Blake Wingo

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of meeting someone new and diving headfirst into a romantic connection. However, taking the time to ensure you’re in a good place mentally, emotionally, and spiritually can set the foundation for a healthier and more fulfilling relationship in the long run. It is important that you are honest with yourself about what you are looking for in a potential partner. Are you ready to have something long term, or are you looking for something more fun and short lived? Questions like this are important since you are not only about to invest your time into someone, but they are about to invest themselves in you. So how do we know what we want or if we are even ready for a relationship?

Signs You Might Not Be Ready

So, how do you know if you’re truly ready to start a new relationship? Here are a few signs that you might need to focus on yourself a bit more before diving into dating:

• Lingering Emotional Baggage: If you’re still carrying around unresolved emotions from past relationships, it might not be the best time to start something new. Take the time to process your feelings and heal from past wounds before bringing someone new into your life.
• Low Self-Esteem: If you find yourself constantly seeking validation from others or struggling with feelings of unworthiness, it’s important to work on building up your self-esteem before entering into a new relationship. Remember, you are worthy of love and respect just as you are.
• Lack of Clarity: If you’re unsure of what you want or need in a relationship, it’s important to take the time to figure that out before getting involved with someone else. Knowing your own values, boundaries, and deal-breakers can help you navigate the dating world with more confidence and clarity.

Now that we have touched on what not being ready looks like, how do we do the work that helps us get to the place where we are ready? There are a number of things to try, but speaking with a therapist is always a great start. At The Pursuit, a group of experienced therapists have come together to offer best-in-class counseling services. We prioritize clinical theory, non-judgmental approaches, and effective interventions, treatment plans, and coping skills. Some of the skills and concepts our therapist may be able to help you develop are:

• Increased Self-Awareness: When you take the time to focus on yourself, you gain a better understanding of who you are, what you want, and what you need in a relationship.
• Stronger Boundaries: Healthy relationships are built on a foundation of mutual respect and boundaries. By prioritizing your own well-being, you’re better equipped to set and enforce boundaries that align with your needs and values.
• Enhanced Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to any successful relationship. By working on your own communication skills and emotional intelligence, you’ll be better able to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs to your partner.
• Reduced Codependency: When you’re emotionally dependent on your partner for validation and happiness, it can put strain on the relationship. By prioritizing your own well-being, you’re less likely to fall into patterns of codependency and can instead cultivate a healthier sense of independence.

Making sure your own well-being is in a healthy spot before starting something new is a great investment not only in yourself, but in the person you might be looking to spend the rest of your life with. So before you dive into the dating pool, take a step back and make sure you’re truly ready to give and receive love in a way that honors both yourself and your partner. Remember, you deserve nothing less than a relationship that brings out the best in you.

At The Pursuit, a group of experienced therapists have come together to offer best-in-class counseling services. We prioritize clinical theory, non-judgmental approaches, and effective interventions, treatment plans, and coping skills. We have therapists who specialize in different areas and we strive to find the best match for your unique needs. Our services cater to individuals, families, and organizations, including adolescents in high school. We aim to connect you with the specialist who can best address your concerns. Our specialized counseling services aim to address the underlying emotional wounds that contribute to behaviors. We offer evidence-based counseling that is effective in working with many presenting problems. We provide a holistic approach to recovery, focusing on healing the past to create a healthier future. Are you ready to take the first step in your Pursuit towards a happier, healthier you? We invite you to book your free 20-minute consultation with one of our skilled therapists. Don’t wait; it’s time to invest in your well-being. Simply Book Now to start your Pursuit toward personal growth and positive change today.