6 Trends Changing the Way Singles Approach Dating in 2022

From mustering up the courage to approach someone IRL, to drafting the most enticing dating app bio with the aim of scoring a swipe right, dating has never been for the faint-hearted.

So much has changed during the last two drawn out years, and as singles re-enter the dating scene, the rules and expectations surrounding how to approach romance are by no means an exception. Now that restrictions are on their way out, a new set of dating trends have emerged, giving dating and romance in this post-pandemic era, a much-needed makeover.

As Zoom dates become redundant and singles enter this “new normal”, ready to mingle phase, many are craving human interaction and want to “reset” the way they navigate the playing field.

So, what does dating look like these days and for the rest of the year? Ahead, six dating trends we’re now seeing.

Therapy

The uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak, caused people’s lives to be turned upside down. The impact of “doomscrolling” and “menty-b’s” were felt by many, resulting in what was previously considered a taboo topic (mental health and therapy), being replaced with a renewed appreciation for well-being and self-care.

According to research conducted by dating app Hinge, prioritising mental health is now a quality that many singles look for in a potential match as 89% of Australian users prefer to date someone who goes to therapy, with those who do more likely to succeed in getting a second date if they mention having a therapist on a first date.

Hardballing

With singles feeling like they were robbed of the opportunity to find “the one” over the past two pandemic-ridden years, many daters are now attempting to fast-forward the courting process with a dating trend known as “hardballing”; which cuts straight to the point about their relationship expectations. The once uncomfortable “what are you looking for?”, “what are we?”, and “where is this going?” questions, are now happening a lot earlier than previously deemed acceptable, in order to attract the right people and waste as little time as possible beating around the bush.

Dry Dating

Alcohol is often the go-to for breaking the ice, but an increasing number of daters are now trying to put themselves out there without the support of “liquid courage”. During lockdown, singles were forced to get inventive with their dates, many replacing dinner and drinks, with socially distanced sober activities in the park. Although a lot of people fell into dry dating because of the restrictions, now that bars and restaurants have reopened, many singles have realised they are happier, healthier, and have better judgement trying to search for a partner without their rose-coloured “beer goggles” on.

Single on Purpose

After being forced to grow accustomed to their own company during lockdown, many singles realised that being alone does not necessarily mean being lonely. This year, many singles are purposefully maintaining their single status, in preference of embracing their freedom or holding out for that someone special. As the world reopens, most people are looking to not only reconnect with people but are also in search of more authentic connections. Many singles are now taking control of their dating journey by pacing themselves and prioritising being more intentional when it comes to how they spend their time and who with.

Comvaxibility

As COVID-19 variants and booster shots become more common, it turns out that getting your shot might just help you shoot your shot in the “vacci-dating” scene. Proof of vaccination is now a dating deal breaker for singles who refuse to date someone who hasn’t been jabbed. While pre-pandemic singletons were mostly in search for a date who shares their interests, now an increasing number of daters appear to have an updated list of compatibility requirements that include vaccination preferences, passports, and dating app vax badges.

Submarining

With people no longer being restricted by face masks, lockdowns, or the 1.5 metre social distancing and 5km radius rule, “submarining” is the latest dating trend to watch out for, as ghosts of dates past are coming up for air. After two years of mandatory minimal contact where singles were forced to trade physical affection for virtual connection, many daters who had previously disappeared without a trace are testing the waters again. Although some are hoping to reignite the romance, others might be resurfacing just as a means of seeking validation from a familiar place before trying their luck out in the “real world” dating pool again.

If the past has taught us anything, it’s that none of us can predict the future. While the lifting of restrictions is a step in the right direction for singles wanting to meet their match, only time will tell if these trends are transforming the dating scene for better or worse. Or perhaps one day, it will just return to its former pre-pandemic self?

Nicole Colantoni is a dating and mindset coach and 30-something-year-old women’s advocate who is fascinated by human potential, and dedicated to building a community of empowered women. As POPSUGAR Australia’s dating columnist, Nicole will share updates on dating trends, advice, and answer all your burning questions. Slide into her DM’s, to share what you’d like her to answer next. Nicole hosts a podcast, Single At Thirty, which you can learn more about and listen here.