Too often our conservative views keep us from living life. Take chances, expand your horizons. You don’t have to give up your poker face, but don’t forget to smile. 

People want to know you, meet you, date you, hire you, so when you’re ready get back out there. Show a willingness to participate in life. [1] Willingness refers to “an active, curious engagement with experiences rather than avoidance.” [2]

“Avoidance negatively impacts social life by reinforcing anxiety, causing isolation.” [3] Sometimes we need to be alone but this is only temporary relief from life’s stressors. We all can experience “social discomfort” from time to time, but “missed opportunities for meaningful connection, often create a cycle that makes future social engagement more daunting.” [4] 

You need to have a good head on your shoulders for most of what life has to offer. Think how am I going to prepare myself for life, even the heartbreak and rejection when things don’t work out. Maintaining self-worth when things don’t work out involves cultivating “unconditional … self-compassion, challenging negative inner dialogues, and finding purpose beyond your, successes or failures.” [5] 

One writer stated that she “held on to the hope that if I could just find someone to love me, then I would finally feel worthy.” [6] To rebuild your self-worth means that you value yourself and your relationships without seeking validation from others to prove your worth. See meeting new people as “a fun exploration rather than a test of adequacy.” [7] Before returning to dating, it is crucial to grieve past relationships and build confidence through self-care. [8] Rebuild self-confidence and self-worth by “starting small with low-pressure social interactions, and prioritizing self-care before rushing into new connections.” [9] 

References:

[1] what does it mean to be down – Google Search

[2] Willingness to participate in, support or carry out scientific studies for benefit assessment of available medical interventions: A stakeholder survey – PMC

[3] https://www.ptsduk.org/avoidance/

[4] Avoidance – PTSD UK

[5] How to cultivate a sense of unconditional self-worth 

[6] How to cultivate a sense of unconditional self-worth 

[7] self worth and dating again – Google Search

[8] self worth and dating again – Google Search

[9] https://harnessmagazine.com/how-to-get-back-out-there/

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