For this week’s Weekly Advice, we wanted to share this article we found from Parenting.com author, Christine Coppa that was recently featured on cnn.com.
Single mom and dads, if you’re feeling butterflies about dating again, you’re not alone! Read on as single parents share their dating dilemmas and relationship expert and author Amy Spencer (she’s been featured on our blog before ) solves them.
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Where Can I Meet People? I don’t really find myself in adult environments these days.
Solution: Spencer says to rethink that afternoon of fun. "It's hard to meet your match when everyone you're hanging out with is under three feet tall."
She recommends, instead of heading to kid-centered places, to try some kid-friendly ones, where you might be able to scope out a cutie.
"A museum, bookstore, sidewalk fair, farmer's market, or a park without swings where your kid can run on the grass and play catch are all places where adults hang out too," advises Spencer.
How Do I Get Back Into the Game? The last guy I dated was my son’s father.
Solution: If you're feeling butterflies in your stomach (or like you could use a shot of liquid courage) don't worry — it's normal, according to Spencer.
"We're always nervous when we step into new or unfamiliar territory. Embrace that nervous energy, those sweaty palms and the knots in your stomach, because they're all signs you're taking a positive step forward to try something new in your life. You have to step out on a limb sometimes — that's where all the fruit is."
To put things in greater perspective, think about all of the things you've managed as a single parent: middle-of-the-night illness, potty training, getting the bills paid. A date with a cutie and a cocktail is nothing — it's fun! And you deserve it.
How Do I Find Time to Date? I have my son every other weekend and every Wednesday night. Should I let my date know that I have priorities when it comes to scheduling? I’m ready to meet some women, but should I even bother?
Solution: This doesn't sound like a problem, but more like an excuse! Spencer says, "If you really want love in your life, you're never too busy to make it happen. Maybe you're not looking for a full-time serious relationship yet, and that's okay. Maybe all you're up for right now is meeting some women, without the pressure of a big relationship looming.
"As much as you feel encumbered by your busy schedule, don't come to the table with an appointment book that makes your dates feel like business meetings you've squeezed in between the office and time with your son. Ask them out in the times you have open without listing every one of your commitments before you've even met for coffee."
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Our Advice: The biggest issues parents face when it comes to entering the dating world again (meeting people, scheduling, etc.) is completely taken care of here at It’s Just Lunch! After your interview with your Director, you will be matched (hand-selected, we don’t use computers here!) with someone compatible for you. We will tell you all the details about your match and coordinate a date for the two of you at a restaurant for lunch in the afternoon or a drink after work, whatever works best with your schedule. We are master coordinators at scheduling dates and the First Date Specialists of Minneapolis, what do you have to lose? Now is a great time to jump back into the dating scene (picture sipping a cocktail on a patio in this nice weather)! Give us a call today, 612. 376.7373.
