Should I Take a Break From Dating?

Feeling burnt out from dating? Perhaps every meeting is like groundhog day and you’re wondering — should I take a break from dating? Read on to find out whether you should, or shouldn’t, press pause on your love life and what the optimum break time might be.

Taking a break from dating

Dating can be an exhilarating journey filled with excitement, connection and the potential for love. However, it's also natural to experience moments of uncertainty, exhaustion and even burnout along the way. Finding yourself questioning whether you should take a break from dating? Listen to your instincts and consider the signs that indicate it might be time to pause and reflect.

Is it good to have a break from dating?

Naturally, we’re big proponents of dating. But we also believe in taking a rest where it’s beneficial. Pausing doesn't mean giving up on love or resigning yourself to a life of singledom. Instead, it's an opportunity to prioritise your well-being, gain clarity about what you want in a relationship and recharge your emotional batteries.

But when is it not good to take a break from dating?

If you’ve only experimented with one method and are getting frustrated that it’s not happening, you could expand your horizons by trying some alternatives. Perhaps fear is paralysing you on your dating journey and you might be better off seeking some talking therapy to work through those apprehensions. Or if you’re giving up because you don’t have the time, why not make dating more manageable by condensing it into speed dates every few months?

How do you know if you need a break from dating?

Let’s take a look at the scenarios where you should be taking some time out…

Feeling overwhelmed
One of the most common signs that you might need a break from dating is feeling overwhelmed by the process. Whether you're juggling multiple dating apps, going on numerous dates, or constantly trying to impress potential partners, it's easy to become emotionally drained and mentally exhausted. Take some time to regroup, then bounce back stronger than ever.

Lacking clarity
Another indication that you might benefit from taking a break from dating is a lack of clarity about what you want in a partner or relationship. If you find yourself going on dates without a clear sense of direction or purpose, it can be helpful to stop and reflect on your priorities, values and goals. Use this time to get to know yourself better and gain a deeper understanding of what you're truly looking for in a relationship.

More signs you should stop dating

Repeated disappointments
Dating can be filled with highs and lows, but if you're experiencing repeated disappointments or setbacks, it might be a sign that you need to take a step back and reassess your approach. Constant rejection or failed connections can take a toll, so removing yourself from the front line for a period may be helpful.

You feel it in your gut
Always pay attention to your intuition. It’ll be one of the most reliable indicators that you should take a break (as well as pointing you away from the wrong partners). If something feels off or if you sense that you're not in the right headspace to date, it's wise to trust your instincts.

How to stop dating and focus on yourself

Whether you take a brief hiatus or an extended break, remember that the most important relationship you have is with yourself. By taking care of yourself first, you'll be better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of dating when you're ready to jump back in.

When you're actively dating, it's easy to prioritise finding a partner over taking care of yourself. Use this time out to engage in activities that bring you joy, recharge your batteries and nurture your mental and emotional health. Try journalling, meditation and mindfulness as techniques to grow resilience.

How long should I take a break from dating for?

You’ve established you need a break, but the next question is — how long should it be?
This will depend on the reasons for the break and how long it takes you personally to reach a state of reset and refresh. Aim for somewhere between a few weeks and a few months. Anything beyond this puts you at risk of not dating becoming a habit. Anything less may mean you return before you’re ready and burn out again.

If dating isn’t working for you, but you don’t want to take a break right now, consider trying a different type of dating. Like speed dating. Because sometimes, a change is as good as a rest.

Related Questions

Does a break mean you're still dating?
Generally, taking a break implies a temporary pause or hiatus from your relationship to reassess feelings or compatibility. During this time, you may choose to take space from each other, but it doesn't ordinarily mean you've broken up. So unless you’re in an open relationship, refrain from seeing other people.

Is it okay to stop dating?
Yes, it is absolutely okay to stop dating if you feel that it's not the right choice for you at a particular point in your life. There are various reasons why someone might choose to stop dating, such as focusing on personal growth, goals and prioritising career. Or to create space to heal from past relationships.

Why do I dread dating?
Negative experiences in past relationships can lead to feelings of anxiety or dread about dating again. If you've been hurt or disappointed in the past, you might fear experiencing similar pain again. Opening yourself up to potential romantic partners can make you feel vulnerable, and the possibility of rejection can be daunting. It might feel like a lot is riding on each date. And the thought of meeting new people, making conversation and navigating social interactions can be daunting.