What’s going on with dating?

The (sorta) good news is that you’re not alone if you have no idea if it’s socially acceptable to kiss, hug, shake hands, or wave goodbye to your date from six feet across the room. In the wake of a “new normal,” singles are asking, “What the heck is normal?” So, we’ve broken down the latest dating trends. And while some may sting just a little, take solace in knowing you’re not the only single going into 2022 saying, “WTF?!”

Photo courtesy of @hutomoabrianto

The “new normal” of dating in 2022

WTF #1: Hesidating

In all seriousness, we’ve been through a lot together. And word on the street is it’s not over yet. In a world of so much uncertainty, it comes as no surprise that most of us are also uncertain about what type of relationship we’re looking for, or if we’re looking for one at all.

Photo courtesy of @rojekilian

Piling on top of the existential crisis and adding to our relationship status limbo are vax status debates, clashing political views, and wobbly scientific perspectives. Speaking of wobbly scientific perspectives, singles are swiping left on those that don’t believe in science—a term coined as darWINing.

 

WTF #2: Déjà vu-ing

Photo courtesy of Alesia Kazantceva

Surveys say that Olivia Rodrigo was on to something. Whether you realize it or not, a third of singles admit to repeating dates with a new partner that were once special to them and their ex. In your date’s defense, their special pizza joint has just reopened for indoor dining after two years of takeout—with their ex.

YOLO #1: Baecationing

It seems that singles are still riding the thrill of leaving the house, according to a new survey that reports inviting a blind date or someone you just started dating on vacation is trending.

Courtesy of @paws_pdx

“Is this new?” asks cat owner Janelle of Portland, Oregon. “My now fiancé gave me a fake name at a New Year’s Eve party. One month later, he asked me to fly to Iceland with him, and I obviously said yes.”

While we’re all about making memories and YOLO moments, maybe take your WingPet along to be safe.

YOLO #2: Resigning

If this pandemic has taught us anything (besides a dating must of good personal hygiene), it’s that life is too damn short to be with anyone but the right one. One in five women have reported ending a serious relationship due to newfound perspective and clarity. And toxic relationships? Those are so pre-pandemic. Coined megxiting, 50% of singles reported ending a toxic relationship—whether it be family, friends, or a significant other.

New year, new trends, and new relationships

Photo courtesy of Timo Stern
Photo courtesy of Timo Stern

Maybe the new trends in relationships aren’t so bad after all. While singles might not know how serious they want to get, it’s clear that we’re all looking for more meaningful human connections and having a good time while we’re at it.

Even if FetchaDate doesn’t bring love, it could bring you the friendship that you needed even more than an intimate relationship. In fact, 50% of singles said they’ve made meaningful friendships through dating apps this past year—and they call it communidating.

FASCINATING