You have just gotten over a divorce and you are unsure if you are able to accept someone else again. If you are coming to terms with this issue, you are not alone. Most divorced people do not know if they really need a partner again, especially those with children. Will my new partner be able to accept my kids? Will my new partner treat me better than my last husband/wife? Whatever the reasons for the divorce are, you need to start thinking about the future. You need to know that the divorce is not entirely your fault and that you need not take full responsibility. Remember, you have the right to love someone else again.

Here are some tips for those who are seeking a new relationship.

1. Understand that your new partner is not a replacement of your previous relationship. Do not expect your new date to understand or do the things that your ex-spouse did. Each of us are different and in order to live a fulfilling life, you need to let go of your past.

2. Give yourself, and your new partner, time. It can be really difficult to accept a new love, especially if you had been hurt in your previous relationship. But like I say, not everyone is the same. He/she might not treat you the same way as your ex-spouse did. Learn as much things about him/her during the dating stage. If you think that things cannot work out, just move on.

3. Assess your current self-worth. Do you feel an all-time low and that your self-esteem has hit rock bottom? If you are suffering from a negative self-image, it is important that you take steps to create a positive image. Sit down and make a list of your positive attributes. You can also talk to a close friend about this. By reaffirming your good qualities, you are picking up where you left off. A good way to build your confidence is to read books on motivation and personal development.

4. Plan activities. Offer to hold parties with your friends and family, and invite your new date over. By doing so, your new love can get to know you and your friends better, and vice versa. Your friends can also help to access if your new partner is worth keeping.

5. Know that not everyone fits your criteria. Dating is a ‘testing’ stage and do not be too upset when things don’t work out. Take it as a lesson learnt. You just have to move on and look for the right person. If you choose to dwell over the past, your love problems will just lurk around you. Guess what? You are back to square one.