NINE TIPS FOR GETTING BACK INTO THE DATING GAME

#1.) PACE YOURSELF. Rushing into something new before you're ready will just lead to repeating past mistakes. You need to take a little bit of time to process what went wrong with your last relationship.
--But if you're just looking to hook up, with limited emotional expectations, it's okay to move a little faster. Not diving in too deep at first can even be helpful to the healing process.

#2.) KNOW YOUR MOTIVES. Some people are so insecure about their own worth that they grab the first opportunity that comes along.
--If you're genuinely into someone, you should pursue it, even if it's your first post-breakup relationship. But if you're in it simply for security or sympathy, it WILL lead to disaster.

#3.) DON'T BRING YOUR PAST OUT WITH YOU. The last thing a potential NEW partner wants to hear about is your OLD one. If you dwell on your past relationship, it's going to be a complete turnoff.

#4.) DON'T REPEAT YOUR MISTAKES. A lot of people look for new partners who have similarities to their old flames. That's okay if you're attracted to specific qualities . . . just make sure they're the good ones.

#5.) PLAY IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE. If you want to maximize your potential for a match, put yourself in situations where you'll find people with similar interests as you.
--Join organizations and activities for things you're interested in, like a golf club or volunteer for charities or political campaigns. It's an instant conversation starter and is a great place to find people with your same interests.

#6.) GO ONLINE. The Internet has made finding, meeting and getting to know people easier than ever . . . and it's taken away a lot of the stress associated with the bar and club scene. Join an online dating site or two and see if anything develops.

#7.) TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF. If you just go out there . . . carefree and genuinely looking to meet people without expecting a particular result . . . you'll enjoy yourself a lot more than setting a deadline to meet the man or woman of your dreams.

#8.) TOUGHEN UP. Don't expect all your new connections to last forever. Make sure you're ready to be rejected . . . or ready to reject someone else.
--Sometimes you learn more valuable lessons about yourself from the non-matches. You'll gain something from every experience . . . whether it works out or not.

#9.) ENJOY YOURSELF. Getting back into the dating scene should be fun, not frightening. Look at it as an experience and not a task. Don't give yourself a time limit to find someone new . . . and enjoy the search while it lasts. (Happen Magazine)