Divorce is Ranked the Second Most Stressful Event

But Don’t Let That Stop You from Getting Back Out There!

Anyone who has had an experience with divorce — whether their parents’ or their own — knows that it can be a necessary, albeit stressful, affair. However, few know just how detrimental the stress can be. Several mental health experts agree that the four life events that cause the most anxiety are:

• The death of a spouse or child
• Divorce
• Being imprisoned
• Experiencing a health crisis

If you’ve undergone or are currently going through your own divorce, this ranking might make you breathe a little easier knowing that the stressful emotions you’re experiencing are normal and that you are not alone.

While divorce can influence your perspective on life, love, and even your ability to find someone new, you should never let it prevent you from finding a strong connection with another partner. If you’ve reached the point in your life where you feel like you are ready to start dating, here’s some helpful advice to keep in mind.

Are You Really, Truthfully, Honestly, Ready?

This might sound frank, but signed divorce papers aren’t a tell-all sign that it’s time to re-enter the dating pool. Pay close attention to how often you find yourself thinking about your ex-spouse and what those thoughts actually look like. For example, if you’re constantly praising or cursing them, you might need to allow yourself more time to heal.

Draw a Relationship Road Map

As Dr. Nikki Martinez, a licensed professional counselor, explains, “Knowing where you’ve been and where you want to go is just as essential for relationships as it is for road trips and careers.” While the idea of opening yourself up to someone else sounds scary, many recently divorced people forget to reflect on all that worked and didn’t work in the past to identify personal goals and changes they would like to make for their next relationship.

Vet Your Apps

While you should never fear online dating, you’ll want to keep in mind that different apps tend to fare better for different types of users and the kinds of relationships they seek. Before creating a profile on the first app you encounter, do a little research to determine which fits your criteria best.