When is too soon to start dating, after a break up?

Break-ups can cause a lot of confusion. How do you know if you’re truly over someone? How do you know when it’s healthy to start a new relationship? Here are a few ways to know if you’re ready to date someone new:

You’re no longer angry.
After a breakup, it’s only natural to be angry, but don’t let that anger last for long. Having resentment and not being able to move on from the past is only going to hurt you. And honestly, jumping into a new relationship with these feelings is just plain unhealthy. If this is you, you need time to heal. A new relationship is not the answer.

You don’t think about your ex.
If your ex is always on your mind, or you find yourself comparing new men or women to him/her, you still need time to move on. Starting a new relationship in this state will be toxic for both you and your new partner.

You don’t blame yourself.
If you’re blaming yourself for what went wrong in the old relationship, you can’t go into a new one thinking that it’s going to work out. Grant yourself the time to let go of the past before you start dating again.

You’re not afraid of being alone.
Jumping into another relationship because you’re afraid of being alone for the rest of your life is not a good idea. If you trust God, then you have to trust His plan. Forcing a relationship to happen—thinking that it’s going to solve your problems—is not in your best interests. Have patience. Mr. or Mrs. Right will come in good time.

If you can check this list off, you’ve got the greenlight to start dating. If not, no worries! Making sure you’re in a healthy frame of mind should be top priority, no matter what.

Steve Harvey