Breaking up. Ugh, even the words sound bitter.
But what’s even harder than dealing with a broken heart is getting back into the dating game.
You don’t want to step out only to have a rebound fling and start crying halfway through a date, but you also don’t want to stay inside watching chick flicks for too long.
So when exactly are you supposed to be ready to date again? Here are 5 signs that will let you know if the time is right.
1. You Don’t Cry Anymore
If you have passed the wallowing phase where everything reminds you of him, daydreaming about getting back together and can go a whole 24 hours without breaking into tears, it’s probably a good sign that you’re over your ex.
Can you listen to “that song” (we all have one), mine is Strange and Beautiful by Aqualung – and instead of activating your tear ducts it brings a smile to your face? That is even better!
2. You’re Not Seeking Rebound Revenge
Since you are not angry anymore, you aren’t looking to get back at him by hooking up with the cute guy from art class who you know isn’t boyfriend material.
Rebounds are just a way to fill the emptiness and normally we use them as a tool to make our exes jealous in hopes that they’ll come crawling back.
Experience has taught me that sadly this only happens in rom-coms.
3. You Really, Truly And Honestly Don’t Care Anymore
Stalking his Instagram, Facebook and Twitter in hopes of finding some cryptic message isn’t one of your daily activities anymore.
You don’t check up on him to make sure he isn’t dating the blonde all while having a major jealousy freakout. You honestly couldn’t care less about what your ex does.
In fact, you find watching paint dry a thousand times more exciting than playing James Bond on his social media.
4. Crushes Are Popping Up Again
One day you wake up and notice the dark haired cutie across the hall. And you can’t wrap your head around the butterflies in your stomach when he smiles back at you.
Wait a minute.. You’re not even comparing him to your ex!
Developing crushes is a definitive sign that your emotions are healing up.
5. Your Self-Esteem Comes Back
When your self-esteem starts building up again, you will realize something that you’ve been missing during your post-breakup blues: You are turning heads and there are plenty of guys with whom it wouldn’t be awful to have a coffee date with.
Even better, you don’t mind being single anymore since a relationship doesn’t define you and you feel free to go out with whomever strikes your fancy. This is the ultimate sign of being ready to date again.
In conclusion
A breakup is like a huge wound; your heart is metaphorically broken. If you give it time and stop poking at the bruise, there will come a day when you can’t even remember how badly it hurt.
And if you’re already there, why not text the guy you’ve had your eye on for a while? Back on the saddle and back into the dating scene you go!
