New year, new world, so what’s here to stay and what’s disappearing forever?
Like so many things in the world right now, dating is changing at an astronomical rate. Dating in the post covid and digital age will look completely different to any era in the past. If you don’t stay up to date then you might struggle to find love.
As daunting as change may be, it can also be a good thing. It provides the perfect opportunity to say goodbye to some of the more toxic trends and allows room for much healthier habits.
It’s time to wave goodbye to the following trends
The coffee date
The days of queuing 20 minutes for an overpriced coffee are over. Whilst they may have been a good way to test the waters, they don’t provide enough time to form a proper connection.
Expensive dinners
With inflation and the current cost of living crisis, the cost of dating has increased by 40% over the last decade. Singles are starting to save money in any way they can and so we are saying goodbye to expensive restaurants and hello to home cooked meals.
Highly filtered photos
2023 is the year of authenticity, which means we are expecting a massive decline in edited profiles. Staying true to yourself is one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy mental state, especially when you’re not comparing yourself to unrealistic beauty standards.
Slow dating
While people were finding their feet after 2 years of lockdowns, taking things slowly seemed like a great idea. However, it quickly lost its appeal and singles are looking to fasttrack the process in any way they can.
Sticking to a ‘Type’
The world has seen more change over the last 3 years than it has over the last 3 decades. Singles and their habits were no exception. In 2023 it’s time to let go of our traditional ‘type’ and open up to new experiences.
Dating local
In case you haven’t noticed, the world is turning more digital day by day. Naturally, traditional dating methods are slowly being replaced by more effective and efficient ways. Meaning you are no longer restricted by the options in your area and you have the ability to broaden your search!
Whilst they might have served their purpose, they certainly don’t align with our dating predictions for 2023. Sure, the dating game is evolving by the minute but that doesn’t mean that we are ditching everything…
5 things we don’t love about dating that are following us into 2023…
Dating is changing at a rapid rate of progression however, we can’t fix everything overnight. As much as we want to wave goodbye to these damaging trends, it looks like these ones are here to stay:
Dating app scammers
In 2020, there was a reported $37 million lost to dating app scams in Australia alone. Unfortunately, scammers will always prey on vulnerable people, and singles looking for love are just a great place to start. While these scams are traditionally used to target the older generation, more than half of the reported losses in 2020 came from people under the age of 25.
Situationships
A situationship describes the stage of a developing relationship where you’re not quite dating but you’re more than just a hookup. And no, it’s not an imaginary step before a relationship in fact in 2022 ‘situationships’ were officially declared a relationship status. A survey of users ages 18-24 in the UK, US, and Australia showed that 1 in 10 singles prefer situationships as a way to develop a relationship with less pressure”.
Ghosting
If you have spent some time on a dating app then you have probably been ghosted at some point. For those who don’t know, ‘ghosting’ is when someone cuts off all communication without any explanation. Unfortunately for you, ghosting isn’t going anywhere especially since singles are in more of a rush to find love than ever before.
Gaslighting
As much as it needs to, gaslighting isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s becoming even more popular and this year alone saw a 1740% increase in lookups for gaslighting. Gaslighting is a form of toxic manipulation used to make someone question their own reality. However, is its rise in search popularity such a bad thing? Or is it a sign that singles are becoming more aware of the red flags in a toxic relationship?
Fleabagging
We all know someone who’s constantly in a new relationship even if the person they are seeing isn’t right for them. Whether it’s through fear or attachment, they have become dependent on having a partner and so they are constantly stuck in a cycle of unhealthy relationships.
So if dating is evolving and trends are changing, you’re probably curious to hear about our dating predictions for 2023 right?
Sneak peak into 11 new dating trends for 2023
Thanks to the following trends, 2023 is set to be a rollercoaster of emotions. However, If you want 2023 to be the year that you find your life partner then you must be aware of the developing trends:
1. Getting back with an ex
Although this may already be quite popular, it’s expected to be an even bigger trend in 2023. Whilst It may be hard to predict fully, the following survey results paint a pretty good picture: 50% of surveyed Brits realised that the grass isn’t always greener, 28% said they have too much history with their ex to let go entirely and 51% said that unresolved issues made them want to give it another go.
2. Reverse catfishing
In a place where Scammers, Ghosters, and Catfishers run crazy, it’s obvious that dating apps can’t be taken at face value. However, for this trend, that may be a good thing. ‘Reverse Catfishing’ is where users intentionally post their most unflattering pictures in an attempt to attract someone with their personality alone.
3. Setting boundaries
Thankfully, many singles are waking up to toxic behaviour and finally taking a stand. Boundaries are essential to any healthy and respectful relationship, without them you could get walked all over. A recent survey found that 63% of daters say they’re more explicit about their emotional needs and boundaries. Hopefully, this trend is here to stay.
4. Meeting someone in real life
After spending endless hours on multiple apps, a lot of singles are looking for a more conventional way of meeting people. Whilst apps may serve their purpose, singles are getting increasingly frustrated with the countless negatives involved with the process. Thankfully, 2023 will see a huge increase in people looking for love in the real world again.
5. 180-dating
Like Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson, quite a few singles are rebounding from a recent breakup by starting a relationship with a younger and unexpected partner. So be weary of silver foxes in the wild…
6. Click-baeing
We all know about dating app addicts but have you ever met a habitual swiper? Unlike most dating app junkies, habitual swipers stick to swiping instead of actually engaging in conversation. Surprisingly, 58% of click-baeing singles reported more success in dating after extending their matches past their usual type.
7. Main character energy
Singles are starting to prioritise themselves. Without getting too philosophical, this may be your only shot at life so why wouldn’t you put yourself first instead of wasting time on people who don’t meet your standards? This is your life so live it on YOUR terms.
8. Only-plans
If you’re looking for a serious partner, you’ll want to avoid this type of single at all costs. Similar to click-baers and dating app junkies they are likely to agree to dates but never actually follow through. In other words, they’re a time waster so dedicate your energy elsewhere when you can.
9. Eco-dating
Forget animal lovers, sustainability is the next green flag for singles looking for love. More than 80% of the UK population want their date to make at least one eco-friendly commitment…if you’re not doing your bit, they’ll get the ick.
10. Singles will be pickier with the second date
Everyone wants a magical first date: cocktails, five-star food, and boat ride down the river but in 2023, singles will be incredibly selective with who they go on a second date with. Not because they’re too fussy but because dating is becoming increasingly expensive. In fact, “The Match: Singles in America” report claims that the cost of dating has increased by 40% over the last decade alone!
11. Dating apps are the first choice
Thanks to the digital era, dating apps will continue to be the first choice for the “newly single”. They will persist in dominating the way we look for dates, however, the quick fix has a price. In a typical week, the average person matches with five people on apps or websites. And the average respondent spends 16 hours per week swiping and browsing dating profiles. Even though dating apps will continue to thrive, singles will lose interest quicker than before and look for alternatives to meet people in real life.
Top 5 dating tips to help you find love in 2023
1. Start open casting
Whilst you may have a specific ‘type’, your need for a tall, dark, and handsome partner is actually limiting your options. Stop restricting your choice and join the 38% of singles who are starting to “open-cast” and date outside their type. Who knows what a new experience could offer, maybe you had your ‘type’ wrong all along…
2. Get off the dating grid
Sure, the tinder craze was fun and sitting behind your computer screen is super easy but is it really the best way to find long lasting love though? Maybe, but the success stats are low and the desire for connection is high. 2023 is the year for returning back to tradition and meeting people in real life. It’s time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and get out of your dating bubble.
3. Love-life balance
Thanks to covid, lockdowns and increased conflict around the globe, people view their work in a completely different light. More people are feeling burnt out and seeking rest since they have realised that work isn’t everything. Unfortunately, this new behaviour is bleeding into dating and 13% said that they would avoid dating someone with a highly demanding job.
So before you start a relationship with someone else, maybe you need to analyse your relationship with your work.
4. Broaden your horizons
Love knows no boundaries. The person for you might live next door, across town or in another country. Open your heart, your mind and your horizons. Choose connection instead of convenience.
5. Romance isn’t about finance
Whether it’s because of inflation, the increased cost of living or just general financial uncertainty, more singles are talking about their money. People want to feel secure and so 28% are setting financial boundaries in earlier stages of the relationship. If you think about it, would you date a financial liability in the current economic climate? I didn’t think so…
3 Bonus tips to guarantee more successful dates
Stand out!
No matter what way you look at it, humans are drawn to uniqueness. Think about how saturated the dating pool is and ask how you can separate yourself from the crowd. Whether it’s in real life or online, be prepared to show as the real you and spend time understanding what you bring to the table for the potential love match rather what you want.
Tap into your unique qualities
Don’t try to predict what is attractive to others just tell the story of you. Maybe you love to cook or are obsessed with gaming, sports or fashion? Whatever it is, if there’s a story of why, tell it and let others decide if they resonate with you.
Work on your emotional and mental health
Your past has shaped you into the person you are but how much of the negative experiences are you dragging around? Nobody expects you to come with a clean slate but burying your pain, using your past as an excuse and not working on your sh*t won’t help you attract or create a healthy relationship. One of the most attractive dating trends of the past 2 years is to have a partner who has worked on themselves.
How to date in 2023
You have done the hardest part, staying up to date with the latest dating trends and you are ready to date in 2023 . All you need to do now is be honest with who you are and what feels right for you. If dating apps are your thing learn how to make the most of them. But if you prefer to meet people organically in real life and you want to increase your chances of finding love you need a new strategy.
Is it time for a fresh start? Get off the dating treadmill and reset your dating life. Take the 28 day dating challenge and transform the way you date forever.
WISHING YOU LOVE, ALWAYS,
Louanne Ward x
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