In the bestselling book, Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert spends much of her journey learning how to be alone after a painful divorce. But when love comes knocking again, the challenge is no longer finding someone — it is finding the courage to trust again. For people returning to dating after divorce, being alone can feel less like a choice and more like protection.

A recent survey conducted by Rebounce, a matchmaking app, among 9839 divorced singles, found that seven in 10 respondents said they have deal-breakers and non-negotiables they did not have during marriage, while six in 10 prioritise a “safe space” over chemistry. Nearly 46 per cent of previously married singles are recalibrating commitment. Psychologists Ketki Bagalkar and Chandni Akhenia explain how past experiences can influence boundaries and expectations.