Modern dating trends
How can single people prepare for a new year of dating and what should they expect?
Today, dating apps are the dominant way people date.
Unsurprisingly, offline dating took a decline during the COVID pandemic, so people had to rely on apps. Now more couples meet online than any other way including meeting people through friends or work. So what should you expect in 2023?
To answer these questions, dating app Bumble conducted a survey of over 10,000 daters using their app around the world and released it’s annual predictions for dating in the new year.
SPOILER ALERT: Emotional needs are high on people’s list of priorities.
Reality bites
People are getting real and having candid conversations about previously taboo topics.
People are now favouring increased vulnerability and mindfulness, being upfront about what they want. The cost of the living crisis is also having a major impact on dating habits, with many opting for increased transparency over their finances (and money worries) in the early stages of dating. And, environmentally conscious singles are opting for “green dating” and eliminating any potential matches who aren’t aligned with their views on climate change.
Guardrailing
Setting boundaries is essential in relationships of all kinds.
People are now prioritizing identifying and clearly articulating their boundaries. These boundaries can be emotional, like being upfront about what they want or recognizing ‘red’ and ‘green’ flags. Or, these boundaries can be physical, like ensuring they don’t overcommit themselves or move to fast sexually.
Love-life balance
People are also taking a closer look at the values they seek in romantic partners.
Looking good on paper and prioritizing professional success isn’t at the top of everyone’s wish list these days. When it comes to what people are looking for in a partner, 54% of people surveyed care more about their work / life balance than their career status. One in 10 people will no longer date someone who has a very demanding job and 52% of people are actively trying to make more space for rest in their life.
Open casting
1 in 3 daters are now more open to considering dating beyond their ‘type’.
52% of daters are expanding their horizons beyond what they would typically ‘go for’. And 1 in 4 people are putting less pressure on meeting other people’s expectations of who they should date.
Ethical sex-ploration
Let’s talk about sex, baby.
43% of daters are navigating sex and intimacy in a more exploratory and open way, while 53% believe it’s paramount to express sexual wants and needs early on in a relationship. Whereas 42% of daters surveyed are currently not having sex and they’re fine with that. Globally, 34% of daters said the same.
Wanderlove
Long distance romance is on the rise.
33% of people on Bumble are now more open to having relationships with people not in their current city. With more jobs allowing for flexible work arrangements and even “digital nomad” arrangements, 14% of daters have explored the prospect of becoming a digital nomad and dating people from far flung destinations.
Dating renaissance
Welcome to the new kids on the dating block.
Many of us know someone who has had a pandemic breakup. As per Bumble’s data, 39% of people on the dating app ended a marriage or serious relationship within the past two years. These individuals are entering a second chapter - a dating renaissance - and some of whom (36%) are using dating apps for the very first time.
Love is in the air
The vast majority (70%) are feeling positive about the romance that lies ahead in 2023.
Daters are getting better about articulating what they do and don’t want from their matches, challenging the status quo, and connecting on their own terms. We hope that these positive shifts in the way people are dating empower you to look for a healthy connection on your own terms.
We’re here if you need help.
Therapy is a valuable tool that can help you to solve problems, set and achieve goals, or teach you new ways to track your emotions and keep yourself in check. It can help you to build the life, career, and relationship that you want. Does everybody need it? No. But if you are curious about working with a therapist, that curiosity is worth pursuing.
We know it takes a great amount of courage to examine your life and to decide that there are things you would like to change. And, it takes more courage to do something about it. We can help. We offer free consultations for anyone in Ontario considering individual or couples counselling, online at The Dot. We will go through any of your questions and concerns to help you decide whether online counselling is the right choice for you.