query hi i was in a serious relationship with my expartner for sixlong years but somehow the relationship did not work out we fell out of love and after trying for a year we realised it was the best to part our ways in the meanwhile i became close friends with one of my colleagues and started falling for him i really like him now and he has even proposed me for a relationship i broke up just a week back and i am not sure whether i should step into a new relationship or not i do not want to say no to my crush i think he is a very genuine person i think i have moved on but is it okay to date someone at this stage by anonymousresponse by ms devisha batra hi thank you for reaching out to us i can understand how upsetting it can be for you being in a longterm relationship you must have invested a lot i can imagine how this break up can make you feel as you both had put in all the efforts to make it work i can understand that it can make you feel alone everyone copes differently with the situations in my opinion take one step at time since it has been just a week take your time to discover your own self try and not use this present person to disguise the pain of losing your ex by distracting yourself with the presence of someone newwhen you are on a path of a relationship for so long a detour can feel devastating in my belief this is the best time to focus on new things in life and do what you have not been able to do since long it can be anything a new hobby a passion or something which you could not pursue currently entering into this relationship can be the last thing to do you can convey him that you need time to know him much more as a person communicate your concerns assertively to him that you would need some space before taking this step as you mention that he has proposed to you and you find it difficult to say a no i suggest ask yourself am i actually ready in taking this step or i am just entering because of my own apprehensions what is making it so difficult to say a no write your own thoughts it will help you create an analysis of the situationin my view your worry doesnt need to be about when to be in a relationship it should be about making sure you are the best version of you for that momentsay a yes to changeif you still feel stuck and are unable to decide you can seek help in order to lessen your doubt and then take a decision ms devisha batra is a senior psychologist at iwill therapy appwant expert advice for your relationship send us a mail at expertadvicetoigmailcom