No matter how much time has past since your last relationship, you
might be thinking about starting to date again. Are you ready to find
someone new? Maybe you think you are, but here are some signs that
you’re definitely not relationship material yet.
1. You Don’t Feel Like It
Dating sounds fun and you want a new relationship, but you don’t want to
put in the work to get one. You just want to cut through all the stuff
at the beginning and get to the spooning and unconditional love part.

The stuff at the beginning is what makes the spooning worth it. You
won’t be able to give or receive love unless you work through all of the
stages of a relationship and bond with your partner. Emotional
intimacy isn’t going to fall into your lap. The only way you’re going
to find the love you want is if you’re willing to work for it.
2. You Still Think About Your Ex
Be honest. Do you think about your ex every time a certain song comes on
the radio? Or when you buy their favorite brand of crackers? Stop it.
Everyone likes Ritz. It’s time to forget the little memories that tie
your brain back to your old relationship. The only thing that you should
remember about your ex is that they are a person. That’s all. No
details, no comparisons and no references to your ex when you’re on a
date with someone new
3. You’re Sour on Relationships
The least sexy qualities you could ever reveal about yourself are
bitterness and negativity. If you roll your eyes every time you see a
couple holding hands and hate hearing about your friends’ happy couple-hood, you’re not going to be a very good date. Your perspective
about dating and relationships needs to be positive and welcoming, or
your dates are going to quickly realize that you’re not ready to be a
good partner. A negative attitude turns people off. If you’ve got one,
check it at the door before you even think about becoming part of a
couple.
4. You’re Not Taking Care of Yourself
Your last break-up was hard, and you took it really hard. It’s one thing
to indulge your heartbreak and lay in bed eating mozzarella sticks for a
week, but it’s another to still be pajama-clad 24/7 after a month has
gone by. Relationships and break-ups can take a lot out of you,
stunting your self-esteem and your self-confidence. But without strong
stability in those two areas, you’re going to be insecure, needy and
vulnerable when you try to open up to a new partner. You have to take
care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. Let’s put it
this way: If you’ve stopped showering on the regular because you “have
no one to impress,” you’re in no shape to be in a relationship.
It’s hard to know when you’re fully ready to commit to a new person. Be honest, cautious and considerate.