Do You Need a Break From Dating?

This presents a problem — how do you know for sure whether you are really in the right headspace to start dating again? The internet and cell phones have made getting over an ex really tough. It only takes a couple of seconds to stalk their Twitter and Instagram accounts or make an ill-advised call. That kind of attitude is totally normal, but it will hold you back when it comes to dating.

You owe it to yourself — and your future partners — to only start dating again when you remember that relationships can be enriching, fun, and loving.

If you’re considering taking a break, keep in mind these general ground rules and advice from experts so make the process (which can work!).

Need I remind you that Will and Kate took a break before they got married and became one of the most iconic married couples of our time? Or, how about the fact that Justin and Hailey were split for, like, years before they tied the knot and started spamming our news feeds with their PDA pics? Before I met him, I had just come off a very single period in my life, and I enjoyed meeting new people and going on dates. When I initiated the break, I thought I needed space because I felt like our relationship had grown too predictable.

But after a few weeks apart, I realized that consistency and reliability is nice—and my husband was the kind of guy you want to do life with. Before I knew it, I had made my choice, and I knew that when we got back together, that was it.