Dating With Binge Eating Disorder

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Director of Content and Social Media at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

The dating scene in itself is a complicated one and can be overwhelming to navigate. Many individuals who find themselves dating, searching for a romantic relationship or even companionship often feel vulnerable in the process of doing so.

In order to begin and maintain a relationship, a person must be willing to open themselves up to a degree that communication is genuine and sincere. For someone who may be struggling with an eating disorder, like binge eating disorder, this can become a much more complex thing to do.

Learning to Set Healthy Boundaries in Recovery

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of dating in recovery from binge eating disorder is learning how to set healthy boundaries with others. Many eating disorders are perpetuated by blurred and convoluted boundaries with self and others. For some individuals who have suffered with binge eating disorder, binge eating may have developed as a way to manage or cope with intense feelings, like shame, guilt, denial, sadness, anger, grief, etc.

When re-establishing relationships and being vulnerable with another person in a dating relationship, it is essential to maintain healthy boundaries, respect, and mindfulness of one’s feelings. Think about the things that mean most to you in your life: what qualities and standards are you unwilling to compromise? Understanding this before entering the dating scene can help remind you of your priorities and stay connected to an important foundation of your own recovery.

Know Your Triggers

Whenever we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with another person, there can be a sense of fear of rejection or denial. Both of these emotions can be triggering for someone recovering from binge eating disorder, and possibly heighten urges to engage in disordered behaviors.

Be mindful of your emotions while dating and also try to maintain a realistic perspective. Dating is often a journey of many ups and downs, so don’t feel pressured to rush into anything prematurely. Above all, keep yourself and your recovery a priority, and never be willing to compromise who you are and what you have fought so hard for the sake of dating.

You deserve to share your life with someone who appreciates and respects everything about you, including your recovery!

Community Discussion – Share Your Thoughts Here!

What do you think are important things to keep in mind when dating while in recovery?

About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on October 2, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com