Hello Emily!

I’m a single mom and my daughter is 2 years old. I’ve told my friends that dating for me will be harder because I’m a mom, and my daughter is still very young. I’ve tried online dating apps, but the guys I’ve matched with fade off after a couple of days. What should I do? Do guys get intimidated when they meet single mothers?

I’ve lost hope in finding a relationship. Please help me, Emily!

Thanks—and love your podcast!

Nadine, 24, Texas

Nadine,

I think it’s awesome that you’re a mom, and it’s also great that you want to start dating again. Having a child doesn’t mean you’ll never find love again, so don’t lose hope!

It’s true, there are some men—especially of the younger variety—who aren’t ready to date a woman who is also a mom. However, there are plenty of men out there who won’t be phased by it, and will be more than happy to embrace the fact that you’re a parent.

Here are a few tips to ease you back into the dating pool:

Do be upfront. It’s obviously important to let the person you’re dating know that you have a daughter well before things get serious. Being a mom is obviously your focus, but that doesn’t mean your daughter has to dominate all of your conversations and activities. Always take the time to get to know someone before you introduce them to your child until you know you want to keep them around.

Don’t forget that you’re still a woman. Sure, being a mom is one of the biggest roles you could have in life, but that doesn’t mean you’ve suddenly lost your needs or desires. Channel the person you were before your daughter came along, and be your confident, sexy self.

Do tell your friends and family to be set you up. Let your friends or family be your wingmen. They can be the ones to let your future date know you have a kid, giving that person the chance to decide whether or not they can handle it before you even meet.

At the end of the day, guys get intimidated by a lot of things. Women who work a lot or hold a high-powered position, independent ladies, or even just have a strong sense of self can leave plenty of men feeling less, well, manly. All you can do is get out there and be on the lookout for that guy who isn’t going to cower in the corner just because you’re a parent. Being a single mother is a sacred thing—someone special will know that.

XX,
Emily

Source link