| If you've been in an abusive relationship, dating again | | | | to choose a better mate in the future. |
| can be scary. You're tired of being lonely, but you're | | | | Once you've decided that you're ready to date, start |
| afraid of ending up with another abuser. It is normal | | | | going to social functions where you can meet men. |
| for women to have these fears. Here are some tips | | | | Church, special interest groups, and barbecues are |
| to make the dating scene easier for you: | | | | good places to meet and socialize with eligible |
| The most important point that I can make is to wait | | | | bachelors. Online venues such as dating sites and |
| before you date. It's best to wait at least six months | | | | social networking sites can open the doors for you |
| to a year so you can recover from the past abuse | | | | to meet people that you wouldn't meet otherwise. |
| and get grounded before you find someone new. | | | | Avoid bars, unless you want an alcoholic for your |
| The reason for this is when you're just out of an | | | | next boyfriend. |
| abusive relationship, there's much stress and mixed | | | | When you start dating someone, take it slow. Don't |
| emotions going on, and you're in no state of mind for | | | | get too serious when you don't know him that well. |
| dealing with another relationship. Relationships take a | | | | In the beginning, you won't know what you're getting |
| lot of time and energy to maintain. When you leave | | | | into. Take time to get to know him first, and then |
| an abusive relationship, your focus and energy should | | | | decide whether to continue the relationship, end it, or |
| be on getting your life together, not another man. | | | | just be friends. Give it at least three months before |
| You may feel lonely at the time, but it's not smart to | | | | you begin to get serious. |
| fill that loneliness with another man right away. Your | | | | Watch out for red flags, such as financial |
| judgment will be clouded due to the stress you're | | | | irresponsibility, substance abuse, and controlling or |
| under, and you may make another poor choice. Wait | | | | erratic behavior. If you see red flags, it's time to get |
| until you have your head on straight before you | | | | out. The sooner you end the relationship, the easier it |
| make any major decisions like whom to date. | | | | will be. If you hang on, even after you know that |
| Now may also be a good time to speak with a | | | | he's not the right one, breaking up with him will be |
| therapist about your past abuse. A therapist can help | | | | harder to do. Don't stay with someone who isn't right |
| you work through the trauma you've experienced, | | | | for you, just to have a mate. You deserve a man |
| teach you better coping skills, and help you learn how | | | | who is responsible, kind, and respectful. |