We all deal with the end of a relationship differently. Some of us bounce back almost instantly, while others take considerably longer to recover from the emotional aftermath of a breakup. If you’ve broken up with someone fairly recently, how can you tell when you’re ready to get back out there and meet someone new? When is it too soon? It all comes down to taking a look at yourself.

1) What’s Your Attitude?

It’s natural for many people to harbor some negative feelings after a breakup. Ask yourself what you’re thinking. When you think about your love life, are you bitter or pessimistic, or are you feeling positive about getting back on the dating scene? When you’re optimistic and your thoughts about dating are upbeat, it may be a sign that it’s time to start dating again.

2) How Are You Feeling?

Before you start dating again, evaluate your emotions. Are you feeling anxious, insecure or do you doubt yourself? Perhaps you feel confident, hopeful and excited about the idea of meeting someone. Your emotional state can tell you a great deal about whether or not you’re prepared to handle a new relationship.

3) Are You Getting In Your Own Way?

Have you been behaving in a way that says that you’re ready to get back out there? If you’ve stopped going to the gym, avoiding parties and generally steering clear of social interaction, you’re probably not ready yet. If you’ve been taking care of yourself and feeling ready to be social, then chances are that you’re ready to start dating again, either right now or very soon!