Dating, in general, can be challenging. But if you are in recovery, it adds a new twist to things. The relationships you maintain with others need to be healthy to help you on your path of sober living. Before you even begin to date, you need to have your priorities in order and be in a good place physically, mentally and emotionally. Once you are ready to date, here are a few tips that can help you.
Be Honest About Your Situation
If you are looking to date and you are living a sober life, you will want to be upfront and honest about that with anyone you are considering dating. While it may be scary to talk about your past, the person you want to date needs to know in order, to better understand you and to help you avoid situations which may be unhealthy for you.
Define Your Boundaries
One of the keys to healthy relationships is defining your boundaries. But this is even more important when you are dating while in early stages of recovery. Always make it clear to the person what your boundaries are. If you don’t like or are uncomfortable going to bars or nightclubs, let them know you won’t go. If you don’t want to be at parties or family gatherings with drinking going on, let them know. They can still decide to go without you.
Make Time for Therapy
When you begin to date, you may not have as much free time as you once did. However, it is still extremely important that you make time for therapy or support meetings. This gives you a chance to talk about how you are feeling and get the emotional support that you need throughout your journey.
Take it Slow
Lastly, be sure to take it slow. Rushing into any relationship can present challenges. Take your time to really get to know the other person and determine if you are a good fit for each other before moving forward in the relationship.
Dating while in recovery can present new challenges, as it stirs up new emotions. At the My 12 Step Store, we are committed to helping you on your path to recovery. If you are looking for books or other products that can help you throughout your journey, we sell them. Visit our website today to check out our inventory and to see what products we have that can benefit you on your sober living path.