The New Year may not automatically mean coming up with a whole new you, but it certainly does have some interesting changes in store for anyone involved in a romantic relationship. Our matchmaking agency has been watching the trends and we’ve noticed a sizeable shift recently that we believe will be more noticeable in 2017. Daters are slowly moving away from the “disposable” dating culture that doesn’t value personal contributions and are quietly embracing a more meaningful approach to romance.
On Its Way In
Travel Dates
Our matchmakers predict most of 2017’s dates will be Instagram-worthy. Modern singles have extreme wanderlust and most of them are pretty social media-savvy, too. According to Statistia, there are 1.96 billion social media users worldwide, 185 million of which reside in the United States. We expect to see these two passions manifest into destination dates in exotic locales like one of the Seven Wonders or a new country neither of you have visited before.
Suggestive Texts
It’s fun to send a few flirty texts to your significant other during the day to help spice things up. Hint at what you want to do when you see each other next or snap a playful photo to surprise your date on their lunch break. This is a good way to let your date know you’re thinking of them between dates. Just remember: texting is not a secure connection and there’s no guarantee your date’s phone won’t fall into someone else’s hands. Be smart about what you send.
Compromise
Compromise is actually a good thing when it comes to relationships because it means you value your partner’s emotions more than your own ego. Do you really care whether you have Chinese or Italian tonight? Maybe, but if you make a big deal out of your partner’s conflicting choice, they will start to categorize you as cold and uncaring. Always give weight to your date’s choices to show you respect your partner. You will attract that same respect in return.
Selectivity
Singles are getting choosier about who they choose to spend time with. Usually we see this with people who have been on many dates with the wrong people and are finally ready to sort through the muck and find that one person who makes the journey worthwhile.
Marriage
Believe it or not, marriage is sexy! There’s something really exciting about coming home to your significant other every day and thinking of new ways to surprise each other. Divorce rates have been falling for some time now, which means that our newfound selective behavior is actually paying off: we’re finding the right partners faster and overall satisfaction with marriage is increasing.
On Its Way Out
Hookup Culture
This is one “trend” we’re glad to see go. Millennials are getting older, which, in dating language, means more of them are ready to settle down. They have more established careers and they want someone to share in the success. According to Pew Research Center, “Millennials have surpassed Baby Boomers as the nation’s largest living generation.” That means that as their dating habits change, the rest of us will see a more family-oriented culture, too.
Online Dating
The online dating market is saturated. In addition to a slew of niche dating sites, there are dozens of apps out there, including Tinder, Bumble, Once, Hinge, Grindr, and Coffee Meets Bagel. These apps enjoyed their moments in the spotlight during 2016, but consumers are now so overwhelmed with options that they’ve opted to save their mobile data for more useful applications.
Defensive Behavior
Daters are done with anyone who displays an unhealthy attitude. Defensive behavior, stonewalling and other child-like behavior indicate immaturity, and anyone who displays this kind of behavior is pretty much guaranteed a solid “no” in 2017. It’s time to clean up your act and own up to your shortcomings in favor of a new and improved attitude that will land you more dates – and happier relationships – this year.
Love and romance are subject to the same cultural shifts that run the rest of the world. We’re pleased to report these new dating trends work in our clients’ favor. If you’re seeking a long-term relationship with someone who values you for all your unique qualities, 2017 is your year. Contact us today to get onboard just in time for the New Year!
