You're probably never going to feel 'ready' to date after divorce. And waiting until you do might mean waiting a very long time. Nurse midwife Rachel Newhouse talks about what dating after divorce actually looks like — the weird parts, the surprisingly good parts, and the conversation nobody prepares you for.

If you're wondering when to start, how much of your story to share, what to do when you have kids, and why the STI conversation is actually less awkward than you think, this episode is for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Why 'when are you ready?' is the wrong question — and what to ask yourself instead

• What first dates actually feel like after a long marriage (and how much of your story to share with a stranger)

• The escape text system Rachel used for her first six months of dating — and why it worked

• Dating when you have kids: the one principle that actually holds up across situations

• The STI conversation — why it matters, how to have it, and what someone's response tells you about them

• What you're actually doing when you date after divorce: it's not about replacing what you had

• Nurse's Note: The clinical case for the sexual health conversation — and what a dismissive response tells you about how someone will treat your health and your boundaries

Before you can think about what's next, you need to understand where you actually stand. The Breaking Upward tool helps you get clear on your legal and financial situation — privately, with nothing stored.

Try it free at app.breaking-upward.com

RESOURCES & LINKS

Breaking Upward AI Tool: app.breaking-upward.com

Website: breaking-upward.com

Instagram: @breaking_upward_divorce

TikTok: @breakingupward

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | Text START to 88788 | thehotline.org

DISCLAIMER

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing here is legal, financial, or therapeutic advice. Please work with licensed professionals for your specific situation. I'm Rachel Newhouse. This is Breaking Upward. You are not breaking down. You are breaking upward.