Bonoboville

How did you spend your New Year’s Eve? Did you spend it with friends and family, and possibly a very special someone? Did you enjoy a kiss with your significant other as the clock struck midnight? Or are you one of the many who aren’t “booed up” during this holiday season? Are you currently looking for love as part of your New Year’s Resolutions? This Sunday may be a great day to start fresh with your love life. Despite the fact that we’re still in the midst of quarantine, online dating has opened up a world of possibilities if you’re looking to meet a special someone. If you’re open, there’s no geographical constraints and no limits to what you can find! No matter what you believe, there’s always someone out that has the same interests, passions, and dreams as you! 

There’s are plenty of holidays that celebrate couples, but what about those of us that aren’t in relationships? The first Sunday after New Year’s, unofficially dubbed “Dating Sunday” or “Singles Sunday” is the busiest day of the year for dating sites. More than any other time, it’s the perfect opportunity to search for a match. Following the end of Cuffing Season, and preceding Valentine’s Day, Dating Sunday is the first “holiday” of the year for singles on the prowl.

With the loneliness and isolation caused by the Coronavirus, perhaps we may see an even bigger surge of activity on dating apps. Since many of us are still confined to our homes, we have to put in a bit more leg work to find meaningful and lasting connections. 

According to multiple reports, there’s a dramatic increase in site signups, messages sent, and matches made. In 2020, Match.com predicted a 65% increase in registrations, while other sites such as Tinder made 44 million matches in 2017. So, if you’re looking for your perfect match, why not take advantage now!

But first, here are some ways to make the most of the busiest online dating day of the year:

1. Be authentic: In the simplest of terms, be yourself. You’re more likely to attract a more worthwhile partner when you aren’t afraid to show off who you really are. No matter how niche your interests, or no matter how weird you think you are, there’s bound to be someone who will appreciate you.
2. Don’t be afraid to be upfront about what you’re looking for: Be honest about what you’re looking for in a relationship. Are you looking for something more short-term, or long-term? What are your dealbreakers? What are some must-have qualities? Do you live a certain lifestyle, and want a partner who does the same? Let it be known early on. The great thing about online dating is that you can browse profiles and weed people out pretty quickly.
3. Try multiple sites: It’s true that some sites are better than others. However, in order to increase your chances of meeting someone, why not signup for multiple apps? There’s sites such as Tinder, Match, Plenty of Fish, OkCupid, Bumble, Coffee Meets Bagle, Hinge, and more. Looking for something a bit more specific? There’s also interest and lifestyle-driven apps out there as well, including Bonoboville, which allows free personals in order to find your prime mate (pun intended).
4. Take the time to fill out your profile (and read other people’s profiles): Want to improve your matches? Take the time to fill out your dating profile. While there are sites like Tinder that don’t allow for a lot of descriptions, plenty of other sites allow you to extensively fill out your interests and even answer fun questions that will really give an insight into your personality. It’s easy to get swept up in looks, but do pay attention to what they say. If you don’t pay attention, you might miss something important and waste both your time and the other person’s.
5. Be optimistic! While online dating can be challenging at times, a bit of patience and a lot of optimism will take you a long way. Being positive about the process will make it easier to attract a potential partner. If something doesn’t work out, there are plenty of people out there!

Happy New Year and happy dating!

If you’re looking for more advice about online dating during Coronavirus, check out this article from the Dr. Susan Block Institute.