Dating is supposed to be fun, right? It certainly looks that way in all the movies you watched growing up: couples going steady, sharing milkshakes at the diner, dancing at prom… Unfortunately, those films don’t paint a realistic picture of dating, and they have nothing to say about courtship past the age of 18.
In 2024, singles are facing more challenges than ever before. Online dating is ubiquitous, almost mandatory, yet its emphasis on superficiality often leaves people feeling low. Even if you do approach dating apps with a positive attitude, the sheer volume of choices they present can feel overwhelming.
The challenges don’t stop when you find someone you hit it off with. Oftentimes one person is ready for commitment, while the other person wants to date more casually. Or you find your perfect match but you live in different cities. Navigating long-distance relationships is hard, even with technology making it possible to video chat at any time of day.
Lastly, it can be really difficult to balance dating with your career and social life. Going on dates is time-consuming, and there are only so many hours in the week.
With all the challenges facing singles in 2024, it’s no surprise that so many people are feeling hopeless about the future of their love lives.
It isn’t just that dating feels hard in 2024—there are well-documented psychological and social factors contributing to the struggle to find love.
First of all, there’s everyone’s best frenemy: social media. If your Instagram account has a chokehold on you, you’re not alone: two billion active users use Instagram every month. Also, social media can be time-consuming. The average TikTok user spends almost an hour per day on the app, which is practically enough time to go on an actual date! In addition, social media can add a lot of stress to dating and new relationships. The temptation to check your new boo’s social media accounts can be hard to resist, but in doing so you may see some things you didn’t want to see, like photos of an ex or evidence that they’re seeing other people.
Shifting gender roles have added new layers of complexity to dating in heterosexual relationships. While it’s good that more people are recognizing how traditional norms have influenced romantic dynamics, the challenge now lies in effectively communicating and aligning expectations. As cultural norms evolve, it can be difficult to navigate these changes and build partnerships that reflect modern values. Clear communication and mutual understanding are key to successfully navigating this landscape.
Let’s say you decide to give online dating a chance. What could go wrong? As it turns out, a lot could go wrong.
First of all, there’s rampant misrepresentation happening on the apps. This ranges from the innocuous (profiles made up of old photos) to the malicious (catfishing). Whatever their intentions are, many people craft profiles that are not true to who they are.
In addition, a culture of flakiness dominates online dating. It’s easy to disappear when your connection only exists in the context of your smartphone, and many people do just that. Ghosting is very common whether you’ve already met up for a date in real life or are just chatting on a dating app.
Lastly, there are the very real safety and privacy concerns that accompany online dating. As much as we want to believe that there are no bad actors in the world, meeting up with a stranger from a dating app shouldn’t be taken lightly. Always meet in a public place and let a friend know your plans for the night.
Even though dating is tough in 2024, there are some things you can do to improve your experience as you search for love.
First off, it’s important to be clear about your intentions. Before you dive into dating–whether on the apps or the old-fashioned way–ask yourself what you’re really looking for. There are no wrong answers! Maybe you’re ready for a long-term, committed relationship. Maybe you’re interested in casual dating but are open to things getting serious with the right person. Maybe you just want to have some fun! Whatever you decide, make sure to be clear about what you’re looking for both in your dating profile (if you have one) and in your communications with potential partners. This will reduce the possibility of misunderstandings and hurt feelings down the line.
Another way to improve your dating experience is to work on your communication skills. Even if you feel like you’re an A+ communicator, there’s always room to improve. Being transparent with your desires and articulating your emotions will go a long way in forging a strong connection with a partner.
It’s also OK to take a break from dating when you need to. Your mental health and well-being should not be collateral damage in your search for love. The best relationships are ones in which both parties are taking good care of themselves, so make sure you’re as happy and healthy as possible in your dating journey!
Even though online dating is the low-hanging fruit of the single world, it’s not the only way to meet potential partners. A lot of people have found success with the tried-and-true method of pursuing interests and hobbies. Woodworking in your garage doesn’t count—you’ll need something that gets you out of the house. Consider joining a kickball team or going on a group ride hosted by a local bike shop. Take a glass-blowing class or get into line dancing. There are many opportunities to meet people in real life, but you’ll have to have the courage to introduce yourself.
Another way that modern singles can find love IRL is through social events and networking. Perhaps you could attend a conference or event for professionals in your city. It doesn’t have to be career-related, either: you could frequent a wine shop’s tasting nights or try a speed-dating event. Again, if you want to meet singles at social events, you’ll have to be extroverted. Introduce yourself to people you find attractive. Brush up on your flirting. And don’t be afraid to give out your phone number or social media handle!
Another alternative to online dating that has stood the test of time is professional matchmaking services. For as long as there have been couples, there have been people creating couples. Back in Jane Austen’s day, these matches were often made for reasons concerning real estate, family fortunes, and other not-so-romantic factors. Nowadays, matchmakers are more concerned with who will be the right fit for your personality, values, and lifestyle. It’s a great way to find a partner, and the best part is you don’t even have to do the looking!
If online dating isn’t working for you, consider Tawkify. Our personalized approach to matchmaking means that we’ll always have your back as you look for love. Our team of professional matchmakers works hard behind the scenes so you can enjoy going on dates without having to do the grunt work of swiping, chatting, and logistics.
Tawkify doesn’t want to set you up with just anyone. Our focus is on quality matches who align with your interests, values, and hobbies. Plus, our enhanced privacy and security protections mean you can walk into dates stress-free. We personally vet each match through consultations and conduct a thorough criminal record screening. With Tawkify, you can accelerate your search for love.
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