With half of marriages ending in divorce and more, younger divorcees getting back out into the dating pool, it's likely that you might end up in a relationship with someone who's already been married. While that can be a turnoff for some, who may feel like they're getting "used goods" or may be judgmental of someone who had been through a divorce, there are quite a few benefits in dating a divorcee. First, a person who's had the experience of marriage will probably be less inclined to do it again - people who enjoy committed relationships without the extra step of marriage may appreciate this approach. There's no rush for a divorcee to find someone new to marry immediately, usually, so a divorcee may take his or her time. However, a divorcee is less likely to waste time in a dead-end relationship. When things aren't working in a relationship, a divorcee likely will end a relationship before it gets messy. Sharing a home and a life with someone else is valuable relationship experience that divorcees take away. Habits that drove his or her ex crazy are not likely to be repeated in order to avoid the friction caused in the previous relationship.
Some causes for concern when entering a relationship with a divorcee, however, include the potential of being a rebound relationship or getting too serious, too fast in some cases. New partners might be used to make the former spouse jealous or to fill the void left in the divorcee's life. Pay attention to how your divorcee date talks about his or her ex - a lot of negative, vitriolic talk without much to base it on is a major red flag. It's one thing if your date clearly was wronged, whether he or she was cheated on, lied to or abused - but it's entirely another if he or she is badmouthing the ex simply to feel better about things. Being ready to be locked down in a serious relationship may require more commitment than a divorcee is ready for. So take it slow, pay attention to your partner's previous relationships and how he or she feels about them, and consider whether a divorcee is right for you.