If you are wondering how to start dating after a long-term relationship has ended, good for you! That means you are caring for yourself and listening to your needs. It is time to move on, and we’ve got some helpful advice for doing so.

Heal Your Heart, Mind, and Soul

It isn’t overdramatic—a painful breakup can be agonizing. Your heart may feel shattered, and you may wonder how you’ll ever feel whole again. You will, though, and maybe have already reached that realization.

If you still cry every time you hear your ex’s name, it may be too soon to get back out there. Don’t worry—this will pass, and one day, you will wake, smiling that sweet smile of renewal and freedom.

Love yourself for a while, and you’ll know when you are ready to start dating again. Make sure you have taken some time for yourself after a breakup. A long-term relationship can consume every bit of you. You may have lost a little of who you are. Go find that fabulous person before sharing yourself with others again.

Consider a Matchmaking Service

More likely than not, you’ve been through the onslaught of dating apps available at your fingertips. Therein lies the problem—these apps are all available with the click of a button. Anyone and everyone can hop on a dating site or app.

When you’re ready to start dating after a long-term relationship, you likely know a bit more than you did before your relationship ended. After some healing, you know who you are, where you have made mistakes in past relationships, and what you want from a relationship now.

Moving forward, try a more specific avenue that’s tailored toward your needs. A matchmaking service will connect you with a matchmaker who will work tirelessly getting to know you and searching for your new romantic partner so you can get on with your life. No more settling.

Enjoy the Journey

If you aren’t enjoying the journey of dating, then what is the point? Dating again should be fun. If it is feeling like one job interview after another, you may not be ready. That’s okay. Step away and try again another day.

If you are ready, enjoy spending time with each person you meet. Not every date will be the perfect match, but you may discover a great new friend or enjoy some excellent conversation for the evening.

When the right person comes along, the journey will have been well worth it.