When you've escaped a bad marriage and are looking to start over, dating is an essential step in finding a new partner and rebuilding your family. Recently, the American magazine *Men's Health* published an article reminding those wanting to begin a new relationship to be mindful of the techniques involved in dating and to pay attention to several things.
1. Let's be clear first—getting rid of a bad relationship is a good thing. This is the most important point for divorced people to remember. In modern society, divorce is very common, with a divorce rate as high as 40% to 50% in the United States. Divorce is not necessarily a bad thing, nor does it mean that a person is a failure, and there is no shame in it. Although the process of divorce is extremely painful and traumatic, getting rid of a bad relationship is definitely a good thing.
2. Rebuild Confidence. Divorce can sometimes damage a person's confidence, with many feeling they've become less attractive. Therefore, maintaining a positive self-image after a divorce is crucial. Clinical sexologist and psychotherapist Dr. Christy Overstreet states, "After a divorce, especially when dating, it's important to project confidence and good self-esteem; confidence is attractive."
3. Maintain a relaxed and optimistic attitude, and avoid complaining about your ex in front of your date. After a divorce, some people become self-pitying or controlled by negative emotions, but dating is not a good time to complain about your ex. Keep the conversation relaxed and try to avoid causing unnecessary trouble as you start a new relationship. Dr. Overstreet says, "View your life as a clean, emptied state, and approach potential partners with an open mind. Focus your conversation on your partner, not yourself."
4. Update your dating skills. The most important new skill is online dating. According to 2016 statistics, online dating has become the mainstream method of dating, with 15% of Americans having used dating apps or visited dating websites. Therefore, learn to chat online and try to start an online romance.
5. Take it slow, don't rush. Don't rush into dating again before you're mentally prepared, lest you get hurt again. Learn from your previous failed marriage, think clearly about what kind of partner you're looking for, and be cautious about starting your next relationship. Let your previous failed marriage slowly fade into a memory, and future happiness will quietly arrive.
