Divorced Dating: How to Get Back in The Dating Game

A separation or divorce can be emotionally, financially and physically draining - and if you've been there, it's pretty likely you weren't keen on throwing yourself back into the path of cupid, at least not right away!

However, when the time comes that you do find yourself craving a little excitement and company, it's common to feel like the world of dating has moved on without you. It isn't easy to remember how flirting works if you were in a long-term relationship for a few years.

The good news is that dating is alive and well, whatever your age, circumstances or location. Online dating has become the number one way to meet a romantic partner, and as it has evolved over the years, there are some top-notch matchmaking services exclusively for divorced men and women.

• None of the awkwardness explaining your relationship status?
• Not having to talk about why your marriage failed on a first date?
• Meeting guys and girls who have been right where you are?
  

It's a no-brainer that divorced dating sites take all the pressure off, and make your debut back into dating an experience you can enjoy!

How Can I Start Dating as a Divorced Single Parent?

Don't ever think you are alone - you are, assuredly, not.

Millions of people find themselves going about raising kids alone, and yet even if you've been through a tough divorce, it doesn't mean that you aren't still a person in your own right.

Intimacy, romance, friendship, company, sex, are vital to all of us to be healthy and happy. We often hear that single parents want to 'put the kids first' which is, of course, a great perspective to have when your number one priority is looking after the little people in your life.

However, a lonely parent is rarely a happy parent. 

Balancing parenthood, working, and a love life isn't necessarily simple (and requires a bit of juggling when it comes to childcare!). Still, don't write yourself off just because one relationship didn't work out, and never think that it's too late to find love and make you a happier person - and ultimately, a better parent.

There are a couple of options in this situation:

• Single parent dating networks.
• Divorced singles matchmaking sites.
  

Both are excellent ways to find like-minded folks who are in a similar situation. Again, it's all about taking away the stress or the challenge of negotiating date nights and romantic moments around the hustle of kids exes.

In many cases, single parents will have gone through a separation, and likewise, many divorcees have children, so you're pretty likely to find a great match on either platform.
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Recommended Read: Advice for Single Parent Dating

What is the First Step to Dating After Divorce?

First up - there IS NO RIGHT TIME! It's frustrating when friends or family members start dropping hints or trying to hook you up with some guy down the road who is 100% not your cup of tea.

However, that comes from a good place, and people who love you will always be yearning to see you happy and in a great relationship, so try not to let it rub you up the wrong way.

When you feel ready, the time is right. No sooner, no later.

There are lots of ways to gear up to making that nerve-wracking first contact!

• Check out the Best10 reviews of the top divorced dating sites. We'd always recommend seeing what apps, websites or platforms are out there before signing up to the first one that crops on your search engine.
  

• Think about what YOU want from a date. Are you keen to make some new friends, chat about things you have in common, and establish a new social circle? Do you want a no-strings fun date without committing to anything serious? Or are you ready to get back on the merry-go-round and find a long-term partner?
  

• Have a look for local divorced dating sites. Some of the biggest platforms might have millions of members, but if there are zero in your town or area, it's not going to be much use. Most sites allow you to register as a free member, so you can browse the site, run a couple of searches and get a feel for whether there are enough singles nearby to make it worth creating an account.
  

With so many sites to choose from, the important thing is that you feel comfortable that you're in a safe space.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a few casual dates to bring some excitement back to your weekends, so if you're after a hookup, then go for it! Likewise, if you want something a little more committed, you're best off with a relationship site.

Top Tips for Dating As a Single Parent

If you've got kids to factor in, your schedule is likely a little full already - but again, making time for yourself is critical to your wellbeing.

Here are some tips that come from the experience of dating as a divorced single parent!

• If your kids use the same computer, tablet or laptop as you, create a new email account for your dating profile. Even if they don't, it's a good idea to separate your dating messages, so you define the time when you sit down to have a good old flirt as adult time and don't get distracted.
• Never, ever, give out your address! Not to local singles, not to the hugely attractive lady you've been chatting to for weeks, or anyone else! 
• Keep a watchful eye out for spammers. You can check out our reviews where we always have a look or security and safety settings, but it's best to err on the side of caution.
• Meet people somewhere public and mutually agreeable - I'd recommend a cafe for a lunch date as it feels a bit less high stakes than a romantic dinner date!
• Don't shy away from talking about your past, but you're here to move forward, so try to focus the conversation on where you're going, not where you've been.
  

Lastly - have fun! If you're not sure you're ready to date, don't want to meet another divorced person, or feel that a site isn't quite the right community for you; never hesitate to follow your gut.

Divorced dating is a fantastic way to meet eligible, like-minded people - whenever you are ready.