Going through a divorce changes a person’s life. You’ve been with your significant other for many years, and now you have to start over. People who go through a divorce when they are 50 and over tend to struggle so much more because they often feel it’s too late to start over.
The good news is that there is hope for anyone who goes through a divorce, no matter what age you are. Spend some time to grieve the loss and then prepare yourself to move on and be happy. Check out these five steps to help singles over 50 move on after a divorce.
1. Consider a Dating Site
When you’re ready to put yourself back out there and start dating again, there are tons of dating sites to choose from. For singles over 50, we recommend a niche dating site that is geared toward seniors. You can choose from senior dating sites that specifically cater to people closer to your age category.
Using a site for people 50 and over just means you have fewer options to have to dig through to find the best matches. Set up your profile, be specific about what you are looking for, and then be intentional about using the site and trying to connect. It’s a great way to meet new people!
2. Take Some Time for You
It’s important to take some time for yourself. Whether you were married for five years or 25 years, your life is going to significantly change. When was the last time you just focused on personal needs or taking time to take care of yourself?
Get a pedicure, enjoy a spa day, or spend a day reading on the couch. This is your chance to just enjoy the moments and not have to worry about taking care of everyone else around you. It’s the perfect time to focus on self-care.
Everyone does self-care differently. There isn’t a right or wrong way. The idea is simply to take time to get to know yourself again and enjoy your independence.
3. Spend Time with Friends
It’s time to spend time with friends and develop new friendships. How many friends do you have that you haven’t been very good at staying connected with while you were married? It happens to all of us. We get caught up in our lives and families, and many times, friendships get the last priority. We simply don’t have time.
But now you do. And if you feel like you don’t have many close friends, it is the perfect time to go make some! Get involved in community events and activities, become part of local groups, plan friend outings and group events together, and enjoy your friendships. This is a great time to renew and rebuild.
4. Take Time to Heal
One big mistake that singles make is instantly rebounding or jumping into deep relationships when they simply aren’t ready to do so. It doesn’t matter if you have trauma, hurt, anger, bitterness, or joy from your divorce. You need time to heal.
Even if this was a mutual separation because it just wasn’t working, you still need time to heal. Give yourself that time. Can you date around while you are healing? Yes, but it’s better if you wait. Don’t jump right into a new commitment before you cope with the loss of this marriage.
There is nothing wrong with just taking time. Work through your feelings and emotions. Consider speaking to a professional or going through counseling. You can even just join support groups or group sessions to speak with other people who are healing.
People heal in unique ways, so find what works for you. Just don’t neglect to take that time and work through any healing process before moving on.
5. Try Something New!
Now that your life is changing, it’s time to try something new. What is a hobby you have been interested in and just never made the time for? Maybe you have always wanted to travel, but you just have never made it happen. This is the time to get out there and try new things.
You get to define who you are and what you are going to do. Maybe you will join a gym or sign up for a local volunteer opportunity. Perhaps you will start crafting or take up knitting. What you do is up to you. There are tons of options out there to try new things, and this is your opportunity!
Determine who you are and who you want to be, and take the chance to make it happen. Now is YOUR time.
