The dating scene has been a hot mess for as long as I can remember. Everything from ‘situationships’ to ‘breadcrumbing’ has made people around the world want to lock their doors and cross their legs.
But according to the stats by the popular dating app — Bumble.
Dating in 2023 will hit differently.
So what are these trends and how do we leverage them to make sure we avoid dumpster fire relationships?
Date outside of your type
Everyone has a type. Whether you admit it or not. You have a type. And one of the trends for 2023 is to take that “type’” and throw it in the trash.
It is time to look past the 6ft requirement and give the short kings a chance because if there is one thing I’ve learned through my chaotic dating history is that. Being. Tall. Does. Not. Equate. To. Having. A. Personality.
In 2023, we are looking past the subconscious bias that has been fueled through movies and encouraged through the metrics in dating apps, and swiping right on humans that make us smile and take care of our hearts.
Define your boundaries
Stop making excuses for shitty relationships (*ahem* situationships). The bar has been on the floor for too long and it is about time someone raises it.
Prior to entering the dating world, go on and take yourself out on a couple of dates and evaluate what it is that you really want in a relationship.
Go to a nice Italian restaurant or a hike and make a list of non-negotiablesthat you would like to have a partner.
This will act as your compass through the hot mess of people that will be presented to you through the algorithm and help you weed out the ones that had no business being in your life in the first place.
Expand your permiters
Look I get it. We are the generation that loves convenience. We thrive off it. Events that aren’t in the same postcode as us, are automatically discarded. Much like the people in our lives.
The amount of time I have witnessed friends call off relationships with people simply because they did not live in the same 5 postcodes as them is abysmal.
But with the convenience of remote work and the fact that everyone is trying to make up for the lost time by jet-setting across the globe, use this opportunity to meet people across different cities.
After all the best way to get to know a new place is through the locals.
Find your balance
We have all been through the wringer since 2020. So in 2023, I want you to date more consciously and in a manner that does not cause strain on your day-to-day life.
With work-life balance being more of a hot topic than ever, take a step back and realize that you no longer have to settle for the bare minimum.
Dating a workaholic who is more focused on their career status is no longer a vibe and saying no to someone because they consistently cannot make time for you is encouraged.
Plenty of new fish in the ocean
COVID brought around a disturbingly large amount of unplanned pregnancies and breakups along with it. According to Bumble “more than one-third (39%) of people on Bumble have ended a marriage or a serious relationship in the past two years, and 36% of those people are using dating apps for the first time.”
This means that if you happen to meet someone who is not in line with your values and long-term goals. You no longer have to settle.
Move on.
Sex matters
I’ve always viewed intimacy as one of the key pillars of a healthy relationship. That doesn’t mean you have to have the chemistry of two horned-up teenagers. But making sure that compatibility exists between two people has often determined the longevity of relationships.
In 2023, people will be more open to talking about sex and their sexual needs early on in the relationship, with a whopping 40% of humans open to keeping their minds open when exploring different aspects of intimacy with their dates/partners.
However, due to people’s standards being raised, a recent Bumble survey found that around 34% of people are not really open to having sex right now either and they are A.O.K with it.
Move over nudes
This year we are more interested in our partner’s credit history.
In the past, most people have tip-toed around the topic of finances and some have even waited for a certain period of time before bringing it up over a casual dinner.
But in 2023, we have no more patience (which in this instance is a great thing, because it means that more people are having more honest conversations about their finances with their dates).
According to Bumble data around 57% of people are more interested in casual dates than fancy wine and dine nights. This means that you no longer need to take out a mortgage to take a person out on a date.
A simple coffee or some gelato will do just fine.
Strategic Chaos 