Over the past two years, the dating world has changed drastically, from numerous lockdowns to social distancing, the dating scene has recently become particularly hard to navigate.
2021 saw the rise of situationships, cookie jarring and red flags but what dating trends can we expect for 2022? To answer this relationship experts Ness Cooper and Callisto Adams have provided some expert insight into the dating trends we can expect in 2022:
Politics vs Romance
Focus on relationships that have shared beliefs. We’re currently going through a time where our belief systems are being challenged, and individuals exploring dating in 2022 are more likely to focus on forming relationships that match their beliefs more than ever before. On top of this, there will be a rise in individuals trying to date those with similar political opinions and goals.
Vaccines statuses
With the rollout of more boosters and vaccine passports coming into our daily lives individuals will be focusing on dating those who have similar vaccine status. Part of this may also be influenced not just the safety factors vaccines lead to, but how access to venues and events may be limited due to some having different vaccine statuses. After having multiple lockdowns, people are craving to socialise, and they want to share this with people they may become romantically involved with.
The long-long early stage of dating.
The early stages might last a little longer since more people are being aware of the tremendous importance of emotional fulfillment in a romantic relationship.
To spot the signs of whether there’s a chance of emotional fulfillment to be in the picture or not, it takes a bit more time to know the person, to know if you match each other’s energy.
Romantic connections with bots.
Falling in love, or feeling things for a chatbot is near to being normalized, it’s probably close to becoming a trend.
The pandemic had its effect on each of us, and it left many people feeling alone and desperate for connection. Staying in the comfort zone where you don’t care whether a word is inappropriate or not while having a sense of connection was exactly what people needed.
It’s starting to get big, as to how big can it get that isn’t much predictable. Though, it might just be another dating trend in 2022.
Setting boundaries, and spotting red flags.
Red flags and boundaries are correlated. You set your boundaries, you spot a red flag that yells at you “your boundary will be more than crossed”.
Amazingly, people are becoming aware, and capable of setting their boundaries when it comes to dating, and spotting the red and green flags that a person ‘serves’ to them.
The “taking my time for real this time” single.
Another awareness that’s being widespread is that of the importance of self-care, self-appreciation, and self-improvement.
This time is going to be for realsies, taking all the time to turn into the best version of yourself might just be yet another very popular trend.
Prioritizing safety over sex cravings.
Pandemic has shown us how capable we are of patience and other ways that lead to connection, most importantly safe ways that lead to connection (even if it is solely sexual).
In 2022 we will practice the lessons the pandemic has taught us, being safe and holding ourselves together are a few of those important lessons.
