DATING
2024 Predictions in Dating to Look Out For
New Year, New You!
Like other aspects in your life, dating goes through constant changes. One minute, a specific label/arrangement is a popular talking point all over social media. 24 hours later, another fad emerges.
2023 was the same. Most daters focused on getting out of the post-pandemic dating funk. Many experienced app burnout, while some stopped following basic dating rules and broke many hearts. Gentle was the game’s name as boundaries and love-life balance were among the top priorities.
Now that a new year is here, another set of dating trends will come swinging in. Here are some 2024 predictions experts say may permeate the scene.
Dating in 2024: The Year of Self
According to many dating experts, this year’s focus is headed in an inward direction. Perfection will no longer be the barometer as self-acceptance, mutual priorities, and emotional openness will become the highlights.
If you’ve experienced dating fatigue, you’ll be pleased to know that 2024 is all about taking a breather for yourself. And you’re not alone! Many are tired of mindlessly swiping their way through numerous matches, and they, too, could use some relief.
What are these comforting trends?
1. Forget timelines!
Admit it: many of us feel pressured/constrained by traditional timelines. Yes, times have changed, and ideas have progressed, yet the pressure remains.
Thankfully, the 2024 dating forecast sees more and more people abandoning timelines. You don’t need to worry about settling down at a specific age. Wedding bells and rings don’t need to be on your to-do list anytime soon (unless you’re absolutely ready).
2. Types are no longer a priority.
Everyone has their own preferences. But as people explore their dating pools, many find themselves going beyond them. Types may help you narrow down your choices, but the specifics make you stick to limits. Physical attributes don’t always guarantee great matches.
3. Generations will cross paths.
Age gaps aren’t a novelty anymore. Don’t be surprised when you see May-December couples out and about.
Singles of different generations are now more open to dating people of different age brackets. For example, a millennial guy doesn’t mind going out with a Gen Z woman. Their generational gap isn’t that wide anyway, so it’s not a big deal for both of them.
If you find yourself in a situation similar to the example, you don’t have to worry about judgmental eyes. Cross-generational romances should now be more widely accepted.
4. Betterment burnout? Yes — it exists.
We’re all for self-improvement, right? However, striving for perfection is draining. The pressure to be your best self exists. And with that, daters are gradually going against that grain. Some are actively prioritizing contentment, while others look for people who won’t push them to change themselves.
5. Couples can grow together while living apart.
Relationships in a “living apart together” setup are slowly rising. For those unaware, this model has couples residing in different spaces while maintaining their closeness.
This setup has gained significant traction, with a 2022 New York Times US census reporting that 3.89 million Americans lived away from their spouses during that specific year. And since emotional health is a 2024 dating priority, expect that number to balloon over time.
These 2024 predictions may not be set in stone, but it won’t hurt to look out for them as you navigate the dating scene. Don’t forget to have fun along the way!
