My First Post-Divorce Date

Happily Even After with Life Coach Jen

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What happens when you haven't dated for thirty years and suddenly find yourself navigating modern romance at 54? After ending my 26-year marriage and spending nearly three years focused on healing, I finally took the plunge back into dating—and discovered something unexpected about my heart along the way.
The dating landscape has completely transformed since I last participated in it. Gone are the days of meeting through mutual friends or chance encounters; now we swipe through dating apps filled with bathroom selfies and decades-old profile pictures. As a betrayal recovery coach, I approached this milestone with both trepidation and curiosity—would my nervous system be triggered? Would I feel like I was betraying my ex-husband despite being divorced? The answers surprised me.
Unlike many who rush into new relationships post-divorce, I deliberately gave myself time to heal. This patience allowed me to approach dating with clarity about my boundaries and desires. I know exactly what I want (no camping enthusiasts, please) and what I don't want (raising young children again). This self-awareness represents tremendous growth from who I was thirty years ago.
The most profound revelation came after my date ended. Sitting in my car, I realized that my heart—which I had consciously locked up "in a million chains" for protection—had begun to open. The possibility that genuine, trustworthy connections exist suddenly felt real. This emotional shift represents the essence of post-betrayal growth: not just healing enough to function, but healing enough to consider trusting again.
Whether you're contemplating dating after betrayal or simply navigating your healing journey, remember that your timeline belongs to you alone. Stepping outside our comfort zones often reveals that we're stronger and more healed than we realized. Want to create your own "happily even after"? Connect with me through my email or social media and let's work together to make it happen.

Please follow me on instagram and facebook @happilyevenaftercoach and if you want to see what coaching is all about I offer a free 45 min. clarity call via zoom.
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My website is www.lifecoachjen.com

Chapters

1. Introduction to Happily Even After (00:00:00)

2. From 26-Year Marriage to Dating at 54 (00:02:37)

3. The Modern Dating App Experience (00:06:31)

4. Setting Clear Boundaries While Dating (00:10:10)

5. Preparing for My First Date (00:14:34)

6. The Actual Date Experience (00:20:04)

7. Opening My Heart to Possibilities Again (00:25:16)

8. Final Thoughts and Contact Info (00:29:02)