Should I Consider Taking A Break From Dating?

Dating is not always a walk in the park. Sometimes, relationships don't work out, challenges arise, and it's not always easy to deal with the aftermath of a dating experience that ended badly. The success, or lack thereof, that can come along with dating will largely depend upon both parties, the dynamics within the relationship, and much more. There are all kinds of reasons why dating and relationships don't work out the way people initially expect them to. Managing ongoing dating woes can also cause someone to wonder whether or not they should consider taking a break from dating. If this sounds like you, there's nothing to feel badly about. Ultimately, only you can determine whether or not taking a break from dating is best for you. However, there may be some important details and pieces of information you should be aware of as you make a decision.

How to know if you should take a break from dating

In general, only you can determine whether or not taking a break from dating is best for you. This likely isn't a decision anyone else can make for you; however, an informed decision can ultimately yield the best results for you, regardless of which route you choose. 

With that being said, if any of the following indicators resonate with you, it may be a sign that taking a break from dating is in your best interests. Remember that deciding not to date for a while doesn’t have a forever decision; you can always change your mind later when the timing feels more right.

Your gut is telling you to take a break

As human beings, our instincts and gut feelings can be much more important than they're given credit for. If you feel in your heart of hearts that dating is wearing you down, then taking a break might not be such a bad idea. Ultimately, you may have to do what's best for you regardless of outside pressures. Nobody else has to live with the consequences of any adverse advice that they may give. If something inside of you is telling you to take a break, don't be afraid to listen to that voice.

You don't know what you want anymore

Whenever you're dating and involved in romantic relationships, you likely need to know what you want for the best results. Being sure of what you do and don't want can help you save time and avoid relationships with people with whom you lack compatibility. If you find yourself in a situation where you're unsure of what you want, taking a break might be good for you. This hiatus can allow you to regroup, regain emotional clarity, and get a clearer picture of what you're looking for in a relationship.

Regaining an idea of what you want in a relationship can happen as quickly or slowly as you wish. Don’t feel as though you have to rush this process. Trust yourself and take as much time as you need to determine what type of relationship will be best for you.

You’re losing yourself in dating

If you feel as though you're losing yourself in the process of dating, this may be a very strong indicator that a break from dating might be good for you. Dating can be something that should contribute to the quality of your life, not detract from it or take over completely. If you're considering taking a break from dating because you have neglected other parts of your life, it may indeed be the best decision to make, at least for a while. 

You’re not over a previous relationship

Dating can be tricky, but when you're not over a past relationship, this can make matters even trickier. If this is something you're navigating, taking a break from dating might be in your best interest. When you're not over a previous relationship, this typically means that you have thoughts and feelings which you're still processing.

Taking a break from dating in this situation can benefit you in the long term. Once you've processed and fully come to terms with the events that transpired in a previous relationship, you'll likely be in a much better mental state and more equipped to date again. 

You’re dating for the wrong reasons

The reasons that motivate you to date and enter into relationships can significantly impact your experiences. There's nothing wrong with dating if it's something that you're interested in or if you'd like to experience companionship. However, if you're dating for the sake of proving a point to others, fitting in with a certain crowd, or for other similar reasons, taking a break altogether may be good for you.

For better or for worse, the law of attraction can be a very real presence in each person's life. The reasons and factors that are motivating you to date can have a certain impact on the individuals who you attract into your romantic life. This is another reason why taking a break from dating may improve your experiences. When you're dating for the right reasons, you're generally much more likely to come into contact with better people for you and enjoy more satisfying romantic relationships.

It's okay to be single

Far too often, people are led to believe that they should always be dating, in a relationship, or otherwise seeking a romantic partner. There's nothing wrong with any of these things, but when they start to take a toll on your mental health and emotional wellbeing, that's when taking a break may ultimately be the best course of action. Being single is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of; neither is stepping back from dating to regroup and gain clarity. Never feel as though something is wrong with you because you're not dating or romantically involved with someone.

Being single often gives people time to focus on themselves, confront issues that may be bothering them, and otherwise better themselves as individuals. Dating and relationships will likely always be available, but having a good relationship with yourself can be important, too.

Seeking professional support

If you're thinking of taking a break from dating but are unsure or otherwise could use some advice, the good news is that you don't have to go through this alone. Working with a therapist can make a significant difference in your life, whether you talk about dating or not. A therapist can not only get to know you and your situation, but they can also provide a unique perspective that differs from your own; this can be another benefit of having a reliable specialist to confide in.

The merits of seeking professional help are not necessarily mutually exclusive to fixing dating complications, either. No matter who you are and regardless of your relationship status, working with a professional therapist can improve the quality of your life. 

In today's quick-paced world, signing up for online therapy can be a great step towards getting help without infringing upon your schedule. Not everyone has the time to make it to a therapist's office each week, but this shouldn't impact your ability to get the care and help you need. You can take advantage of online therapy anytime, and from anywhere. This is something that can come in handy for individuals with busy schedules and various obligations.

Research suggests that there could be a positive link between good self-esteem, mental health, and creating fulfilling relationships, whether romantic or not. So, if you take steps now to work on yourself, it’s likely that both your personal mental health and your success with future relationships (if you pursue any) will be better off. Sometimes, putting yourself first can be the best way to figure out how to move forward with others. 

Takeaway

You may want to take a break from dating if you’re not sure what you want, tend to have a hard time balancing love and life, or otherwise think you could benefit from a bit more focus on yourself. Working with a licensed mental health professional like a therapist can help you achieve this goal and more. Remember, too, that there doesn’t have to be anything wrong with being single; what matters most is likely that you’re happy, and that can be true regardless of your relationship status.