Once you have committed to a marriage, the last thing you ever expect to be doing in future is playing the date game all over again. But, after a divorce, the time may naturally come when you feel ready to explore the possibility of meeting someone new.

After the turmoil of a break up, it is bound to take a while to recover emotionally. Before you consider dating again, make sure that you have given yourself enough time to heal – the longer the relationship was, the longer this may take.

As you prepare to re-enter the world of single people, put yourself into a positive frame of mind and give yourself a confidence boost. Think about all the good things that you have to offer and concentrate on all the best things about meeting new people.

Plan to relax and take it slowly. Try not to think about the possibility of meeting 'The One' again yet, or since this will put you, and your potential dates, under unnecessary pressure.

Next, you need to think about finding a way to date that suits your situation. A divorced person will often find that they share mutual friends with their ex-partner, which can make being introduced to someone through friends awkward. It is often better to aim to meet someone outside of your existing social circle, which is where the internet comes into its own.

Websites such as Match.com, Dating Direct or My Single Friend.com (where a best friend can help tell the world how great you are), will enable you to contact countless potential new dates. If internet dating is not for you, you may be more comfortable looking into the personal ads of your favourite newspaper.

Some newly divorced people may find dating in such a direct fashion slightly daunting. In that case, they should try going along to a social event where finding a date is a possibility, but not compulsory. There are lots of companies that organise evenings for single people, which can include gourmet dinner parties, wine tasting or the ever popular salsa dancing. Seek out an event near you and enjoy all the opportunities for flirting – at the very least you could meet some fun new friends.

One final, but important aspect of dating after divorce, is balancing your exciting new single life, with life at home. For advice about dating when you have children, see our feature Dating For Single Parents.