Healing Before Dating: The Importance of Grieving Your Loss


It is critically important to fully process grief before entering into a new relationship. Attempting to date while still deeply immersed in grief can be detrimental to both yourself and your potential new partner, leading to unhealthy dynamics and emotional baggage carried into the new connection.  

But how????? 

  • Acknowledge your feelings: Let yourself feel sad, long, or yearn and don't be ashamed to cry

  • Reach out to caring friends and family. Talk about your feelings with them.

  • Express your feelings through journaling, writing, painting, or singing

  • Seek support from your faith community

  • Consider talking to a therapist or grief counselor

  • Take care of yourself: Eat meals at regular times. Get enough sleep. Exercise regularly.

  • Avoid substances like alcohol and caffeine that can interfere with sleep

  • Try to maintain a regular schedule

  • Participate in activities you enjoy

Other tips 

  • Accept that grief is a normal part of life

  • Don't compare your grief to others

  • Forgive yourself

  • Try to keep your life as normal as possible

  • Postpone major life changes

If your grief is interfering with your life or hasn't improved after six months, consider seeking professional help. 

Jeanne Gormick