Let go of the guilt
Wanting love and company for yourself isn't selfish.
Many single parents feel they should put every spare minute into their children. But you're a person as well as a parent, and having something that's just for you can make you happier and more relaxed at home. Your children benefit from that too.
Go at your own pace
There's no deadline, and no need to keep up with anyone else.
- Chat for as long as you like before meeting. Meet when you're ready, not when you feel you should.
- Take breaks. If dating starts to feel like a chore, step away for a while and come back when you're in the mood.
- Say no when you need to. If you're tired or the children need you, it's fine to move a date.
Protect your confidence
Not every conversation or date will go somewhere, and that's normal.
If someone stops replying or a date doesn't lead anywhere, it isn't a reflection of your worth. Look for people who reply reliably, such as members with the Anti-Ghosting badge (read what the badges mean), and spend your time on the conversations that feel good.
Keep your own life going
Dating is one part of your life, not the whole of it.
Keep up with friends, hobbies and the things that make you feel like yourself. You'll have more to talk about, and you'll be less likely to rush into something that isn't right.
Trust your instincts
If something doesn't feel right, listen to that feeling. You can report a profile at any time, and the 24-hour Customer Success team is there to help. For the warning signs to look out for, read how to spot a fake dating profile.