2025 Dating Ins & Outs
It’s a new year and that means it’s time for my 2025 dating ins & outs. I have definitely sensed a shift in the dating scene as we went through 2024. My predictions for 2024 were correct - dating apps and situationships were out while meeting people IRL and communication were in. I do think these trends will continue into 2025 but I want to get a bit more specific with what I think will be in and what will be out in 2025.
Dating Outs
Approaching IRL - Continuing from 2024, more people want to meet IRL over the apps and that’s certainly not going to change in 2025. But the main issue people saw this past year is how scared everyone was to approach someone out in the wild. So I do think more and more people are going to strike up the courage to go for what they want and approach someone they are interested in. And I think this goes both ways. We’re going to see more women take the initiative in 2025 to go up to a cute guy and strike up a conversation. I think 2024 was just the beginning of more IRL connections.
Saying how you feel & what you want - Playing games is so 2019. In the new year, people are going to lean into communicating rather than playing a game of cat & mouse. This means telling the person you’re dating how you’re feeling and what you want. I think everyone is sick of the games and is more ready than ever to be honest and open.
Meeting friends & family earlier - In the past, people were hesitant to introduce someone they’re dating to loved ones. But I think we will see a shift this year where those meetings will happen earlier, in order to see if your partner can fit in well with your friends and family. People want to see if this is a match so having these intros sooner is one of the best ways to do it.
Using social media as a dating app - DM slides are becoming more popular and they are here to stay. We’re going to see a lot more people meeting their partner through social media and essentially using it as a dating app. People are still going to be tired of the dating apps but do want a way to see different options and then strike up a conversation. So social media is the answer.
Being single - The narrative has shifted away from finding a relationship and towards focusing on creating a full and happy single life. It’s empowering to be single and build an incredible life for yourself. More people are going to lean into the single life and not settle for anything less than what they deserve.
Dating Ins
Getting too drunk on a first date - With the current trend of being sober curious, this is going to merge with dating culture. More people are going to focus on being present on first dates which means less drinking and more talking. This also means less first dates centered around drinking. This will ultimately help you decide a lot sooner if things are a match because you will have more meaningful conversations and be able to trust how you feel about that person without the haziness that alcohol creates.
Being passive on dating apps - People are still drained from the dating apps so I don’t think that’s changing in 2025. Which is why real connection IRL is going to continue to be a trend this year. But I do think everyone is tired of the passive conversations that happen and then dry out on the apps. So I think when people do use the apps, there is going to be more of an effort to be proactive. Think less matches and activity but more quality in the matches and conversations you are having.
Basic dating events - Dating events are still going to be a trend but the generic mixers are out. The dating events are going to be more creative and more focused on specific activities that can bring like minded people together. So yes, more run clubs, pickle ball leagues, etc. And the events will be focused on striking up meaningful conversations among singles rather than just shoving singles in a room and drinking.
Prioritizing physical appearance - Is being physically attracted to someone important? Yes. But should that be the main focus? No. I think more people are going below the surface in 2025 and thinking about what they truly want in a partner from a deeper perspective. It’s going to be more about the values, goals and how you feel with that person rather than prioritizing their looks. And that focus is what will ultimately attract you to them and keep you attracted for the long term.
Focusing on the next best thing - Part of the issue with dating culture is everyone is looking for the next best thing. There is always someone out there hotter, smarter and more fun so people are scared to settle down. But that focus is going away in 2025. People want to meet a long term partner so they are going to stop worrying about what else is out there and think more about if the person in front of them is who they want to be with. This comes with a lot of self work and self trust that people have been working on in 2024. So now they can trust their gut rather than worry about the other options.
The overarching theme here is that people are continuing to desire in person connection and want less of the surface level parts of dating. That’s where more of these dating ins and outs stem from. Ultimately, how your dating life goes and what you make of it in 2025 is fully up to you. I recommend taking the time to set some goals for the new year and assess how you are approaching dating and what you want in a partner. But don’t forget to enjoy your single life and have fun while dating. Otherwise, what really is the point?? Happy New Year!
Interested in working with me as a coach? Here are a few ways to work with me!
The Dating Blueprint - a 3-month 1:1 coaching program designed specifically for the motivated woman who is ready to work from the inside out to embrace being single, enjoy the experience of dating, and make time to date with intention so they can find a long-term partner with the qualities and values they are looking for.
The Dating Blueprint Community - a safe space with weekly live trainings, consistent support from me as a coach and a public forum to ask for advice and to discuss dating with other single women going through the same ups and downs of dating and being single.
Attachment Theory Decoded - an in depth look at attachment theory with an assessment that unlocks your unique attachment style and a 1:1 coaching session for a full debrief on your results and how they affect your dating life.
The 6 Pillars to Creating a Dating Life You Love and Attracting Your Ideal Partner - a FREE guide that takes you through steps needed to face your fears and tackle your limiting beliefs head on so you can embrace being single and look at each dating experience as a fun and expansive opportunity.
Free Flow Coaching - If my program options aren’t for you but you are interested in working together, then let’s chat about a more free flow 1:1 coaching option. I offer three or six month packages.
