Specific Dating Scenarios
Can long distance romantic relationships work?
A long distance romantic relationship can definitely work if the couple is willing to communicate with each other. Even though they don't see each other physically, they have to be able to communicate with each other, either over the phone or through the internet, some way. Without communication, you can't have a long distance romantic relationship that's going to work.
What should I consider before dating a single parent?
Before you date a single parent, there are a lot of things you have to consider. First of all, the child comes first. You may not be the person that's the priority, it's the child. Next, there may be financial problems because of the alimony; the financial issues may come up all the time. There may also be broken plans. The child, as I said, comes first. So oftentimes, if the child is sick, or if the child has an event at school, your date may not go through. So there are a lot of things that you have to keep in mind when you do date a single parent.
I'm a single parent. Are there any dating guidelines I should keep in mind?
If you're a single parent and you want to date, there are a lot of things that you have to consider. First of all, you have to be really honest with the person and tell them that you do have a child. Secondly, you have to realize that some people don't like children, or may not want to be around a child. So you have to screen those people out. You also have to be aware as a single parent that the child oftentimes will be sick. The child will oftentimes not be in a position where you can go on your date. So that's something to be aware of.
What should I consider when dating someone who is divorced?
If you're dating someone who is divorced, you first of all have to find out how long they have been divorced for. If it has been a short time they may have many emotional problems. Unfortunately some of those problems are going to be taken out on you because they may offload all of their anger towards their ex-spouse onto you and that's not something you want to deal with. They may have financial problems. They may have problems with their children. There are myriad of difficulties involved when dating someone who has recently been divorced. But if you want to hang in there and you can be patient and supportive, it could develop into a great relationship.
I'm recently divorced. Are there any dating guidelines I should keep in mind?
If you're recently divorced, there are a lot of guidelines that you need to keep in mind. First of all, don't jump right into a relationship because you may be on the rebound and that may not be the right person for you. You may just be feeling lonely and choose anybody that's around. Not okay.Secondly, don't keep talking about your ex because nobody is really interested. They are interested in their relationship with you, not the relationship that you had previously. Also take your time. You may not be ready to jump into a relationship so be gentle with yourself.
Are office romances a bad idea?
Office romances are not a great idea, but they do happen. They're bad because you have a lot of office jealousy. One may be the boss, one may be the employee. You have a lot of issues that involve the work environment that could be a problem in your personal relationship. However, the good news is that when you're in an office romance, you see how the other person is in a lot of situations. You see how they react emotionally. You see their good side, you see their bad side, and often these office romances end in marriages, and that's a good thing.
What issues can arise if I date a co-worker?
If you date a co-worker, there are a lot of issues that could arise. First of all, you could be in violation of your company's policy so you need to check your rules. Also, if there is a problem, you need to either quit or have the other person quit if the relationship is that meaningful, but don't do anything behind the company's back. Secondly, you're going to have office jealousy. A lot of people will be against this liason because they may be thinking, "Oh, two heads are better than one! They have an advantage over me." Or too much gossip will be going on. That's another thing - that people will know your business; people will know everything about you because they do talk. And finally, what if your relationship doesn't work? That could be a big problem. One of you will definitely have to leave because there will be a lot of tension.
Is it ever appropriate to date a friend's ex?
Is it a good idea to date somebody's ex? Not really, because there are a lot of hard feelings involved. On the other hand, this could be the absolute perfect person for you. But time has to pass, and you have to be honest and open.
What's the best way to handle dating a friend's ex?
If you do happen to date friend's ex, you've got to come clean. You've got to be honest and tell them the dating wasn't going on before the relationship that they had together. You need to be completely honest and open. Accept the fact that you may lose this person as your friend.