Dating can be a fulfilling and exciting part of life, but when you’re in the early stages of recovery it comes with some extra challenges and considerations. It’s important that you approach new relationships with mindfulness and caution to protect both your sobriety and your emotional well-being.
Here are 5 things to consider when dating in recovery:
Prioritise your recovery
Your recovery needs to come first. Early recovery is a crucial time where it’s really important to focus on yourself to build a strong and healthy foundation. It’s a good idea to make sure that you have a solid recovery plan and support system in place before you enter any new intimate relationship.
Clearly communicating your recovery needs and priorities to any potential partner is vital to ensuring you maintain a healthy routine that supports your recovery.
Self-awareness is key
Being aware of yourself and where you are at in life is an important skill to have – especially when you are in a close relationship with another person. Emotional stability and self-confidence are essential components for healthy relationships, and these qualities can take time to develop in recovery.
Here are a few helpful questions to ask yourself before dating:
- Have I had enough time to focus on myself and my recovery?
- Am I emotionally stable and ready to handle the challenges of a relationship?
- Can I maintain my recovery commitments while being in a relationship and what might that involve?
Set boundaries
Boundaries can help you manage any potential triggers that could jeopardise your recovery. They should be established, communicated, and maintained to help protect your well-being and create a healthy relationship. It is important that you communicate your recovery status early on in your relationship and set limits around any behaviours or situations that may be triggering for you. It’s important that your partner understands and respects your boundaries, and supports you on your recovery journey. Which brings us to…
Choose a supportive partner
The right partner must be caring and supportive of you and your recovery. Take the time to find someone who is respectful of where you are at in life, a person who is willing to learn about addiction, recovery, and encourages healthy behaviours.
A supportive partner is someone who is understanding and empathetic towards you, while also encouraging your healthy lifestyle choices.
Take it slow
Go slow. Rushing into a relationship and getting swept away and caught up in the moment can lead to emotional turbulence. Take your time to get to know any potential partner and build a strong foundation before diving in.
It’s important you check in with yourself and make sure you’re not using the relationship as a distraction from your recovery or uncomfortable aspects of life. As you get to know a potential partner more, and consider getting serious, you need to introduce them to different aspects of your life and your recovery.
If you’re considering dating in recovery, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your support network. Let them know that this is something important to you and that you are ready to embark on this journey.
Dating in recovery does require some careful thoughts and deliberate actions. Remember that your well-being comes first. The right relationship will enhance your journey to a healthier and happier life.