A Guide to Dating Again After You’ve Hibernated

Dating is as exhausting as it is exhilarating. It’s why people often want to hit the pause button and take a break from the scene. Why put yourself through the wringer when you can use that time to invest in your happiness?

A dating hiatus may be a welcome surprise, but it gets tiring after a while. You’ll feel the itch to go out and date again at some point. And that’s okay! You’re only human. Who doesn’t want companionship?

If you want to play the dating game again, you’ll need to check yourself before you get back out there. From signs to tips, treat this as a guide to your return to dating after you’ve hibernated and recovered.

Are You Ready for Your Dating Comeback? | The Signs

Readiness varies from person to person. Some need time, while others want to be thrown into the fire as soon as possible and wing things. Regardless of your status, here are some signs you’ll want to look out for:

Sign #1: You’re satisfied with life.

Life doesn’t revolve around relationships. Your happiness shouldn’t be another person’s responsibility.

You know you’re good if you’re fulfilled and busy with things such as hobbies and passions. Since you’re already satisfied with life, a partner feels like a cherry on top of the cake.

Sign #2: Healthy coping mechanisms are prevalent.

Let’s say you’re on a dating hiatus because you’re reeling from a painful breakup. Despite your pain, you choose to cope without self-destruction. You turn your attention to healing and rebuilding your confidence in the process.

Dating as a coping mechanism isn’t the best outlet. Not only will it waste time, but you’ll also add more salt to your wounds. You need time to breathe.

Sign #3: You’re not bothered with independence.

For some people, singlehood is a concept they can’t fathom. What do they do with all their free time?

A party for one isn’t as boring as some people make it out to be. What’s not to like about independence? You get to do whatever you want at your convenience. Once you’re comfortable with that clean slate, letting someone in again won’t be much of an issue.

Sign #4: You know what you’re signing up for.

You’re aware of the complexities of modern dating. You know the pros and cons at this point. You know you’re ready to give dating another go if you have this knowledge because you now have a clear view of what you want in a relationship.

Your Post-Hibernation Dating Checklist

If you’ve seen the signs above, tick these boxes off as you make your dating comeback:

#1: Self-love

At the risk of sounding cliche, you can’t love another person wholeheartedly if you can’t even love yourself. You are a catch—don’t let exes and bad matches tell you otherwise.

#2: Wants, needs, and non-negotiables

What are you looking for in your next relationship? What’s your idea of a great partner? The answers to these questions change as time passes, but they give you a base. You won’t feel like a duck waddling aimlessly as you mingle with fellow singles.

#3: Confidence

Should you fake it until you make it? No. However, cut yourself some slack and keep your head up. You should feel good about yourself. Don’t let modern dating’s twists and turns shake your confidence.

No one should make you feel bad for dating again after you’ve hibernated from the scene. Being out of the dating scene doesn’t make you any less of a person. As a matter of fact, it has only made you stronger and better. So, go out there, have fun, and good luck!