The biggest sign that youre ready to date again is your desire to date again, Brooke Bergman, relationship and dating coach, tells Bustle. After experiencing heartbreak, its not uncommon to be afraid to start dating again, because it can feel like youre signing yourself up to get hurt all over again in the future.

Is it normal to be scared to start a relationship?

Relationships can be one of the most pleasurable things on the planet… but they can also be a breeding ground for anxious thoughts and feelings. Relationship anxiety can arise at pretty much any stage of courtship. For many single people, just the thought of being in a relationship can stir up stress.

How do you know when you should start dating again?

If you spent time post-breakup attending therapy, processing your previous relationship, building up your self-love, and learning how to care for yourself in times of distress, youre likely ready to date again.