Have you noticed how friends and relatives always get over your
exes faster than you do? It seems obvious considering the fact that
they were never emotionally involved, but more often than not,
well-meaning people will try and push and nudge you towards putting
yourself out there and dating again. As much as we'd love to see
all our readers happily dating away and finding new love, do be
aware of the Too Soon factor. Trying to date too soon after a
relationship has ended can be hazardous to your love life.
Before you have fully let go of the past and embraced the joyous
future of finding yourself a better partner, you are far more
likely to be drawn to disappointing or unsuitable women. This is
because your subconscious may be secretly trying to prove to you
that the only girl for you is the one you just split up from. Now,
there's absolutely nothing wrong with getting yourself out of the
house and into the dating world and if you are the sort of person
who gets over break ups by doing rather than by thinking, then by
all means plunge in there and date to your heart's content. But if
you're more of an introvert, take some time off until you feel
ready, or at the very least acknowledge the fact that there may be
slim pickings for a while and don't see it as an indication that
things will always be this way.
Of course, keep in mind that you may never feel quite as ready
as you think you should. If you're on a dating hiatus for six
months or more, you may actually get used to being on your own and
stop trying altogether. Forcing yourself to listen to your
well-meaning friends and try go out every once in a while will keep
your dating "skills" going so you don't forget you're actually
looking for someone. After all, you don't want the break up
of just one relationship to turn you into a recluse for the rest of
your life!
