How to Date a Single Parent

Are you planning on dating someone who is a single parent? Have you met someone you think is the right one for you, but he/she is a single parent? Don't worry. It may seem hard and challenging but the truth is, as long as you understand and learn a few things about dating a single parent, it would not be a problem at all. Especially if you are serious and truly love a person. Nothing is impossible!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• love
• understanding
• trust
• patience
• willingness to learn and understand
• sincerity

1. Respect their time and space. Single parents get really busy but of course they would also want to have their "me" time. If the single parent you are dating has a set schedule for their kids, you have to respect that. Don't try to ask him or her out on a date during the time he/she has his/her kids.

2. Respect him or her, period. If the single parent you're planning to date or already dating is new to the dating scene "again", give him or her time to adjust. He/she might change date plans often during the adjustment period. Accept and understand that and what you can do about this is to be as flexible as possible. Compromise!

3. You must accept his/her past and understand his/her situation. Do not ever think that their past is a "baggage" and don't bring up their past.

4. If the "ex-wife or ex-husband" is in the picture because of the kids, do not complain or think that there is something going on between the two of them. They both talk because of the kids. You should actually be happy that the person you are planning to date or already dating has a good relationship with the ex-wife or ex-husband rather seeing them argue all the time.

5. If they have kids, you must understand that kids are their priority. Do not expect that his/her kids will like you right away. Let the kids learn to like you and feel comfortable with you in their own time or pace.

6. You must also expect that single parents are more cautious when it comes to getting involved with someone. They usually don't fall hard and fast when dating. So, don't rush about the physical aspect of the relationship.

7. Once the kids of the person you're dating are comfortable with you, and if the single parent you're dating is alright with you including the kids in your dates (like movies, dinner, lunch, park, etc.), go ahead and always include them. Brownie points for you and it's a great way to make them feel that you value and care about them. Note for you though, do not do this if you're not comfortable doing it. Your actions must always be true and sincere, otherwise your feelings will show.

8. Always communicate. As what has been mentioned in step #7, be truthful with your feelings. Let him/her know how you feel and if something bothers you, let him/her know so both of you can talk about it.

[williamfjordan]

on 2/23/2009 great advice... 5*