So you’re back on the market. Congrats! Getting back in the dating routine can be very exciting. Let’s admit it: those late night calls, the grin on your face from those daily text messages, the extra effort you put into your outfit, and the flawless application of your make-up all scream how great you feel; and it’s well deserved.
It’s time to let your hair down and feel like a teenage girl with a high school crush. And yes, we get it – you’re a mom and moms need love too. It is totally fine to search for love, even though you have a child. But while your head is bobbing and weaving on cloud nine, keep in mind some Buzzzworthy dating tips:
Are you Ready?
Be sure you’re emotionally ready to get back in the game. There is no established time frame to recover from a past relationship so, be honest with yourself before testing the waters. Allowing yourself enough time to recover from your prior relationship, will give you a 20/20 perspective on what you do and do not want. After all, you wouldn’t want to repeat the same mistakes, would you?
In another light, do not get too comfortable being single – that would make it more difficult to transition into a new relationship. The fact is, once you get accustomed to making your own decisions, it’s hard to suddenly incorporate a third party in the process.
Make The Effort
Accept the fact that you’re a single mother – life just doesn’t go as planned. The sooner you embrace the hand that you’ve been dealt, the sooner you can play a winning hand. Relinquish your reservations of what dating entails. Most often, we master the art of being a single parent and neglect the single woman role; yet, both are equally important. Find time to invest in yourself and your needs, then go fishing.
Do Not Be Quick To Pick
Do not get tied down to the concept of being monogamous when dating; see what’s out there. If you make a bad catch, you can throw it back without any hesitation or feeling of commitment. One way to get your feet wet is online dating. Online dating gives you the opportunity to decide when you’re ready to make the next step. As a plus, there is the luxury of getting to know someone without having to consider a babysitter every time.
Don’t Rush Intimacy
DO NOT make the mistake of getting intimate too soon. You wouldn’t want your judgement to be clouded by amazing sex or the comfort from some overdue romance. Take it slow; you are in control. If it’s really worth it, there’ll be no reason to rush.
Set Realistic Expectations
So you’ve found someone that you’re interested in – Super! Ensure that your potential ‘other half’ understands your obligations and respects them. It’s easy to get swept away in sudden romance but do not be misleading. Be practical and ensure that your new beau knows exactly what your lifestyle entails; after all, he deserves to know what he’s signing up for.
Being a single mother is not a life sentence. However, set realistic standards your new love will understand: you won’t always be able to make a sudden dash through the door, a late-night movie date or a last-minute trip. You’ll know he’s a keeper when he makes plans that accommodate your child, just as much as you would.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #8, 2016 Issue.