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Divorced Dating: Making the most of a second chance for love

by eharmony Editorial Team February 22, 2024

Going through a divorce can be traumatic, not to mention heartbreaking, but it doesn’t mean the end of the road for your love life. Divorced dating in the UK is a vibrant world both online and IRL, with more and more people taking a second chance on love. Regardless of whether it’s your first, fifth, or 17th relationship, eharmony can help you find real love with someone who wants the same things you do. Let’s look at what to consider when finding love after divorce and find some helpful insights into divorced dating.

Divorced dating: things to consider

Finding love again isn’t quite as simple after a divorce. A few things to keep in mind about being divorced and dating:

There’s still a stigma surrounding divorce

Thankfully, society is far less judgmental about divorce than it used to be. However, there’s still a slight perception that divorce means failure, even though about half of all marriages don’t last. It’s important to remember that choosing to walk away from a marriage that is no longer working is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Past marriages may come with baggage

A marriage doesn’t have to be hellish for it to take a toll and even an amicable divorce leaves scars. Divorce can feel like a personal failure, especially if you weren’t the one that initiated it. Additionally, a divorce means your entire life changes drastically. Even if it may be for the better, the process is often fraught. It’s important, if you’re dating a divorced person, to be understanding of the impact their divorce has had on them. If you’re the one who’s divorced? Give yourself grace, and credit.

You may not be the only one in your relationship


Divorced dating often involves dating someone with kids and navigating relationships with their other parent and family. If you have children, managing their dynamics with your partner and ex may arise. Then, there are complications like alimony and child support. The crucial approach is to take it slow and prioritize clear communication.

Divorced dating with eharmony in the UK

When it comes to finding love again, there are a range of dating websites for divorcees. This makes it especially important to find the right one for you – you don’t want to waste your time on sites where people aren’t looking for the same things you are. eharmony is a great option for anyone divorced who’s dating in search of a loving, lasting relationship.

<Compatibility-based matching

When you sign up for eharmony, we ask you to fill a detailed questionnaire. Our unique Compatibility Matching System uses your answers to narrow down our thousands of eligible singles to people who share your interests and values.

Low-stress conversation starters

eharmony takes the stress out of deciding what to say first by letting you like specific parts of a person’s profile. If the other person likes you back, boom, you can now talk to each other – and you already have a starting point.  

A worry-free dating experience

As the top-rated dating app, we prioritize your safety. With a Trust and Safety team boasting over 20 years of expertise, you can pursue love on our platform stress-free.

How does eharmony work as a divorced dating site or app?

If you’re still not sure whether eharmony is the right choice for a divorced single, here’s a five-step guide that shows you how easy it can be to meet compatible singles in your area.

Discover the real you

eharmony is not just another divorced dating site – we believe love happens when you find someone who just gets you. That’s why everyone starts with our Compatibility Quiz. Your answers help us find the singles you’re most likely to hit it off with.

Example set up profile on eharmony

Complete Your Profile

The key to successful divorced online dating starts with your profile. We make this process as enjoyable as possible by having richly detailed profiles that are easy to digest. That’s why eharmony is the dating app with the highest-rated user profiles.1

Explore compatible singles

In your Discover list, you’ll find every eharmony member who fits your search criteria. Each member you see will display a Compatibility Score based on how likely you are to hit it off. You can filter who you see based on traits you share (e.g. distance, education, age, wants to have kids etc.) – and you’ll also see what you have in common with each member.

Example compatible profiles on eharmony
Example first message on eharmony

It all starts with a Like

Not sure how to get the conversation started? We’ve made it easy: if something on a member’s profile catches your eye, just hit Like. Then you have the option to add a personalized message. You can hit Like on answers to profile questions, their hobbies or your similarities.

Two Likes make a Match

Once you get a Like back, it’s a Match. Congratulations! You can now swap messages and send Icebreakers or react with a Smile to get to know each other better.

Example two singles over matched

Because we believe love happens when two people connect based on what really matters. If you’re ready to find out, sign up today.

Tips for starting your dating after divorce journey

Dipping a toe back into the dating pool can be daunting, especially after a divorce. Some tips to make divorced dating easier:

Keep an open mind

While it’s normal to be jaded after a broken marriage, you shouldn’t let your past affect your chances of a happy future. It’s important not to stay in your comfort zone or stick to a rigid list of requirements for your partner.

Pay attention to other people’s dating profiles

Sometimes, you can see the red flags right away. Even if there aren’t any, a person’s profile and their photos can give you valuable insight as to who they really are.

Be flexible

It can be easy, especially as we get older, to be set in our ways or fall into ruts. It’s also common to get caught up in the idea of what a relationship ‘should’ look like. Letting go of your expectations might well lead to something unexpected.

Take things slowly

It’s important not to rush, especially if there are children involved. Take your time getting to know the other person and make sure to communicate.

Enjoy the process

 Don’t be so keen on future happiness that you miss the present. Take the time to enjoy each stage of your relationship – they won’t last forever!

Man and woman sitting on sofa and man looking thoughtful as symbol for dating after divorce

Dating after a divorce – A guide to starting again

Still not sure how to start? We take a look at some of the challenges and newfound opportunities in the dating scene and how to start dating after divorce.

Online dating tips for divorced singles

For many divorced singles, your last first date can feel a long time ago. Even if your dating days are more recent, though, here’s a few safety tips if you’re online dating while divorced:

Be wary of sharing personal information

Wait to share things like your full name and address, your financial situation, and too many details of your life or your kids’ lives until you’re sure the other person can be trusted.

Stay inside the app

Dating sites or apps such as eharmony allow you to communicate with others without sharing your phone number or email. By keeping conversations within the platform, you retain the ability to report any concerning or harmful activities.

Insist on video once things get less casual

Before taking things to the next level, or meeting in person, insist on a video chat so you know they resemble their profile picture. If they keep putting you off, walk away.

Don’t give them money

Regardless of the emotions involved, if someone seeks financial assistance it’s probably a scam. Stay safe in the world of divorced dating by being vigilant, noting warning signs, and proceeding with caution. A genuine connection will appreciate and respect your careful approach.

Remember, every ending signifies the start of a new chapter

Divorce is tough, no doubt, but don’t let it put you off the idea of happily ever after. In fact, you could argue people who’re divorced make better partners because they’ve learned from their previous relationship. While divorced dating is not without its challenges, an open mind, patience and perseverance are key to finding love after divorce. With eharmony, you can take the time to develop a connection with someone who shares your values and goals. So sign up and take the next step to a great relationship today.

How dating after divorce works with eharmony

Your search for a great relationship has never been easier with groundbreaking overhaul of the eharmony you know and trust.

Sources
  1. Based on a 2023 survey of 2,807 respondents from the US, UK, Canada and Australia