Introduction (: 00:06

Welcome to the Better Than Bitter Divorce Podcast, where we flip the script on divorce and show you how to have a more amicable divorce resolution. I'm your host, Tania Leichliter a divorce coach, a certified life coach, and the mastermind behind the Better Than Bitter five-step game plan course, where I help individuals build a pathway towards a more amicable divorce resolution.

Each week, I'll bring you uplifting stories from people who've successfully experienced amicable separations, proving that divorce doesn't have to be a battleground. Whether you're overwhelmed with grief, struggling with custody and co-parenting, or just dealing with a high-conflict individual, this podcast is here to guide you towards reclaiming your life and being what I know is possible, better than

Tania Leichliter (: 01:06

Welcome to the Better Than Bitter podcast, episode number 49, Dating and Divorce 101, Am I Emotionally Ready? This is part of our three-part series in our Better Than Bitter Support Group Membership Plus program. I am excited for you to listen to our part one, and if you want to engage in more information about dating during and post-divorce,

Please join us in our support group. Again, I hope you enjoy this lesson and find it useful wherever you are in your divorce process.

Tania Leichliter (: 01:48

Hi, and welcome to part one of the divorce and dating series. Am I emotionally ready to date? Whether you are listening to this on the Better Than Bitter podcast or watching this through our membership portal, this first lesson is all about the foundations. Not just whether you're ready to date, but what emotional readiness even means after a divorce. Because here's what most people don't realize.

Dating after divorce is not the same as dating when you were 25. You may not be at the age where you are considering more children, maybe you have young children to consider, or maybe you have reached the golden age and want a partner to grow old with. But what we also know is you've lived through heartache, you've had your trust tested, you've probably questioned your own worth, your judgment, and your ability to connect again. So before we start swiping,

Let's start here. Let's redefine what readiness looks like. Emotional readiness isn't just about feeling lonely or being curious or even wanting companionship. Those things are totally valid, but they don't mean you're ready. Here are some better indicators. You've taken time to grieve your divorce, not just the marriage, but the dream you had for it. You're not dating to distract from pain, but to explore connection from a grounded place.

You're not expecting someone else to fix your sadness or make you feel valuable. You've done some self-reflection and feel confident in who you are and what you want next. You're not in a rush. You're not dating to prove a point. You're dating because you're open, not empty. Common traps people fall into. If you found yourself in any of these, don't worry. You're not alone. One, rebound dating to feel wanted again. Two,

looking for validation rather than connection. Three, confusing attraction with readiness. Four, using dating to avoid grief or loneliness. Five, trying to win the divorce by finding someone first. The truth is, those are all just signs you might need a little more time with yourself. Dating from a place of fear or urgency leads to the same kind of relationship dynamics you just worked so hard to get out of. So what should you focus on?

Here's what I want you to do. Instead of focusing on what dating might give you, focus on how dating might feel. Are you excited to get to know someone? Can you handle rejection without spiraling? Can you trust your intuition again? Are you willing to be honest, even if it scares you? These are signs of readiness. And when you start noticing them, even just a little, you'll know you're shifting into a healthier space for connection.

Here's what I want you to take away from today. One, you don't need to be 100 % healed to date, but you do need to be aware. Two, you are not behind, broken, or alone. Emotional readiness is about your energy, not your relationship status. Three, there is no deadline. You get to go at your own pace. There is work that needs to be done as a result of your listening, some reflection exercises for you to do. One, why do you want to date now?

Two, what your fears are around love, rejection, and trust. Three, determine whether your desire for connection is coming from wholeness or woundedness. I encourage you to go through it with honesty and compassion for yourself, because dating, again, isn't just about putting yourself out there. It's about coming back home to yourself first. If you want to learn more about dating with intention, getting clear about the kind of relationship you want,

and how to stop repeating old patterns, continue to listen in, or join our support group membership plus program at Better Than Bitter. But for now, stay right here with yourself. You're already doing the work, and that's what makes everything else possible.

Tania Leichliter (: 05:54

Thanks for tuning in to Better Than Bitter, navigating an amicable divorce. Whether you are at the beginning of your divorce journey, midway through, or even done, we want the stories from our guests to give you hope that an amicable resolution is possible. If you'd like to dive deeper into today's episode, check out our show notes for a full transcript, reflections, and links to learn more about Better Than Bitter's coaching courses.

and how to connect with our fabulous guests. If you're ready for more support, you can head over to betterthanbitter.coach. Daily, you'll find details and additional information on our five-step game plan multimedia course, our one-to-one Zoom coaching, group coaching, monthly memberships, events and retreats, and a whole lot more. Plus, we've got a ton of free resources, like our monthly newsletter,

our private Facebook group, Instagram channel, and a library of articles and free webinars to help you along the way. When you go to our website, you'll be able to schedule a free 45-minute breakthrough call. Remember, we're here to help you reach an amicable resolution. Find your courage and believe in your brighter future because you know what? It is possible.

At Better Than Bitter, we measure success by what we give and not by what we get. So let's change the divorce dialogue together. It's time to be better than bitter.