The Reality of Divorce

At the age of 36, Jasmine Siang found herself facing the abrupt end of her 12-year marriage, just after giving birth to her fourth child. Like many women experiencing divorce, she felt her world collapse around her. “I was pushing 40 with four children, but no husband to care for me. I asked myself, ‘Am I still desirable?’ I hated myself for the divorce,” the now 54-year-old recounted in an interview with CNA Women.

Statistical data from the Singapore Department of Statistics reveals that in 2024, there were 7,382 divorces or annulments, marking a 3.7% increase from the previous year. This equates to approximately 5.7 out of every 1,000 married women experiencing a divorce last year.

Yearning for Companionship

Behind these numbers are stories of women like Siang, who, despite facing emotional turmoil, still seek companionship, intimacy, and the opportunity to begin anew. However, the transition back into the dating scene poses significant challenges.

Practical Challenges of Dating After Divorce

One of the primary obstacles for divorced women looking to date is the practicality of their daily lives. Juggling work commitments, childcare responsibilities, and household tasks often makes the prospect of dating feel daunting. Violet Lim, co-founder and CEO of the matchmaking service Lunch Actually, noted that many divorced women desire love but find it challenging to carve out time in their already busy schedules.

Searching for Connection Amid Fears

Professional relationship coach Anisa Hassan, who co-founded Date High Flyers, points out that the longing for companionship exists among divorced women. However, many feel daunted by the initial step of meeting potential partners due to underlying fears. For Zahra, a single mother of two, these fears are particularly overwhelming. “When I think about meeting other men, I’m scared,” she shared. “I fear that my next relationship will be like my marriage, or that people will judge me for wanting a relationship when I have two kids to care for.”

Similarly, Sharls Stewart, 30, who ended her two-year marriage, expressed concerns about trust. “I have this fear that I’ll never be able to open up, or that even if I do, I’ll always get hurt,” she explained, highlighting the emotional scars left by her past experiences.