Dating can be daunting at the best of times and even more so if you are returning to the scene after a long-term relationship or marriage. When you’re dating someone new, there’s no way to know what the other person is thinking and it's easy to assume the worst. According to experts, however, negative thoughts can be the ultimate relationship killer thanks to the tight feedback loop that exists between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. That’s why, in today’s episode, we’re sharing some tips for how to keep your brain from sabotaging your dating life, particularly if you are in the second half of your life! Listen in as Kelly and Megan reflect on how to build meaningful connections, deal with rejection, and prioritize your own happiness. We also touch on the importance of open communication, doing the work to heal your past traumas, and being kind to yourself in the process, plus so much more! Above all else, it’s important to take your time and always put your safety (and sanity) first. If you’re looking to date and find love but you aren’t sure where to start, we hope you’ll join us today for some practical advice and thought-provoking conversation!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s topic: Negative Thoughts While Dating!
• Why dating today is harder than it used to be, particularly in the second half of your life.
• How to build connections in a meaningful way by pursuing your interests and surrounding yourself with like-minded people.
• Our advice for dealing with the rejection that comes with dating; remember, it’s not personal!
• Why it might not be the right time to start dating if you’re going through a major life change.
• The importance of prioritizing your happiness and not waiting until you have an ‘empty nest’.
• Advice for dating later in life when you have children, health issues, responsibilities to your aging parents, or financial difficulties to consider.
• Why open communication about these issues early on is important.
• The value of doing the work to heal past traumas before embarking on a new relationship.
• Finding the balance between healthy compromise and settling for less than you are worth.
• Remaining open-minded, exploring niche dating sites, finding new interests, and more!
• Why dating can be especially difficult for those coming out of long-term relationships.
• Kelly’s advice for those reentering the dating pool: don’t force it! 
• While negative thoughts are inevitable, it’s about not being too hard on yourself.

Tweetables:

“The best way to meet people is to do things that interest you and put yourself in that environment around like-minded people. Then, you'll naturally make connections and you don't need to be pursuing it.” — Kelly Castillo [0:09:18]

“Happiness at any age in your life, for your own self and self-love and self-worth, is a thing and [should be] a priority.” — Megan Block [0:14:22]

“I would highly encourage anyone who's gone through a breakup, a divorce, a loss, to do the work, to heal that trauma before you move onto the next relationship.” — Kelly Castillo [0:25:40]

“Dating itself as an adult can be fun because you're exploring new parts of life that you might not have ever explored or considered had you not met that person.” — Megan Block [0:34:49]

“You have to let go of what is not meant for you in order to find what the universe has for you. There is something out there for you. There's something out there for everyone. Don't force it.” — Kelly Castillo [0:39:09]

“Negative thoughts in the dating world are inevitable, but it's about not taking it too hard on yourself and knowing that there are ways to go about it; in a great way, in a fun way, in an exciting way. It's supposed to be an exciting time in our lives, no matter when it starts.” — Megan Block [0:44:02]

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