Dating can stir up all kinds of “what if” questions—What if the age gap becomes a problem? What if I never fit into his life with his kids? What if he starts drinking again?

The truth is: you don’t know, and you can’t know. Relationships don’t come with guarantees. Read on to learn how to stop overanalyzing the future and start making empowered dating decisions right now.

Dating as a single mom can feel like an impossible puzzle—between packed schedules, childcare logistics, and sheer exhaustion, it’s hard to even think about putting yourself out there. But it is possible. In this post, I’m sharing 9 real-world tips to help you date on your time, your terms, and without the guilt, overwhelm, or burnout. Because you’re a woman, not just a mom.