First off, we all know that dating can be tricky; trying to talk to new people, making plans to go out with your friends and mingle with people in your age group, actually getting to know people, and trying to push your way past the meaningless hook-ups to start dating again. Add on top of that the overbearing sadness of working your way through your recent breakup, and it gets exponentially harder. You get reminded of things your ex did in others, ways of talking, small actions. You adjust to not being with them every day, and slowly, things get easier.
1. Letting your family and close friends know about the breakup.
Your family will (hopefully) be there for you and support you through the rough patch you're going through, and give you advice on good places to go to meet new people and make new friends. Your close friends will know how to bring you out and treat you to good times, and it's good to be with them so you aren't alone, stewing in your thoughts.
2. Have a rebound.
Get with someone who can take your mind off of what's just happened. It can be strictly sexual, or maybe you can have a short relationship after your breakup. Don't go into a long term relationship again just because it's what you're used to.
3. Get re-acquainted with your social media accounts.
I'm not very savvy when it comes to social media. I rarely post on Facebook and my Instagram is sparse. Trying my hand at apps like Tinder and Bumble was a terrible attempt to connect with new people. At a 19-going-on-20 age group, I couldn't get into a bar to try to talk to new people. This age is by far the worst to try to talk to potential suitors, for no one actually wants to meet and chat; they just want to text and use Snapchat.
4. Reconnect with old friends.
This part can be hard, due to conflicting work schedules, distance barriers, or your friends having changed since the last time you've talked to them. Talking to people you went to middle or high school with can be refreshing, and through them, you can network with their social circles and meet more and more people. Don't go in expecting much though; these people have changed just as you have, so keep an open mind.
5. Start dating.
This came easier to me than it probably did for others. While I was working on rekindling old friendships, a girl I hadn't talked to in years messaged me over Facebook. We hit it off, talking nonstop for the next few days. She asked to get coffee at a local restaurant, and we've been together ever since.
6. Get over your ex.
The new person you're dating should make you forget about your ex. Sure, there will be little things they do that remind you of your past relationship, like the way your new girlfriend/boyfriend says something, acts a certain way, or little things like how they brush their hair to the side when it gets in their face.
However, appreciate how the good things outweigh the reminders; how they can make you laugh more than anyone else has, the way they look at you when you've had a rough day. Don't let your past relationship seep into your new one. This is your chance to start new. Take it.
