Dear Debra,
I have been divorced for a year now and really want to start dating again. I have to be totally honest with you that and admit that I am scared and uncertain about where to begin. I have not dated in over 25 years and I know dating has changed. Can you please offer your advice to me as I begin the next chapter of my life.
Much appreciated!
Duncan
Little Compton
Dear Duncan,
Thank you for reaching out to me. I am truly excited that you are ready to start dating again after a 25 year marriage. Its never too late to write a new love story! Here are my Five Truths of Dating:
- You deserve to love and be loved. “When you believe you deserve to be loved, you will find someone who loves you the way you are-you don’t have to change yourself to find love.”
- You have to be ready and available for commitment. “You have to make space in your life for love. Lots of people fill up their lives with lots of activities. They’re in a kind of denial saying they want to find love, but they’re not prepared to make room for it in their lives.”
- Honor your deepest needs. What are your needs and requirements? Sit down and make a list of what you need to be in a relationship with someone. Many people don’t go through the process, they just look at someone’s physical appearance but they’re not looking at what they need.”
- Be true to yourself. “Be authentic and allow yourself to be vulnerable, then you’ll attract a soul-mate who loves you exactly the way you are!”
- True love requires risk. “You have to leave your comfort zone and put yourself out in the world and take an emotional risk.”
Best of luck as you start the next chapter of your life.