Sometimes, when you’re pushing too hard for something, you overwork it. I wanted to meet someone so badly, but I was forcing it to happen. I needed to take a break and reevaluate what I wanted in my life and spend some time reconnecting with me. And after that break, I ended up meeting my current partner, the man who I want to spend the rest of my life with.
Not all breaks are bad. Sometimes you just need that time to breathe and check-in with yourself. So, if you want to take a break from dating, this is how to do it.
Sometimes, you just need a break. And that’s okay!
# Out with the old
Go through your phone, social media, dating apps, and just get rid of guys you dated in the past. Do you really need to be in contact with them? You know they weren’t for you, so why keep them around? Out with the old and in with the new. Do a cleanse and get rid of your past.
# Learn to be happy with yourselfWe all want to find someone so we’re not lonely, but that’s the wrong mindset. You shouldn’t be lonely; you have yourself. You’re interesting, funny, and confident. What you’re looking for is someone to share your experiences with, but it’s not out of fear of being alone.
# Take yourself out on a dateYou removed your past from your life, and now it’s time to invest your time on the most important person: you. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself and give yourself the attention you deserve. If you want to build your confidence, treat yourself the way you want to be treated. Get all dolled up and take yourself out for dinner.
# Decide how long you want this break to lastHow long do you want to go on a break? One month? Half a year? You decide. Of course, things may change, and you may want to increase or decrease your break. It’s all up to you. But give yourself a timeline. This will help to keep you focused on what you need to think about.
# Create a routine for yourselfWhen you wake up in the morning, what do you do? Create a routine for yourself. Whether you decide to grab a coffee and read, workout, or meditate, create a healthy morning routine that’ll help start your day on a positive note.
# What do you want?
This is a great time to explore this question. What do you want out of your life? What are you looking for? Most of us don’t ask ourselves this question; instead, we just go along with what everyone else is doing. But, you need to decide what you really want out of your life.
# Reassess the type of person you want as a partnerNow that you’re on a dating break ask yourself what type of partner you want. Who do you want them to be? What qualities should they have? Now that you’re out of the dating scene, you’ll have time to self-reflect on your dating experiences and help you answer this question.
# Expand your social circleWe’ve become a little hermit-like over the past couple of years. Though dating apps have helped us meet people, they’ve also disconnected us from one another. It’s time you said yes to more social engagements and met new people. Make new friendships, who knows where they’ll go.
# Do things you always wanted to doIf you’ve always wanted to go scuba diving, now’s the time! You’re going to be saving yourself some money from going on all those dates, so invest your saved dollars into doing activities that make you happy. Explore and try new things, who knows; you just may come across a new hobby.
# Go through your emotional baggage
You may not have cleared up the skeletons in your closet, and this could be preventing you from finding the partner you want. Instead, you keep meeting people who are like your ex, for example. Now’s the time to sit with yourself and go through your past, cleaning it up.
# Talk to a professional
I love therapy and am a huge advocate for it. Therapy changed my life. If you’re struggling to meet someone you connect with or have had a traumatizing experience in your past relationships, talk to a professional about it. They’ll be able to help you process things and move on.
# Get yourself a sex toyYou said you’re taking a break from dating, right? So, you’ll need something to help you scratch that itch when the time comes. Find yourself a sex toy that works for you. You’ll be shocked at the confidence and satisfaction you’ll feel once you can control your own sexual pleasure.