Dating can be downright hard work at times. In fact, I found it to be completely frustrating and exhausting, which can be made worse when we place pressure on ourselves to find ‘the one’ by a certain date, like having someone to snog on New Years Eve or finding a plus one to take to Uncle Wilbur’s fifth wedding in Fiji.
Whatever the reason, if dating is no longer fun, which is should be, and is now something that causes you to feel nauseous at the very thought of logging in to your profile or, you simply find the idea of staying home on Friday night and sticking toothpicks in your eyes more appealing, then perhaps it time to take a break from dating and start re-investing in you.
So what can you do with all this extra time?
Take The Time To Heal
How many of us, when one relationship ends, do we jump straight back into the dating pool, whether we are ready or not. This is not a good idea, yet we have all done it. Why not, take this time to heal the wounds of the past.
Invest In You
When was the last time you did something just for you? Spend time reading a book, getting a massage, taking a long hot bath, binge watch The Sex & The City episodes from start to finish, see a movie, exercise or just sleep in. Spend this time investing in you, I can assure you, you’re worth it.
Education
Enrol in that course you so have been putting off. Invest time studying something that will help progress your career or take a short-course on something that interests you.
Get A Hobby
Because dating can be so time consuming, we tend to put things off. So why not, pick out a few new hobbies that you’ve wanted to try, like that latin dance class, pottery, ceramics, kite-boarding or photography. Whatever it is that floats your boat, get busy with it.
Set Some Clear Goals
When was the last time you took a good look at what you wanted? What type of life do you want to live? Where do you want to travel to? Health & Fitness? Whatever it is, it’s time to get real. Take stock of where you are and where you want to be and put some SMART goals in place. (SMART = Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely)
Friends, Remember Them?
It’s true what they say, that your friends will always be there, but it’s funny just how many of us push them aside when we are either, trying to find a mate or have just started dating a potential mate. Why not spend some time reconnecting with them. Plan a girls weekend away or enjoy a day at the spa.
Travel
Another thing we tend to do is, put things like travel on hold and come up with the excuses of, “I can’t travel to that destination. I was saving that experience so that I could share it with someone special”…sound familiar? Well I say, hogwash! Is there anything that makes you feel more alive, strong and independent than losing yourself in another city? So book that ticket and go explore the world.
Volunteer
Nothing fills your soul faster than giving back to the community. Find a volunteering branch or animal shelter and spend some hours giving back.
Just ‘Be’
Allow yourself permission to be ok with being single for a while. You won’t die if you aren’t joined at the hip with your future partner. Just think, when you decide to dive back into the dating pool, this could potentially be the last time you are own your own for the rest of your life, so enjoy the time you have now.
By taking a break from dating and spending some time doing the things you love, you may find yourself with more energy and enthusiasm, as well as a brand new outlook on the whole dating process.
All of which are very positive and attractive traits.
Think about it….would you rather spend time with someone who is upbeat, positive and seems to really enjoy their life or would you rather spend time with someone who is worn out, tired and emanates a low energy vibe?
I know which one I’d be asking to see again!
Have you taken a break or considering taking a break? We would luv to hear your stories in the comments section below.
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