Being in a relationship requires a lot of energy and commitment. Relationships truly are hard work and if you haven’t yet healed from a previous one it can be hard to jump into something new without messing it up. Here are 7 things you could do to prepare yourself for a new relationship and be ready to fall in love again.
By Mariam Elhamy
Learn to Love Yourself
It goes without saying that loving yourself first is how other people can love you too. God knows it’s hard to love and treat yourself right after a breakup, especially if your ex didn’t treat you right but you can start by taking care of yourself and your needs.
Could be as simple as getting a new haircut or exercising more regularly. Spend some quality time alone with yourself and learn to realize it’s not a bad thing.
Think About What You Want
Consider your past issues, what went wrong with your past relationship? How do you think you deserve to be treated? What did you do wrong that you would do differently this time? In order to start something new you need to fully know what to expect and what is expected of you and to see if you can live with it.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask for What You Want
Knowing exactly what you want is one thing and asking for it is something else entirely. So you’ve thought about what you want out of a relationship now it’s time to put it into words. This will make it so much easier when you’re dating someone new.
Don’t Wait for Love to Come To You
Love happens when you least expect it. Trust me it has happened to all of us and one day it will happen to you. You just need to stop putting all your energy into finding someone and trusting that they will come at the right time. If you’ve already found them but are not feeling ready for something yet, follow these steps.
Do The Things You Always Wanted to Do
Remember that course you’ve always wanted to take but always found a reason to put it off? Well, it’s time you do them! Busying yourself with the things you love will not only make you feel accomplished, but it will also make you widen your interests and help you meet new people.
Learn To Be Vulnerable
This might sound easy but it’s really not. You might not even realize you’re closed off but it’s hard to accept love and give in return if you don’t open up. Your whole life you’ve been taught not to show emotions because showing emotions is a weakness. Imagine the relief you’ll feel when you finally open up to someone you love and can trust.
Accept that We Are All Different
We all expect to be loved in different ways. Not knowing how you want to be loved or how your partner wants to be loved is normal at first, but communicating really is the best way to tackle issues before they get out of hand. Learn about the 5 different love languages and listen to Dua Lipa’s song Love Again.
