If you are deciding to get back into the dating game, you’ll need to be aware of common divorcee etiquette. While you don’t want to harp on your divorce, it’s important to be honest about your past. It’s best to wait until your divorce is final before going public with any new partners. Otherwise, you could risk affecting your settlement negatively. Don’t compare your new date with your ex, and try to remember that they will handle situations differently. Finally, don’t trash your ex constantly. Not only can it affect your relationship, but it makes it seem like you aren’t emotionally healed from the breakup. Hopefully, you can navigate the complicated world of dating and find somebody that is a perfect match.

Divorcee Etiquette When Dating Again

Be Honest About the Divorce

One of the most important things to know about divorcee etiquette is that you should be up-front about your status. While you don’t have to go into details (in fact, it’s best not to), you should let any new partners know that you are a divorcee. Try to keep the explanation simple and straightforward.

Don’t Go Public Until Divorce is Final

Another aspect of divorcee etiquette is that you should not be flashy about any new relationships while your divorce proceedings are still happening. In fact, in some states, it could harm your settlement or even custody. Even if you and your ex are both on the same page about your split, seeing you with a new partner might make things more contentious. And finally, your children might not react well to you introducing them to a new partner so soon. It’s best to wait until your divorce is final, and you are emotionally healed, before dating again.

Don’t Compare Partners

It’s also helpful to avoid trying to compare any new dates with your ex. Whether you are comparing them positively or negatively, try to remember that they’re their unique person. Just because your ex reacted a certain way to a situation doesn’t mean that a new partner will. Try to be open-minded about dating, and avoid making comparisons to your ex-spouse.

Don’t Trash the Ex

Finally, it’s also important divorcee etiquette not trash the ex. If you need to vent about your ex, find a friend or therapist to talk to. But don’t unload on a new partner. It can make you seem like you are either bitter or like you are not moving on fully from the breakup. Additionally, if your ex finds out that you are trashing them, it can make custody more difficult. It’s best to avoid the topic of the ex whenever possible and remember “When you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Divorcee etiquette can be a little complicated, but the most important thing is to have fun with dating. Allow yourself plenty of time to grieve the end of your marriage and emotionally heal from the stress of divorce. Focus on self-care and building back relationships that might have been neglected. Then, when things are final and you are moving on, consider dating once again. Be upfront about your status as a divorcee, but don’t go on and on about your breakup. Additionally, avoid comparing your new date to your spouse, and also try not to bash your ex in front of them. Hopefully, you’ll be able to move on quickly from your divorce and enjoy dating once again. You never know when you’ll meet the perfect match!