ONLINE DATING
2024 Dating Trends: Year of the Self or Year of the Swipe?
You probably already know that dating trends are constantly evolving and people are more in tune with themselves than ever.
According to Michael Kaye, the head of Global Communications at OkCupid, people are now dating with a clearer purpose. They are mindful of who they give time to so they can be more vulnerable and transparent in expressing what’s important to them.
Although they are still interested in having a good time, they also want to ensure that their unique needs, beliefs, and curiosities are being met by the person they are going to date.
Now, the year 2024 is set to bring its own dating trends and relationship fads.
That being said, let’s take a look at the dating landscape nowadays.
Quality over Quantity
Many singles think that dating is more difficult than before the pandemic.
Data shows that individuals are struggling with the impact of online dating on their mental health, making them re-evaluate and understand why potential partners act the way they do.
According to a survey conducted by Bumble, more than half of the singles who participated said that 2024 is their year to prioritize self-care, especially in becoming more open about their mental health.
They are taking pressure off themselves to find life-long partners and to allow themselves to live in the moment more.
They want to experience “slow-dating” without a specific end goal and focus on traditional milestones.
They think that a successful relationship gives them more freedom to slow down and enjoy the dating experience with their partner. Being considerate of how often they go on dates also allows them to get better at dating to protect their mental health.
A Better Me
Since many singles are prioritizing self-care, there has been a trend towards achieving self-optimization this year.
This ‘self-optimization’ trend is where someone strives to become the best version of themselves. They think that they are not enough the way they are, so they either take a cold plunge at 5 AM or drown themselves in a lot of self-help podcasts.
Looking ahead, a lot of singles are rebelling against the notion that they are not enough. Which is why it left the majority of singles who answered the survey feeling pressured to constantly seek personal improvement.
Women who answered the survey said that they are taking steps to become happier with who they are. Instead of feeling unworthy of a partner, they now prefer to only date people who won’t try to change them.
Age Gap
Most daters nowadays are broadening their age range filters because they are slowly and increasingly becoming open to connections with older and younger potential partners.
Bumble’s research shows that women are less open to dating someone with differing political views, but are much more open to dating someone younger.
They believe that age is not a defining factor when dating someone, and they’ve become less judgemental towards age gap relationships over the last year.
Emotional Intimacy Over Physical Intimacy
Aside from focusing on their mental health, singles are also focused on finding security, safety, and understanding with their romantic connections.
They believe that when it comes to dating, potential partners need to understand the importance of emotional and physical intimacy.
32% of Bumble users that took the survey believe that emotional intimacy is now more important than sex — and that it’s actually more attractive than a physical connection.
The Parallel Play
According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a New York City neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind, the term parallel play in romantic relationships means that individuals can pursue interests, hobbies, and activities independently while being in a relationship.
This allows both partners to maintain their sense of individuality. It also allows couples to have independence and autonomy, which can contribute to a fulfilling relationship.
It’s like growing individually while sharing a life together.
Prioritizing and nurturing self-care and mental health is one of the topmost priorities people, especially singles, want to achieve this year.
Aside from sloughing off societal standards and prioritizing your emotional needs, focusing on emotional connection and compatibility allows you to build a strong foundation for a successful relationship.
The dating trend in 2024 is more about couples focusing on what works for them individually and as a couple.
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, the dating scene is already being dominated by the goal of prioritizing mental and emotional security in a relationship, one that will satisfy everyone’s needs.
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