Do you need tips for jumping back into the dating pool? Are there stories you’d like to share about your experiences? Is it support you’re looking for? It’s all here!

Huffington Post Divorcehuffingtonpost.com/divorce

Bragging Rights: A content powerhouse

The Huffington Post has a great divorce section that has everything every divorcee could ever want or need. The site is a well-known powerhouse, so readers know they can trust the advice, which ranges from real stories to funny pieces that lighten the seriousness that often comes with divorce. If there’s a divorced dating topic out there, The Huffington Post has covered it.

Social Clout: 10,577+ likes, 10,530+ followers

URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/divorce/

Since My Divorcesincemydivorce.com

Bragging Rights: Sharing stories to change the world

Since My Divorce is a wonderful site that features touching stories from men and women going through the ups and downs of divorce. With a variety of topics discussed, it opens readers’ eyes to issues they may have never considered. Since My Divorce is a therapeutic outlet for divorcees who want their voice heard and want to gain perspective on their unique situation.

Social Clout: 2,724+ followers, 471+ likes

URL: http://www.sincemydivorce.com/

Never Too Latenevertoolate.biz

Bragging Rights: The key to midlife dating

Headed by dating coach Ronnie Ann Ryan, Never Too Late is a site that gets right to the point with its advice. The content is realistic and straight up, so readers know they will succeed if they follow the tips. Ryan gives her audience the strength to walk away from any bad situation and find what they want and deserve. Ryan shares her wisdom with every single woman who has a strong desire to find love.

Social Clout: 561+ followers, 150+ likes

URL: http://www.nevertoolate.biz/

Thrive After Divorcethriveafterdivorceblog.com

Bragging Rights: Passing on the wisdom

From devastated mom to thriving business owner, spiritual divorce coach Carolyn has made it through her own divorce and has the experience to help other women do the same. With a spiritual focus, Thrive After Divorce is making the world a better place. Readers can tell Carolyn really cares and is willing to take the time to give the best advice she can.

Social Clout: 10,215+ followers

URL: http://www.thriveafterdivorceblog.com/

Divorce 360divorce360.com

Bragging Rights: If it’s over, what’s next?

Do you want immediate answers to all your divorced dating questions? Well look no further than Divorce 360, a very resourceful site that offers support, information and tools to help people at any stage of the divorce process. The advice is written by professional reporters and experts in a way that’s easy to understand and make use of in your own life.

Social Clout: 192+ followers, 49+ likes

URL: http://www.divorce360.com/

Moving Past Divorcemovingpastdivorce.com

Bragging Rights: Mother/daughter duo

Moving Past Divorce is the product of Terry Gaspard and Tracy Clifford, a mother/daughter team that strives to keep readers optimistic during a difficult time. Having experienced the turmoil of divorce in their own lives, Gaspard and Clifford provide well-researched and intelligent advice both men and women can relate to. Readers can’t go wrong.

Social Clout: 2,341+ likes, 1,848+ followers

URL: http://movingpastdivorce.com/

Midlife Divorce Recoverymidlifedivorcerecovery.com

Bragging Rights: Divorce recovery – easier, faster, for good

Started in 2006 by Suzy Brown, Midlife Divorce Recovery is a sisterhood for women going through one of the toughest experiences anyone could go through. The site consists of articles, one-one-one mentoring and news that help women begin the healing process. Brown wants readers to stop feeling guilty and start getting focused on the next adventure in life – findnig love again.

Social Clout: 245+ followers

URL: http://www.midlifedivorcerecovery.com/

51 First Dates After Divorce51firstdatesafterdivorce.com

Bragging Rights: Dating…the next time around

Maria E. Andreu is a writer, mom and divorcee who created 51 First Dates After Divorce as a funny outlet for others in the same position. Andreu blogs about all her first dates, as well as the heartbreaks, successes and struggles with finding love. Most of the stories are “upbeat musings” about what it’s like to be single again. If you’re tired of Starbucks dates, Andreu can relate.

Social Clout: 131+ followers, 43+ likes

URL: http://51firstdatesafterdivorce.com/

After Divorce Adviceafterdivorceadvice.com

Bragging Rights: The secrets to attracting the right person

Kimberly Pryor, the award-winning author and host of “The Rebuilding Your Life After Divorce Retreat,” was tired of meeting Mr. Wrong, Mr. Strange and Mr. Way Too Nice, so she created the After Divorce Advice blog to keep other people from making the same mistakes. Pryor offers easy strategies to find love and gives readers the courage to meet the person of their dreams – no matter the scenario.

Social Clout: 1,438+ followers, 771+ likes

URL: http://www.afterdivorceadvice.com/

First Wives Worldfirstwivesworld.com

Bragging Rights: The new face of divorce

First Wives Club is a private and secure environment for women who need a helping hand when experiencing relationship challenges. Through social networking, forums, mentors and more, the site provides the support divorcees need during this hard time, which makes readers feel like they’re all in this together.

Social Clout: 895+ followers, 228+ likes

URL: https://www.firstwivesworld.com/

Featured photo source: blogcdn.com.

What should a senior woman do if she doesn’t want to get remarried? Let’s look at three important questions and shine a little light on how a woman over 50 should deal with not wanting to get remarried.

1. How should she tell the man she’s dating?

The sooner the better. If you plan on never remarrying, then you need to be upfront with every man you date and tell them this very important piece of information and a bit about why you made the decision.

Just prepare yourself for the fact that your new beau may not stick around after receiving the news.

2. How can you still have a lasting relationship?

By loving each other. Just because a couple isn’t married doesn’t mean they don’t love each other as much as married couples.

If you’re a senior woman who has decided not to remarry and your guy sticks by you, give him constant reminders that not saying “I do” has nothing to do with “I love you.”

3. Is getting remarried even that important?

That’s up to you. Getting remarried and the importance of it is completely up to each individual.

Some men – whether it’s for religious or traditional reasons – will not be with a woman unless she marries him. Some men could care less about a walk down the aisle.

Just be true to yourself — marriage or not — and always keep an open line of communication with the guy in your life. And remember to tell him you love him at least once a day.

I’ve been married for 29 years but was blindsided by my wife’s announcement that she met someone, doesn’t love me anymore and is leaving. For a sensitive gentleman (I’m 66), I am kind of lost. My wife was everything. I never socialized much before and am now in a city with no friends.

Do you have any advice for me about how to be single besides being positive and confident?

-Daniel (Arizona)

Dr. Wendy Walsh’s Answer:

I’ll tell you this. If your wife was able to blindside you, there was clearly something missing in your relationship. And that’s what I’d focus on as you embark on this unscheduled life change.

Look at this crisis as an opportunity for personal growth. If you aren’t ready to “buck up” and be confident and positive, I’d say you are still grieving about the loss. This is normal.

But in order to not get stuck in the grief, you might want to enter personal therapy to sort out your feelings. There is information in your crisis that you can unlock to find freedom.

And, before you embark on a love relationship, make some platonic friends through your work or hobbies. You need to rally the troops and create a life for yourself. Don’t expect a woman to automatically do that for you.

No counseling or psychotherapy advice: The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by consumers in search of general information of interest pertaining to problems people may face as individuals and in relationships and related topics. Content is not intended to replace or serve as substitute for professional consultation or service. Contained observations and opinions should not be misconstrued as specific counseling advice.

But why do some people seem to recover more quickly while others wallow in anger, sadness and anxiety for years?

Might those quick-to-get-back-on-the-horse divorcees have been less in love? Less attached to their partner? More callus about the whole affair?

Those were some of the questions University of Arizona researchers set out to answer as they studied a group of recently divorced adults and followed their progress for a year.

And far from being less attached or loving, those who recovered faster shared a surprising personality trait: They all had a high degree of self-compassion.

The researchers broke down self-compassion into three simple concepts:

1. Kindness toward oneself.
2. Recognition of a common humanity.
3. An ability to let painful emotions pass.

It seems that the ability to recover and move on from painful experiences is directly related to these mental skills. But then can they be learned?

The U of A team, David A. Sbarra, Ph.D., who led the study along with his colleagues Hillary L. Smith and Matthias R. Mehl, aren’t sure if these skills can be acquired or whether they are just part of one’s human makeup.

I lean toward the side that the brain can learn just about anything, and I think that most cognitive therapists and those who study neuroplasticity would agree.

“Your loss is something painful

but normal for humans.”

Let’s break it down:

1. Kindness toward oneself. 

Kindness toward oneself is simply the absence of negative dialogue in your head.

If you carry a critical voice inside yourself (perhaps one that chastises you for your role in the relationship failure or admonishes you for not getting over things quickly), then you can replace those negative thoughts with more positive words, such as “I did my best with what I knew at the time,” or, “I will allow myself the time I need to mourn because I know this, too, will pass.”

2. Recognition of common humanity.

Recognition of a common humanity is the acceptance that you are only human. And that your pain has been felt by others who survived this. At the highest level, recognition of a common humanity might include feelings of compassion for the partner you are angry with.

3. Ability to let emotions pass.

An ability to let painful emotions pass can be increased through meditation, exercise, pro-social behaviors like charity work and random acts of kindness, and reaching out to family and friends to find support.

These are the proven natural anti-depressants. Exercise, relationships and altruism.

Finally, understanding that your loss is something painful but normal for humans can help you change your perspective about your situation.

I have never lost a spouse and will never pretend to know what it feels like, but I am an optimistic person. I’d like to think that if my husband passed, I’d spend the time I needed to mourn, and then I would realize that life and love are beautiful things. I’d never “move on,” but I’d certainly be open to love again.

For senior women — who very well could have been with their husband for decades — how long should you mourn? And if you meet a man after the death of your spouse, when should you bring up your widow status and open up about the experience?

How long should the mourning period be?

There is no right or wrong answer to this. People will tell you that you should either get out there and start dating or that you’re moving too fast. I know it’s hard, but try to not listen to any of them.

You are the only person who knows how long you will mourn. One day you will wake up and no longer feel like the weight of the world is on your chest.

The conversation depends on a lot of factors.

When it comes to bringing up your widow status, that conversation depends on a lot of factors.

If you meet a man who is a widower, then you’re going to get a whole lot more empathy and understanding. If you start dating a man who has never lost a spouse, then it will take longer to ease him into comprehending the pain you’ve experienced by losing a partner.

Like I said, I’ve never lost a spouse. I have no idea what it feels like. But I am a lover of life and a lover of love. I’d like to think it’s possible to have more than one true love in your life. I’d like to think it’s possible to always behold the memory of your husband and realize that you deserve the chance to be happy again.

I’ve been broken up with my child’s father for three years, and now he is seeing someone else. I made a mistake back then. How can I get him back?

-Alex

Dr. Wendy Walsh’s Answer:

You can’t “get” him back. You can only show him you are an honest, loyal and loving mother to his child. And you can tell him your feelings about him – with love, remorse and brutal honesty.

What he does with that information is up to him. You may not get his heart but you will get his respect, and the biggest winner will be the child who you are both now tied to forever.

No counseling or psychotherapy advice: The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by consumers in search of general information of interest pertaining to problems people may face as individuals and in relationships and related topics. Content is not intended to replace or serve as substitute for professional consultation or service. Contained observations and opinions should not be misconstrued as specific counseling advice.

In journalism it’s called the five Ws and one H. Here is the who, what, when, where, why and how advice to dating after divorce.

1. Who?

This depends on your age. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, then go for any suitable bachelor. If you’re in your 40s or 50s, it’s safer to look for a fellow divorcee or widow.

It’s like that saying, “Where are all the good hotel rooms?” They’re either taken (married) or overlook the parking lot (undesirable).

2. What?

Um, preferably a man who is better (i.e. personality, character, morals, ethics, honesty and stability) than the last man you were with.

“You date after divorce by realizing

that a lot of people are in the same boat.”

3. When?

When you’re ready. If the divorce was a long time coming, then pull up your bootstraps and get back out there. If it was a sudden (ahem) adulterous situation and there are kids involved, then you need to take your time playing the field. Be sure you are emotionally detached and physically capable of going on a first date.

4. Where?

You may have been out of the scene for a while, but that doesn’t mean you should be careless. Meet a new guy in a well-lit, public place like a coffee shop or sidewalk cafe. Your newfound freedom shouldn’t be an excuse for stupidity.

5. Why?

The why is simple because everyone deserves a second chance at love. Maybe the first marriage didn’t work out, but that doesn’t mean you should put on a chastity belt, dress in all black and join a nunnery — unless that’s your calling, of course.

6. How?

You date after divorce by being confident, sexy and realizing that a lot of people are in the same boat — the “love boat” of getting out in the world and looking for another partner.

Whether it’s a lifelong partner or just someone to go on vacations with, keep looking. You never know.

Yes, I just gave you the journalism geek way of dating after divorce, but that doesn’t mean you should chagrin at the five Ws and one H. After all, they may come in handy one time or another.

Well, you do so as a mature adult and hope they respond in the same manner.

Everyone deserves a shot at love.

Let’s look at Lucy, a fictional 60-year-old widow and mother of three grown sons (ages 38, 40 and 42). Lucy’s husband passed away five years ago. After all the time she’s spent mourning and being lonely, Lucy is ready to start dating again. She just doesn’t know how she’s going to tell her sons.

Instead of spilling the beans midrelationship, it’s smart for Lucy to tell her boys that she plans on dating, so that when it happens they’re not as shocked.

Also, if Lucy stands up to them in a surefire, confident way, they have no other choice than to get behind her and support the decision. After all, everyone should be given a second or third or fourth shot at love.

Be prepared.

Let’s look at another situation. Barbara has been divorced from her husband for just under a year. They were married 35 years and have two grown daughters together.

Barbara wants to start dating again and her daughters think it’s too soon. In fact, they’ve been very adamant that they won’t support their mother in a new relationship. What does Barbara do?

This is a sticky situation. Alienating her daughters is the last thing she wants to do, but her marriage to their father was over way before a year ago, and she’s ready to find happiness again.

Barbara should sit her daughters down and explain all of this to them. But she should also prepare herself that no matter what she has to say, her daughters won’t support it.

Dating when you have adult children is difficult and stressful. They are grown-ups now and have their own opinions on how you should live your life – what’s acceptable and what isn’t.

Stand up for yourself, be honest, be mature, and try and put yourself in their shoes.

My ex-husband sent me an email that said I was a great woman, he loved me deeply and I would always be on his mind. He said he was ashamed of himself for letting someone like me go. Why would he send me this after being divorced for almost a week?

-Cindy S. (Texas)

Dr. Wendy Walsh’s Answer:

There are three possible psychological reasons for his show of love to you just one week after the divorce.

1. He feels relief and some guilt.

Now that things are settled and the divorce is final, he can put on his rose-colored glasses and remember the good things about you.

2. He’s feeling separation anxiety.

When the divorce papers are finally signed, it’s official. It’s over. No matter how bad the marriage was, this evidence of closure can bring up a strange separation anxiety.

As long as the divorce was pending, he knew you might somehow reunite. But now things are final. This can cause self-doubt and separation anxiety.

3. He wants you back.

I don’t know who initiated the divorce, how long you were separated, or what injuries occurred within the relationship, but I do know this is a common post-divorce reaction.

If you think this could be the feeling that prompted his email, think long and hard before you jump back into the fire. The best indicator of someone’s future behavior is their past behavior.

No counseling or psychotherapy advice: The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by consumers in search of general information of interest pertaining to problems people may face as individuals and in relationships and related topics. Content is not intended to replace or serve as substitute for professional consultation or service. Contained observations and opinions should not be misconstrued as specific counseling advice.

The important element in all of life’s changes is that an exciting new life always replaces the old one. Excitement and vibrancy never have to be lost for a resilient human being, and a new romance (or an old one!) later in life can have just as much youthful vigor as you had with your college sweetheart, your main squeeze at Woodstock, or the enchanting girl on that moonlit beach all those years ago.

If you want to feel young in your love life and experience the kind of excitement you had when love was a new frontier, you really can do it. It’s all a matter of how you feel, how you live, and how adventurous you are on your dates.

You’re as young as you feel.

You don’t have to look very far to see the truth and wisdom in this old platitude. Good health keeps you vigorous, vigor keeps you active, and activity keeps you young. If you feel good, you can enjoy life more fully.

Very few of us want to spend hours in the gym, but there are plenty of ways to work a little more activity into our lives.

A walk to the park to feed the squirrels or watch the kids play, a brisk morning power walk around the mall, a bike ride, or 15 minutes on the spinning cycle in the living room two or three times a week can make a world of difference in your strength, stamina and mood. A little sweat actually helps to bring back your humor and ability to engage with other people.

A lighter, healthier diet will also do wonders for your zip and zest for life. If you’re feeling like your get-up-and-go got up and went, try getting some of the carbs, salt and sugar out of your diet from those easy prepared meals, and get more fresh proteins, vegetables and fruits into your diet.

Small changes can give you better regularity, help you shed a pound or two, have a cleansing effect on your whole system, and just make you feel better.

When the colors of the world start to seem brighter and closer, that is when others will be more drawn to the colors and brightness of your spirit. You will feel more in step with life, enjoy life more, be happier, be more outgoing, in good humor around others, and start feeling and acting younger.

“Treat her with the same energy that you

treated your dates with back in high school.”

Just do it.

For years, you were too busy with work and family to keep up any of your favorite hobbies and pastimes. Reigniting a passion for the activities you love can help you fire up your jet engines for romance, too.

Get out those old tools and do some woodworking. Start with a birdhouse or a jewelry box. Dust off your bowling ball and take it out for a test drive at the nearest lanes.

Clean up and paint that Weber grill you used for cooking up your famous steaks and ribs, and invite a friend or two over to break it in all over again. Oil up your slide trombone or get new strings for that vintage Gibson guitar in the attic.

Put some horseshoe stakes in the backyard, fix the backboard on that basketball hoop over the garage, or clean up the old woods and irons and head for a par-3 course down the street.

Becoming actively involved in the things you feel passionately about can be so much more than great exercise. It can make you a more interesting person and give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

And it will make you a lot better catch for a great lady who’s still young at heart. Having something to live for keeps you young and makes you so much more attractive to the fairer sex.

Date like a young man.

Now that you’ve got the spunk and outlook of a rodeo bronco again, take your lady out and show her a good time. Do it old school by giving her a single flower or a couple of daisies you picked yourself when you pick her up.

Be energetic, smile, and tell her how young and gorgeous she looks. Be relaxed, chat, and hold her hand on the way to the car. And, of course, open the door for her.

Have a CD or radio station with music from your favorite band or era playing in the car, and take her some place that will make her smile and laugh.

Start at a drive-in hamburger stand for a root beer float or butterscotch shake. Most cities have one or two old-style A&Ws or 50s-themed drive-ins.

From the drive-in restaurant, take her to a drive-in movie. Share a bucket of popcorn, a large soda, a bag of Twizzlers, and maybe a kiss before the movie is over.

Just stay for one feature, and then take her for a little dancing and a drink. There are a lot of tribute bands that play the music of the popular bands from the 70s or 80s, and a lot of 50s and 60s groups too, not to mention a host of Elvis impersonators who are always playing somewhere.

Of course, you can’t make every date a reenactment of the old days, but you can always treat her with the same energy, deference and excitement that you treated your dates with back in high school or college.

The music, the conversation, and the little physical thrills go a long way to adding some youthful excitement that just has a way of making dating so much fun.