How Single Parents Can Start A Relationship Amid A Pandemic
According to a study by the Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support, there are about 13.6 million solo parents in the United States. This is a huge number of people, which means that not many of them can get married or remarry. We can't deny that it's difficult for single parents to start dating. With the responsibility of raising kids and how time and energy-consuming that is, it's no surprise that not many single parents can find time to meet new people and potentially find the love of their lives.
Dating when you're a solo parent is a challenge, but even more so during a pandemic. When non-essential places like bars, restaurants, gyms, and other places for leisure can close down at any moment, it isn't easy to meet new people the traditional way. If you are a solo parent, know that it's not impossible to still meet somebody interesting who could make you happy. Here are some tips to help you find the love of your life in 2021.
Maximize technology
Thanks to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter, and online dating networks like Bumble and Tinder, there is no shortage of ways for you to get connected with new people and not just to find prospective dates, too. When connecting with new people online, however, make sure to practice the following safety precautions to keep you and your kids safe from potentially dangerous strangers:
Don't immediately give away sensitive information like your home and work addresses, the names of your kids and where your kids go to school, and other information that they can use to track you down.
If you are planning to meet up with someone you've talked to online, make sure to choose a public and neutral space, like a busy cafe in the middle of the day. Don't forget to inform people you trust about where you're going.
Explore dating services
Another untapped resource that you can look into is an elite dating service provider. These services might cause you to pay upfront, but if you see their success rate, you might find it's an investment worth making. Especially if you live in a city where interesting people who match your type and standards are already taken, and if you feel like your chances are getting lower by the year, don't hesitate to set up a consultation appointment to see just what might be in store for you.
Seek help from trusted family and friends
If you are surrounded by good people and a community you know has your best interests at heart, why not ask them to set you up with somebody? You'd be surprised by how many people you can meet through the family and friends you already have in your life. Get in touch with old friends, people from high school or college whom you know are also in touch with your old schoolmates. You never know what type of sparks will fly through old connections and fairy godmother matchmakers.
It's never too early to prepare
Even if you haven't met the person yet, it will do you well to start preparing yourself to be the best partner you can be for that person. Here are some tips for preparing to be the best boyfriend or girlfriend for your future partner:
Settle your hang-ups, especially ones that have to do with your parents and co-parent. Our early familial relationships can greatly affect how we'll be in romantic relationships. If you don't heal from the trauma you've experienced in your past, it might bleed into your new relationship. As for the mother or father of your child, if you still have remaining baggage over that relationship, it will be unfair for your new partner. Deal with past pain first, and make sure you're ready before you start dating again. It's not about perfection, but you need to have a certain level of healing to be ready for a healthy, loving, committed relationship.
Learn how to communicate well and properly. Dating when you have kids who are your highest priority can be difficult because you need to manage your future partner's expectations. If they can't accept your circumstances and your kids, then they might not be the one for you.
Dating in any context is hard, but even more so when we're single parents and when we're doing it during a public health crisis. It's hard, but it's not impossible, so don't be afraid to explore the resources available to you at this moment.