How to Approach Dating Following Widowhood
Remembering to be patient, persistent, and positive is important. Let’s explore this in detail…
Patience: Allows you to wait calmly in the face of frustration or adversity, preventing impulsive reactions and allowing for better decision-making. But how?
Practice mindfulness: Engage in activities that help you stay present and grounded, such as meditation, prayer or deep breathing.
Set realistic expectations: Understand that progress is not always linear, and setbacks are a normal part of the journey. Grief may rear its ugly head when you least expect it! Be ready for these attacks on your progress.
Focus on what's within your control: Instead of dwelling on things you can't change, concentrate on the actions you can take.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and appreciate your progress, no matter how small, to stay motivated. Share them with those close to you.
Persistence: Enables you to keep striving towards your goals even when faced with setbacks or obstacles. Do this by…
Identifying your goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve, and break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps. What do you want to achieve by dating again?
Developing a growth mindset: View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as failures. Don’t let your memories disrupt your desire to share life with someone new.
Finding your motivation: Identify what drives you and use that as fuel to keep moving forward. Look to the future while you never forget your past.
Don't be afraid to ask for help: Seek support from friends, family, or mentors when you need it. Tell them what you need. They want to help.
Positivity: Fosters a resilient mindset, helping you to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Practice gratitude: Regularly reflect on the good things in your life and express appreciation for them. Relish the memories of your loved one and appreciate how they would want you to find love and happiness again.
Focus on solutions, not problems: When faced with a challenge, try to identify potential solutions rather than dwelling on the problem itself. Don’t let your grief overwhelm you.
Surround yourself with positive people: Spend time with individuals who uplift and inspire you. Enjoying relationships with other widowed people can be very helpful.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself, especially when you make mistakes. Practice self-care.