Does the idea of dating again scare you?

I know how you feel. After my 25-year relationship ended, I had to start dating again and was terrified. I wondered:

Can I trust them? Can I let myself love again?

Through my experience, I discovered a litmus test for prospective partners that helped me find love again.

#1: Integrity

How a person behaves when no one is watching indicates the level of integrity they have. If they act with honesty, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility in all aspects of their life, it is a strong indicator of how they will treat you.

#2: Family matters 

I soon insisted on meeting my now husband's family. Here, I witnessed the strong devotion he has towards family and his belief system. How someone is with their immediate family is a window to how they act when there is no pressure.

#3: Change is not inevitable.

The dirty socks on the living room floor will still be there ten years from now. Your love will not change them no matter how much you think it will.

#4: Baggage comes in all sizes and shapes

We all have entanglements as part of the deal. Accept it and realize you also bring baggage.

#5: Have common interests

You must be able to spend time together and enjoy doing the same things. The first picture I saw of my husband was with his dad at a baseball game. This checked two of my boxes right away.

Life is full of adventure, but dating shouldn't be one of them

It is hard, but you can find happiness the second time around when applying these tests.

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