The dating landscape is constantly changing. And adults, both young and old, are presented with a range of options and opportunities for new ways to meet people. According to reports, 69% of Gen Z people worldwide are expressing a deep desire to challenge traditional dating and relationship norms. There is a clear change underway.
According to Tinder’s Year in Swipe report, there has been a twist in the modern dating game as they found that singles were less concerned about the outcome of the relationship and more interested in enjoying the process of getting to know someone. Dating is not just about finding people with similar interests and similar likes, but it is also a journey of self-discovery. But keep in mind that respecting space and boundaries is important at every stage of the relationship.
To make dating more fun and safer, life coach and relationship expert Dr Chandni Tugnait shares ‘Datecate’ – a playbook outlining 10 essential dating etiquette for apps for 2024.
Put Yourself First: Your dating journey is about finding yourself and your desires. 80% of 18-25 year olds agree that self-care is their top priority when dating. What’s even more interesting is that nearly 75% of young singles say they find a match more attractive if they’re willing to work on their mental well-being.
Show your true self: Your profile is your canvas for connections – let it speak volumes! Showcase your authentic self through an engaging mix of photos, videos, funny quotes, and even voice notes whenever possible.
Mail Intent: Making your intentions clear in dating is important to ensure that you and your partner are on the same exciting journey. Whether you’re looking for new friends or love, it’s best to make your intentions clear in the beginning.
Curiosity on beliefs: Build genuine connections by being more open to other people’s ways of thinking and reactions. Don’t be quick to make assumptions. Show genuine curiosity to learn about your match. One way to do this is to start some fun conversations that will result in a reaction.
Skip the dinner date: Skip the traditional dinner date and add a little excitement to your dating experience with some fun activities. Some examples include coffee dates, concerts and festivals, stand-up comedy shows, movie nights and arcades were the top date activities in India.
Dates set for victory: Date with intention and prioritize emotional connections over fleeting experiences. Sober dating is becoming increasingly popular for single people as they believe it is a real way to get to know people on a date. Tinder’s Year in Swipe 2022 report highlights how more and more single people are raising a glass to a sober date, with 72% of users saying they don’t drink or only ever on their Tinder profile. Drink occasionally.
Be aware of your intelligence: Humor can be great (and even sexy), but stay away from offensive and hurtful jokes.
Farewell to Ghosting: When looking for love, be honest and show respect when communicating with the other person. Instead of ghosting, recognize that closure is important to both parties. Avoid jumping to conclusions or ignoring the other without a heart-to-heart talk.
Be positive: Nobody likes Debbie or Drew Downer. So, try and maintain Upbeat and stress free environment while talking to matches. Remember, dating is meant to have fun.
Consent is key: Everyone has their own comfort zone. respect them! According to one survey, nearly 7 in 10 young adults believe consent should be discussed more openly with partners. So, whether planning a date or moving forward in a relationship, know others’ boundaries and encourage open communication.