If you are about to embark on a new relationship there are a number of things you should bear in mind, especially if you've been hurt in the recent past. Have a read though our top five tips to starting over again to find out the best way of handling your re-launch onto the dating scene.
Tip 1 - Learn From Your Past
Before you move on to a new relationship, you should take some time to think about the positive and negative aspects of your previous relationship. What were the good parts? What made you happy? What made you unhappy? Where did it start to go wrong? Would you be able to spot the warning signs if it happened again? Although it's not possible to prevent any future hurt and heartache, it IS possible to protect yourself from it to some extent by learning to be more in touch with your feelings and behaviour. If you can learn to understand yourself and your own feelings, you will be better equipped to understand the emotions and feelings that a new relationship can bring.
Tip 2 - Leave Your Past Behind
Going through a break-up is often likened to going through a bereavement because of the need to go through the same stages of grieving. These are:
- denial
- anger
- bargaining
- depression
- acceptance
Make sure that you are able to accept support where it is offered and see each stage for what it is: simply a step that you will be able to work through. When you have worked through your grief and are ready to move on, try to leave those feelings behind you; although they are part of who you are, they are also part of your past.
