Coping with Rejection in the Single-Parent Dating Scene

Date other single parents, blame them, not yourself, don’t rush into another date, join a single-parent community, and use it to overcome social anxiety.

According to 2022 data from the US Census Bureau, more than 19 million children live with a single parent. That parent needs to balance family life with date night if they are looking for romance. They must decide on the best time to introduce their partner to their child and consider the new relationship’s impact on the child’s well-being. 

Single-parent dating statistics 

If that weren’t tough enough, single parents sometimes have to deal with getting ghosted after trying their hardest to make things work. The statistics aren’t so bleak: 52% of men surveyed by eHarmony in 2023 said they would pursue a relationship with a woman with children. 53% didn’t think children would cause issues in a new relationship. According to 61% of women, single fathers were more likely to commit to a relationship.

Assuming you weren’t lucky enough to meet one of these people, here are some effective ways of dealing with rejection.

Date other single parents 

If the person who rejected you wasn’t a parent, it might work out with someone who knows what you’re going through. 63% of single parents believe dating other single parents would be easier, although some facts would speak to the contrary. Your potential partner would also have to balance date nights with family life, consider the right time to introduce you to their children, etc. Things could get even more complicated. You must be committed to making it work. 

Don’t blame yourself

Rejection is not necessarily a reflection of your worth or parenting abilities. It is part of the dating process.

Don’t rush into another date

After facing rejection, it might be tempting to jump into another relationship to fill the void. You need to take time to reflect before pursuing new romantic interests. There is always a chance: more than half of families in the US are remarried or recoupled. 

Understand the context

Recognize that rejection is a common part of dating, and it doesn’t have to be about you. The other person may have their own reasons, such as different life priorities, personal issues, or simply not feeling a connection.

Join a single-parent community

Other single parents who understand your situation can provide support and encouragement. There is no shortage of online forums, support groups, and local meetups where single parents share experiences and give each other advice. In fact, nuclear families of two married heterosexuals are now a minority. The same Census Bureau survey found that mothers led 80% of single-parent families.  

Celebrate small victories

Even if a date doesn’t lead to a relationship, focus on the positive aspects. You got out and met someone new or learned more about what you want in a partner.

FAQ

How many single mothers find love?

Researchers estimate the chances of having a successful relationship with a single mother range from 27% to 32%.

Which gender is more likely to stay single?

In 2022, Pew Research Center found that 63% of young men and 34% of young women were single. 30% of US adults were neither married, cohabiting, nor in a committed relationship. 

What is the best thing to do after getting rejected?

Give yourself credit for taking a chance, and know you can handle rejection. Rejection is a great way to overcome crippling social anxiety. Dr. Albert Ellis, a psychologist, approached 130 women in a park in one summer. A third walked away at contact, and he spoke to the other 100, of whom just one agreed to go out with him. She stood him up. 

Dr. Ellis overcame social anxiety.   

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