How to Date Separated People
Dating a person who is legally separated from his spouse can raise a number of difficult issues. These may include jealousy and insecurity in the unmarried partner and anxiety and apprehension in the partner who is still married. Before you become seriously involved with a separated person, find out the details of her situation, including how long she has been separated from her spouse, whether she has already filed for divorce and whether her husband knows that she is dating.
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Instructions
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Determine your date's expectations going in. Once you find out that your date is still married, discuss what you both want and expect from your relationship.
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Date at a slow place. Until your new partner's divorce is final, take things slowly and avoid making major commitments, such as moving in together or combining finances. This may cause legal problems for your partner and lead to difficult emotional issues for you.
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Be aware of the strong emotions surrounding divorce. Recognize that your separated date may be experiencing a wide range of feelings, such as anger, depression, anxiety, relief and frustration. Regardless of how well your dates are going, this may still be a difficult and uncertain time for your new partner.
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Understand that your date must maintain a relationship with his spouse until the divorce is finalized. While it may make you feel jealous to see your separated date talk to his ex regularly, understand that this does not necessarily mean that he wants to continue his marriage. Recognize the legal and emotional situation he is facing and do not add pressure to him by showing jealousy of his future ex.
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Tips & Warnings
Dating a person who is separated but still married may constitute adultery in some states.
