If you find yourself suddenly available, you're not alone. Even the most perfect union can be dissolved due to drama, death and divorce.
A common belief expressed by suddenly singles is that getting back into the dating game can be a frighteningly daunting task especially if you haven't been on the dating scene in months, or years. Or decades.
If you're single again and ready to put your fabulous self back on the market, relationship therapists say there are some dating rules that you should know.
1. MAKE YOUR MOVE NOW
You've got to get into the hot pursuit; Cupid is not going to drop your new mate on your doorstep.
There is no way you're going to find a date by sitting in the house all of the time. You have to put yourself in an arena that your significant other can be a part of as well.
Don't let the fear of rejection hold you back.
2. DON'T LIE, FRONT, OR PUT ON AIRS.
When dating, little white lies can come back to haunt you. Lies have always trapped people, entrapped people, and somehow [the truth] always comes out in due time.
If you're uncomfortable with the subject, it's just better to be honest and say as little as you can. You don't want to lie because, eventually, you may actually come together, and then they'll be several lies between you.
3. CONSIDER YOUR KIDS.
Dating with children is much more complicated than dating without them for several reasons.
Child experts agree that it's always a good idea to avoid introducing your child to your date until you are certain that your date has the potential of becoming a serious relationship. Too many introductions to new dates may confuse or disturb your child.
4. INVESTIGATE YOUR DATE. (ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS.)
Perhaps the last time that you were in the dating game, you had to rely on word of mouth to find out someone's reputation. But today we're living in an information age that makes the old gossip grapevine obsolete.
Because of the deadly consequences, you should fully discuss and investigate each other's sexual history prior to engaging in any sexual activity.
When it comes to your health, you should never take someone else's word alone.
5. KNOW THE RULES OF COMPUTER LOVE
Hard-and-fast rules for Internet dating include:
1). Be selective about releasing your personal information;
2). Avoid engaging in compromising "conversations" too soon; and
3). Never, ever post photos that you wouldn't want your mother or your pastor to see.
Remember, once you send something into cyberspace, it stays there forever.
