How can you be sure that you're ready to date again after a bad breakup with the person you thought you'd be with forever?

You and your ex probably agreed that it is best to just be friends and unfollowed each other on all of your social media and now after your heart has begun to heal, you're ready to get back out on the dating scene. It is difficult to know when you're completely ready to date again but hopefully, these ten tips will guide you in the right direction to going out. If you can check off quite a few of them, take that as a good sign and put yourself out there, but if you can't, give your heart a little bit more time to heal. And remember, don't worry your time will come when you're completely ready.

1. You've stopped crying for no reason.

Breakups can leave us feeling all sorts of way. If you can make it through the day without crying for absolutely no reason, it's probably a good sign your heartbreak is passing.

2. You're not interested in a rebound anymore.

When you've gotten over your urge to have a casual hookup and you're ready for meaningful dates again, it's a good time to start looking for a new relationship.

3. You also don't hate everyone anymore.

When you're hurting after a breakup, the urge to never date again and ignore everyone else in your life. The time will come that you're missing your friends' company and that usually is a good sign.

4. Songs are just songs.

In a relationship, we like to link songs to memories and hearing these songs post-breakup and bring out the waterworks. When you no longer get in the feels after a hearing a song, take this as a nod in the right direction.

5. You are happy by yourself.

So many times after a breakup people feel empty and sad. As time passes and you begin to rebuild who you are and what your life is, you'll come to realize that you're ready to find someone that compliments your goals.

6. You don't think of your ex every second of the day anymore.

Once you've reached the point of no longer agonizing over what your ex is doing, you'll finally be able to see the world as a bright happy place again. This is a good sign for you that you'll be able to start seeing new people for all of the greatness that they are.

7. You've reclaimed who you are.

Before you can jump back into dating, you have to take some time for yourself to rebuild your heart for the next person. That kind of recovery doesn't just happen, but when it does, take it as a sign that you're ready to date again.

8. You're emotionally available.

Your emotional availability is dependent on you recovering from the heartbreak and you being mentally prepared to love again. When you decide that you can give your whole self to someone else, take that leap. If you're not ready yet don't worry, it'll happen.

9. You've started reminiscing less.

If you can finally listen to that song, drive past that restaurant, or wear that outfit again it is definitely a step in the right direction.

10. When you're ready, you'll know it. 

Simply put, you really will know when you're ready to date again. Listen and trust yourself. Take your time and be patient, the heartbreak will pass and you'll be back out there before you know it.