Dating after a breakup
There is no official waiting period. Some people are ready for a conversation sooner than they expected; others need longer. The useful test is whether you can be reasonably fair to the next person, and to yourself.
A few practical checks
- You can talk about your life without every answer leading back to the breakup.
- You are not joining only to make an ex jealous, or to prove a point.
- You can say, honestly, that you might want to take things slowly.
On your profile
You do not have to announce the breakup. A line such as "recently single, taking things gently" is enough if you want to set expectations. Keep the rest of the profile about you now: what you enjoy, what you would like next, and the kind of date that would feel easy.
The guide to writing a dating profile has more on photos and first lines, and first date tips covers the first meeting.
Coming back to dating later in life, after a long marriage or a loss? Our guide to dating over 50 covers starting again at your own pace.
When you are ready, join free
Take your time with the guides. The profile will still be here.
Join freeQuick questions
What if I am only ready to chat?
Then say so. Plenty of people are happy to start with messages and see how they feel.
Should I mention children or a long marriage?
If they are a big part of your life, a simple mention is usually kinder than a surprise later. You do not have to tell the whole story in the first line.