So, you think you’re ready to dive back into the dating pool? Or are you just bored and craving that “Good morning, beautiful” text from someone who may or may not leave you on read later? Before you start drafting that flirty DM, take a breath, grab a snack (preferably chocolate), and let’s talk. Here are seven brutally honest ways to know if you’re actually ready to date again, or if you’re just setting yourself up for another round of emotional gymnastics.
1. You’re Not Just Lonely, You Actually Like Yourself
Breakups leave a void. Suddenly, your Friday nights go from deep convos with your ex to deep convos with your cat. But if the only reason you want to date again is because you hate being alone, that’s a red flag (for you, not just potential dates). The best relationships happen when you like your own company first, otherwise, you’ll just end up depending on someone else for your happiness, and that never ends well.
2. You Don’t Secretly Hope Your Ex Will See You With Someone New
Let’s be real: if your biggest motivation for dating again is to make your ex jealous, you’re not ready. That’s not moving on; that’s plotting revenge with extra steps. If you truly don’t care whether they see you thriving (because you are thriving, right?), then you might actually be in a good place to start something new.
3. The Idea of Dating Feels Exciting, Not Exhausting
If the thought of texting someone new, going on dates, and making small talk about favorite pizza toppings makes you want to take a three-hour nap, you’re probably not ready. Dating should feel fun, not like an emotional chore. If you’re still emotionally drained from your last relationship, it’s okay to take more time.
4. You’re Not Romanticizing Your Past Relationship
Was your last relationship really that great, or are you just conveniently forgetting the fights over texting back too slow? If you catch yourself missing only the good parts and ignoring the reasons you broke up, you might be looking for a rebound, not a real relationship.
5. You Know What You Want (And What You Don’t)
Let’s be honest, most of us have dated at least one walking red flag. (If you haven’t, congrats, you’re a unicorn.) But now that you’ve had a learning experience (or two), do you actually know what you want in a relationship? More importantly, do you know what you won’t tolerate anymore? If you’re clear on both, you’re on the right track.
6. You Can Handle Rejection Like a Queen
Dating means putting yourself out there, and that means facing rejection at some point. If the idea of someone not liking you back still makes you want to delete all your social media and move to a remote island, you might need more time. But if you can shrug it off and move on like the confident, unstoppable force that you are, then go for it.
7. You’re Happy With or Without a Relationship
The ultimate test: Are you already happy without a relationship? Because if you can confidently say you’re thriving solo, then you’re in the best position to start dating again. A relationship should add to your life, not be the thing that makes your life worth living.
Final Thoughts (Aka, Your Reality Check)
If you checked off most of these, congrats! You’re probably ready to put yourself out there again. But if not, that’s okay too. Take your time, focus on yourself, and remember: you don’t need a relationship to be that girl.
So, tell me, which of these signs hit home for you? Drop a comment and let’s chat!