How do you know when you’re ready to get out there?

What are the signs that you’re ready to give dating a go again?

It’s been 5 months since me and my ex broke up and 3 months since we last spoke. I am no longer crying/in despair over our break up and I don’t believe I want him back in a romantic capacity. However, I still think of him every day and really wish we could be friends.

Are the latter signs I am still not ready, or is it natural to feel this way if you got on well with your ex in a platonic capacity?

Does the answer change if I want to date more casually (trying to date to find another part serious partner tight nowmakes me feel a bit sick)

It would be really great to get the perspectives of people on this subreddit (especially those further along in their break up timeline)