Dating isn’t always easy. But, dating as a single parent can be especially tricky, and knowing where to start can feel daunting at first. As a single dad looking to reenter the dating scene, there can be a lot to wade through at first. This is where having a few dating tips for single dads in mind can really make things easier.
Whether you’re newly single or are looking to get back into online dating after time away, kicking off a search for new connections can feel like a big step to take. After all, where do you start when it comes to choosing the best app for relationships or discovering the new trends to look out for in the world of online dating?
Thankfully, dating as a single dad doesn’t have to be as complicated as you might’ve first thought! By taking on a few dating tips for single dads, you can help to make the process both easier and more fulfilling.
Dating Tips for Single Dads: 6 of Our Top Suggestions
Why is dating so hard for single dads? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. With one in four US parents being married, dating as a single dad is becoming increasingly common. Although it isn’t always straightforward, having a few tips and tricks at hand can boost your chances of making some genuinely special connections. Below, we’ve put together six of the best dating tips for single dads.
1. Be communicative
With your kids, your ex, or whoever else is important in your life. You don’t have to overshare everything you’re thinking and feeling but it’s important to communicate that you’re ready to start dating again. Your kids don’t have to meet every person you go on a date with but they should be aware that you’re putting yourself out there.
If your kids are young and it’s appropriate, it’s also often worth communicating this with your co-parent as well.
2. Lean on friends and family
Fresh out of a break-up and looking to lean on the people that are close to you? Your buddies and close family members are a great outlet for sharing your feelings, especially about your ex and your separation. But, bear in mind that a man who has nothing positive to say about their ex can be a real turn-off, especially early on in a new relationship. So try to be conscious about how you come across. There are two sides to every story and your date will know that.
3. Don’t compare
It’s natural to want to compare your ex to the new person you’re dating. Try to resist this temptation. It’s important to give the new person in your life a chance to be themselves. If they pick around their vegetables or never finish their glass of wine as your ex did, it might trigger something in you.
However, remember that your new date is not the person you split from. They’re their own person who just happens to share a similar irritating trait. Don’t let this be a game-changer. Give them a chance and don’t throw away the relationship before it even has a chance to become something special.
4. Make sure you’re ready
It’s not fair to ask someone to come along with you when you’re not ready. You need to be sure that the time is right for you to start dating again, otherwise, try as you might, it’s really unlikely to work.
Remember, practicing self-love is important for guys too. So make sure you’re in tune with yourself and that you’ve at least started healing from your past relationship. You’ll have a hard time finding love or even romance if you’re not prepared to let it into your life.
5. Try the apps…or don’t!
While many principles of dating stay the same, the logistics might’ve changed since you were last in the game. An important dating tip for single dads is to try not to let it become overwhelming. You don’t have to meet someone through a specific dating app.
Asking friends to set you up or meeting someone in a grocery store or bar are still great ways to find meaningful connections. But, also give the dating app a try and see how it goes. You might be surprised!
6. Discover what makes you happy
Dating can be hard, especially after a major life event like a divorce. You might need to take a bit of time to find out who you are. And that’s okay! Rediscovering yourself is an invigorating part of post-divorce life, and dating can play a key role in that.
Finding a new romantic partner or even going out on a few easy first dates will awaken parts of yourself you might not have seen for a while. Spend this time discovering exactly what it is that makes you happy. A great piece of single dad dating advice is to explore and discover. You’re allowed to find happiness again, even if it’s defined in a different way than you’re used to.
The Bottom Line
Dating as a single dad can come with a whole host of challenges that most other singles won’t face. But, by bearing a few dating tips for single dads in mind, you can give yourself a solid starting base for your search for new connections. When dating as a single dad, remember to:
- Be communicative
- Lean on friends and family
- Don’t compare
- Make sure you’re ready
- Try the new ways and the old ways
- Discover what makes you happy
Most of all, keep your head up, be communicative, practice healthy dating habits, and focus on what’s best for you and your kid(s). In doing so, you’ll help to get the most out of your dating experience and make some real, meaningful connections along the way too!
