The 'Dating Scene' Forecast For 2024
The year 2023 was transformative for singles. But what does 2024 hold for those looking for love?
By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | February 01, 2024
As we bid farewell to the dating trends of 2023, marked by the pursuit of sober connections, the avoidance of situationships, the quest for the elusive IRL meet-cute, along with the emergence of open-casting—advocating for dating outside one's conventional type—popular dating app Bumble's annual report on dating trends suggests that the upcoming year is poised to be defined by a focus on 'self.'
Dating in this era has transcended the mere pursuit of companionship to now become a journey of self-discovery. This transformative period symbolizes a collective rejection of the relentless pursuit of perfection and a departure from outdated mating rituals.
Based on recent observations of evolving dynamics, here are the three key dating trends that are poised to redefine relationships in the coming year.
1. Emotional Dating
In recent times, the dating landscape has seen a notable shift towards individuals prioritizing mental health and engaging in therapy. This focus has further evolved to spotlight emotional intimacy, making it a possible trend in the upcoming year.
In this context, there's a growing awareness of one's emotions, with individuals actively seeking partners who prioritize deep emotional connections over fleeting encounters.
Supporting this shift, a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology underscores that individuals actively seek partners offering warmth, comfort and generosity, valuing these emotional attributes over materialistic qualities.
On the positive side, the emphasis on emotional intimacy brings significant advantages. It fosters more profound connections, leading to a deeper understanding and a heightened sense of security within relationships. Furthermore, this trend promotes authenticity, urging individuals to be genuine and open about their emotions, establishing the groundwork for longer-lasting connections.
However, it's crucial not to overlook overall compatibility amidst the heightened focus on emotional intimacy. While the latter is undeniably crucial, striking a harmonious balance between all aspects of intimacy will be paramount for fostering successful and fulfilling relationships.
2. Open-Hearted Masculinity
In 2023, the appeal of the "alpha male" gained popularity, notably influenced by controversial figures like Andrew Tate, impacting followers across various age groups. Fortunately, amid this trend, a significant number of men are choosing to defy these stereotypes.
As indicated by Bumble in a recent article, one in four men globally and 31 percent in the U.S. have actively adjusted their behavior, opting for increased openness and vulnerability with their partners. Among this group, a quarter have reported positive impacts on their mental health due to this newfound openness. Moreover, a notable 32 percent globally (and 35 percent in the U.S.) emphasize that openness and vulnerability are pivotal aspects in a relationship.
Considering this data and the evolving discourse on masculinity and gender roles that naturally extends into the dating realm, the trend of open-hearted masculinity is poised to gain momentum, with men increasingly valuing emotional expression and authenticity.
In the ongoing conversations about mental health, vulnerability may become a non-negotiable element in the dating scene. According to research, this open-hearted masculinity, akin to progressive masculinity, cultivates deeper emotional connections, enabling men to express themselves authentically.
A recent study published in the Journal of Sociology observed that these men actively distance themselves from conventional and inflexible manifestations of masculinity, showing a readiness to adopt softer expressions, particularly evident in their work lives and friendships.
3. Living Apart Together
In a departure from societal norms and with an increased emphasis on the emotional well-being of both partners, 2024 is set to witness couples prioritizing what suits their unique relationship dynamic, even if it deviates from conventional expectations. A prime example of this shift is the growing conversation around "living-apart-together," a relationship model where couples choose not to cohabit but maintain a romantic and intimate connection.
Referencing a 2022 U.S. census, The New York Times highlighted that 3.89 million Americans were living apart from their spouses that year. Given that the relationship landscape of 2024 already seems to be marked by authenticity, there is reason to believe that this number will increase.
A 2019 study published in The Sociological Review underscores the benefits of this arrangement, revealing that residing at a distance and experiencing higher satisfaction with a partner can enhance the inclination to live together in the future. It also provides couples with a deeper view on what needs might a cohabiting marriage fulfill for them (or not) specifically.
This choice aligns with the evolving relationship landscape, where authenticity and individual needs take precedence.
Conclusion
Dating trends of 2024 will most likely be characterized by a profound connection with oneself and a deliberate endeavor to reshape relationships through authenticity, emotional intimacy and individual fulfillment. Anticipate a year where couples rewrite the rule book, shaping the future of love and connection.
Curious to know what amount of authenticity you bring to your closest relationships? Take this evidence-based personality test to find out: Authenticity In Relationships Scale
A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.