If you are divorced, separated or bereaved you may be cautious about re-dating or have been out of the dating scene for some time and are not sure where to begin. Whatever your situation we have put together a quick How to Guide in the following pages to get you started, covering everything from meeting someone to introducing the children.
Clubs and bars might be the most obvious choice of venue but consider carefully the type of relationship you are looking for. A noisy environment where people are under the influence of alcohol is not necessarily the best place to strike up a conversation particularly if you are looking for a meaningful relationship.
Not a natural flirt? Don;t worry, it just takes practice - it's all in the eyes and body language.
First date nerves are perfectly normal. We suggest going somewhere fairly informal for a first date like a coffee shop or walk in the park rather than a meal, just in case you don't like the person and want out. Approach each date as if you are going to meet a potential friend and take it from there - don;t get your expectations up and if it works out better than expected then see it as a bonus.
If you are looking for a serious relationship and have been dating for a while you may want to move the relationship on without scaring the other person off - so how can you be sure the other person shares your feelings before you try and take things further? Look out for the following positive signs:
If you have just come out of a long term relationship you may not be ready for a serious committment. That's fine, as loing you are safe and honest with the other person.
If you are ready to date again, whether you are looking for a casual encounter or long term relationship, it is important to be safe The following advice offers a common sense approach to taking care of yourself but don't get paranoid - attacks are rare and as long as you are sensible we'll sure you'll have a great time.
If you are a single parent you may be concerned about the effect of dating on your children and whether a new partner will accept them.
If you have been in a long term relationship you may not have had to worry about sexual health or contraception for sometime. If you are thinking about re-dating it is wise to consider your sexual health in advance and make sure that you are fully prepared and armed with the information that you need to be safe.
Trust your instincts. Well meaning friends and relatives may hint that you need to meet someone but you should not feel pressured to date before you are ready. Make sure that you are over your ex as you could end up hurting others and yourself further if you assume that a new partner will help you get over it.
