick non-emotional explanation about your breakup. Talking about your past relationships is a common first date topic. Be prepared.
- Answer the question: How soon is too soon? Before you plan to meet up with someone you met online, make sure this is something you are emotionally prepared for. We all hear dating horror stories about that one girl who could only talk about her ex on the first date. Don’t be that person.
- Spend time with your friends. The age-old advice to help get over a breakup is to turn to your friends. It’s the best way to remember you don’t need a romantic relationship to be true to yourself.
Anyone out there tried online dating immediately after a breakup? How did it work out for you?
