If starting the New Year with a new romantic relationship is a top priority for you, then ‘Dating Sunday’ may be the answer to your prayers.
The first Sunday in January is known as ‘Dating Sunday.’ It is the world’s busiest day for online dating. On Dating Sunday, Tinder users respond on average almost 20 minutes faster than on other Sundays of the year. The number of DMs sent on Tinder also increases by 22 percent, and the number of likes increases by 18.2 percent.
Tinder’s resident relationship expert, Devyn Simone, recently spoke with 21Ninety to explain the nuances of this Sunday. The internationally renowned matchmaker and dating expert has analyzed trends in the dating world. Her skillful guidance has helped countless singles find and create happy sustainable relationships.
21Ninety: Why is ‘Dating Sunday’ a popular time for singles?
Devyn Simone: Sundays are already a busy day on Tinder, and Dating Sunday is that sweet spot just after the New Year and before Valentine’s Day. [It] marks a time when singles are aiming to make good on their resolutions to make a solid effort in their dating lives.
21N: What makes a successful approach to dating online in 2024?
DS: This past year, we saw singles really start to embrace their “main character energy.” They ditched the pressure of labels and rushing to a “happily ever after” in favor of using the dating process to build a roster of new experiences and memories that bolstered their own personal stories. This is an approach we can expect to see grow in popularity in 2024. Daters continue to be less concerned about where their relationships are headed and more interested in creating opportunities.
The shift to utilizing dating as a source of self-fulfillment are the two highlight trends in Tinder’s Year in Swipe. N.A.T.O (Not Attached To An Outcome) Dating refers to singles who are less concerned about the outcome of a relationship and more interested in enjoying the process. Dating “For the Plot,” denotes that dating is more about the journey and less about “the end.” Singles will be more open to meeting new people and having new experiences and fun stories to tell.
21N: ‘Dating Sunday’ could be a good place to start reconfiguring ideas about dating success. What are some things to keep in mind when looking for love in the New Year?
DS: Don’t be afraid to show the real you. People want to see you for who you are. A good way to start is by refreshing your dating app profile. Focus on including a variety of images that capture your personality at different times. Showcase your interests and create a compelling bio that invites potential matches to strike up a conversation.
Be open and honest about what you’re looking for. This will go a long way in starting a match on common ground. Young singles value time and authenticity above everything, so it’s important to leave games and mixed signals out of dating.
Last but not least, stay positive! Last year, we saw that singles were into taking chances and keeping the optimism alive. This is the energy to bring into 2024. I encourage singles to have fun and put themselves out there. You never know what it’ll lead to.
This article has been edited and condensed for clarity.