You’ve been swiping through Tinder for a while now and have even debated throwing in the towel on dating apps. But one day, at long last, you match with someone who seems like the real deal. You start messaging each other. You keep messaging each other. You’re definitely vibing and hope to take things to the next level with an IRL meetup.
Except there’s one not-so-itty-bitty problem. Their “ex” is still in the picture.
Even though a person’s previous relationship may have ended months ago, they could still technically be married. Or still living with their ex-partner. Or haven’t yet figured out the logistics with the kids. Or all of the above.
Since the average timeline for a divorce in the United States is about 11 months, it’s unrealistic for people to hold off on starting a new relationship before the ink is dry on the legal documents. But if you’re the “single” party in this potential new relationship, you may be putting yourself in a vulnerable position if you’re not armed with the facts from the outset.
This is not to say things can’t work out, but you’ll have a much higher chance at long-term happiness if you enter the relationship with a heightened awareness about your new significant other (SO).
