People who are recovering from a recent breakup often worry about how to move forward in ta dating world where they might feel out of practice. While it’s important to adapt to the new ways that the casual dating scene has evolved since you were last in it, it’s most critical to change the way you see yourself and approach others.

Rediscover Your Self-Worth

The first thing to do is to re-find your passions and confidence. Often after a rough breakup, you may feel dejected or even worthless and may struggle with some form of negative self-image. Self-confidence, however, is an essential aspect of presenting yourself to others in a romantic way. If you don’t feel comfortable in your own skills and appearance, how will you be able to share yourself wholeheartedly with others? It’s important to take time after a breakup to prepare yourself both mentally and emotionally before re-entering the dating scene.

Find where your strengths and weaknesses lie when it comes to relationships or communicating. What makes you a good partner and where can you improve in the way you approach conversation or arguments? Rediscovering your own feeling of value and worth will help you develop healthier, more mutually-beneficial relationships once you begin dating again.

Be Honest

Once you feel comfortable enough to start dating again, it’s important that you prioritize honesty with your potential partners. This should help you avoid feeling as if you’re not in control of your dating experience or as if you’re wasting your time.

You should be upfront with dates about what you’re looking for in a relationship and in life. It won’t be worth your time to emotionally invest in someone who has a radically different life plan than you. Consider asking hard-hitting questions on the first date or even before meeting up.

Then, carry this honesty into all aspects of your new relationships— even the bedroom. If, like millions of others, you have insecurities about your body or live with sexual disorders like low libido or premature ejaculation, it’s important to be upfront with your partner. The more you talk about things, the more comfortable you’ll become about them and the less time you’ll have to spend worrying about what your partner thinks. Plus, if you have to use personal lubricant in the heat of the moment or a topical, numbing spray in order to perform longer, your significant other will likely be much more understanding if you’ve already spoken about it.

Putting the effort into honesty early on in the relationship will help you narrow down the people who hold the most long-term potential as understanding partners.

Make Sure It’s Enjoyable

Last, but certainly not least– be sure you’re having a good time. In an ideal world, dating would be a pleasant experience, but in reality, it’s all too often fuelled by hurt feelings, confusion, and anxiety. Try not to let negative experiences weigh you down. Instead, use them as learning experiences to help specify what you’re looking for in a partner.

Dating certainly shouldn’t be a chore you dread. Make sure you’re finding the adventure in dates, even if they’re awkward. Guys– consider putting in extra time to plan a fun first date so there’s less pressure or anxiety about the unknown. Ladies– if you ever feel uncomfortable about a date or a person, don’t go! You are not obligated to anyone but yourself; your safety and happiness are of the utmost importance. Do not put yourself in situations that you’re not ready for or are uncomfortable with just to meet new people.

Dating can seem overwhelming if you’ve been out of practice, but it’s important that you find comfort in your own self-confidence and experience.

Just remember: you can do this!