So, you went on a couple of dates, exchanged some fire texts, and now you’re imagining your last name on his tax returns? Whoa, slow down! If you’re a widowed woman diving back into the dating pool, you might find yourself catching feelings at warp speed. And while romance is beautiful, falling too fast can lead to heartbreak, confusion, or worse, falling for someone who just isn’t worth it.
But fear not, because today, we’re tackling the 8 things you absolutely must do when your heart starts sprinting before your brain has even laced up its sneakers.
1. Remind Yourself: Feelings Are Not Facts
Your heart says, “This is it! He’s the one!” Meanwhile, your brain is screaming, “We met him on Tuesday!”
Feelings can be deceiving, especially when you’ve been out of the dating game for a while. Acknowledge your emotions, but don’t let them drive the bus. Keep your feet on the ground, lady!
2. Do a Background Check (No, Really)
Look, I’m not saying you need to go full-on FBI mode, but a little online stalking never hurt anybody.
- Is he mysteriously unavailable on weekends?
- Does his social media look like he’s either a ghost or a criminal?
- Do all his exes happen to be “crazy”?
Check the facts before your heart starts writing checks that reality can’t cash.
3. Put Down the Wedding Pinterest Board
We see you. Already planning the color scheme? Thinking of what song you’ll dance to at your not-even-a-thing-yet wedding? Girl, breathe.
Instead of fantasizing about the future, focus on the present moment. Does he treat you well? Is there mutual effort? That’s what matters right now, not what font your wedding invitations will be in.
4. Phone a Friend (And Let Them Roast You)
Good friends exist for two reasons:
- To remind you how amazing you are.
- To tell you when you’re acting delulu.
If you’ve started calling him “babe” in your head after two dates, your bestie needs to intervene. Let them bring you back to reality before you start writing his last name in cursive.
5. Remember: Chemistry ≠ Compatibility
That electric feeling? The butterflies? The way he just gets you? Yeah, that’s great and all, but can you two actually build something together?
Does he share your values? Does he respect your independence? Can he hold an actual conversation without his phone being glued to his hand? Don’t mistake fireworks for a foundation.
6. Slow Down (Literally)
Pace yourself! Dating is not a reality show, there’s no prize for falling in love the fastest. Instead of diving in headfirst, try this:
- Only see him once or twice a week.
- Avoid texting all day, every day.
- Keep your schedule full with friends, hobbies, and YOU-time.
If he’s worth it, he’ll still be around when you take your time.
7. Know When to Walk Away
Falling fast isn’t just about excitement, it can also mean ignoring red flags. If he’s sending mixed signals, treating you like an option, or making you feel anxious more than happy, RUN.
Not everyone deserves your heart, and if you’re catching feelings for someone who isn’t stepping up, it’s time to uncatch them ASAP.
8. Get Support from People Who Get It
Let’s be real: dating after loss is a different ballgame. And sometimes, you need support from women who actually get what you’re going through.
That’s where [Widow’s Dating Compass] comes in. It’s a community and coaching program designed for widowed women navigating love, dating, and everything in between, without the overwhelm or the heartbreak.
With expert guidance, private group chats, and mindset coaching, you’ll learn how to date confidently without losing yourself in the process.
Click here to learn more and take control of your dating journey!
Let’s Chat!
Have you ever fallen way too fast? What did you do about it? Drop your funniest (or cringiest) stories in the comments below, we’re all in this together!