Recovery will require that you make a lot of sacrifices. However, that does not mean that you will have to put your entire life on hold. You can even date while you are in recovery, but there are several things that you will have to do to make your love life a success.
Be Upfront About Your Recovery
Many people will try to hide their flaws from their partner. They want the person to like them, so they do not want to do or say anything wrong. However, it is important for you to be upfront about your recovery. You want your potential partner to understand what they will be getting into when they enter a relationship with you.
Recovery Comes First
If you are in recovery, then you will likely have a lot of appointments and meetings to attend. This can make it harder for you to find time in your schedule to date. However, your recovery should be your top priority.
Take it Slow
Relationships are exciting. You may already be thinking about the future that you are going to have with the person. However, you have to take things slow. You should focus on getting to the know the person and letting them get to know you. Furthermore, you should allow your body and brain to adjust to being sober before you get serious with anyone.
Do Not Date Someone From A Place You Visit Frequently
Before you begin dating, you should think about where you spend the majority of your time. It is not a good idea to date anyone from one of those places. If the relationship falls apart, then it can be stressful for you to have to see the person all of the time. This stress can cause you to relapse.
Remember It is Not Anyone’s Job to Fix You
Your partner can be a big help to you. They can support you in your efforts to stay sober. They can also be there for you when you are down. However, it is not their job or anyone else’s job to fix you.
If you want to be in a relationship with someone because you need them to help you become sober, then this can lead to codependency. When a person is codependent, they rely on someone else for their happiness. It is not healthy for anyone to be codependent on someone else.
Understand Your Triggers
One of the things that can make dating difficult is the fact that your partner may enjoy going to places that are a trigger for you. This includes places such as bars and night clubs. If you know that you will be tempted to drink, then you should tell your partner to avoid taking you to those places.
Practice Self Care
Many people become so preoccupied with a relationship that they forget to take care of themselves. However, self care is an important part of recovery and staying healthy. That is why you will need to exercise, eat healthy meals and sleep well.
