After being in a relationship for awhile, it can be difficult to start dating again. Sure, the process seems exciting, but it can also be very scary. There's also likely some new relationship baggage that you have to deal with as well. Don't let the whole process intimidate you into hiding out at home with a pint of ice cream and reality TV. There are several things you can do when you're newly single to make the process easier and make yourself feel better.
Don't expect changes overnight
After a breakup with a guy you truly had feelings for, what usually happens is sadness, a lot of excitement, then back down to sadness. Wash, rinse and repeat. Gradually, things will get better and you'll wake up one day and realize that you actually do feel much better. It sounds cliché but it's absolutely the truth.
Spoil yourself rotten
There's absolutely nothing wrong with spoiling yourself, especially when you're newly single. Get a pedi/mani, take bubble baths, eat a cupcake, have champagne with dinner and get yourself something fabulous to wear for a girls night out. You deserve it!
Redo your bedroom
One of the worst things to deal with after a breakup is sleeping in your bedroom where the two of you probably spent quite a bit of time. It's a good excuse for a bedroom makeover. Buy new bedding, change up the wall art and paint your walls if you so choose. You'll feel rejuvenated sleeping in what feels like a completely new room.
Learn to love alone time
I've heard quite a few people say they don't like being alone, literally or figuratively. One of the best things to do when you're newly single is to learn to love spending time with yourself. You don't always need someone in the same room as you. It's definitely difficult at first especially if you're just out of a long term relationship, but after awhile, you'll find that you actually really love that time to yourself.
Take things slow
When you're newly single, it's completely normal to feel lonely, but don't make the mistake of running into another relationship. Take things slow, allow yourself to heal and work slowly into another relationship when you meet a guy you're into. Your heart will thank you for it later on.
Deal with the relationship baggage
It's unlikely a new relationship is going to succeed if you don't deal with past relationship baggage. The chances are high that you're going to subconsciously make your next guy pay for what happened in your past. Make sure you put the past behind you before you allow yourself to move forward.
Don't hesitate to have conversations
As a newly single woman, you may shy away from having conversations with guys regardless of who initiates, but don't be afraid to go for it. Compliment a guy on his shirt if you're out at a bar or ask a hot guy for help reaching something high up at the grocery store so you don't have to climb the shelves. There's no harm even if all it is is a conversation. You never know where it could lead.
Keep a positive attitude
A positive attitude is going to do wonders for helping you heal when you're newly single. Practice daily meditation, keep repeating positive phrases and do whatever you have to in order to keep yourself in a positive frame of mind. Not only will you feel better, but it can draw new, worthwhile guys to you as well.
Being newly single is quite the rollercoaster ride and all you can do is hold on and do your best to get through it. Keep remembering that although you had a relationship with him, you're with yourself constantly, so it's important to do what you have to in order to ensure your own happiness first.
More from Lauren R:
Benefits of being in a long distance relationship
How to get through the pain of being cheated on
Non-cheesy conversation starters to use on a guy at a bar
