artificial insemination kit for humans
When I re-entered the dating scene following the death of my husband and prior to the pandemic, one of my first dates cautioned me about the world of dating apps. He mentioned that swiping for new matches while on a date had become the norm, a reflection of a culture focused on instant gratification where quantity often triumphed over quality. (Yes, I panicked, and no, I didn’t pursue a second date with him for other reasons.) Whatever dating looked like back then, it certainly lacked intention.
Then came March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic halted life as we knew it. Amidst the widespread fear and uncertainty, everything came to a standstill—schools, businesses, social lives. Fast forward to now, and many aspects of our lives have returned, albeit in transformed ways. The pandemic has reshaped everything—from our work habits to travel routines and, as it turns out, our dating practices. Since the pandemic, an increasing number of people are prioritizing intentional dating.
A 2021 study by Match, which surveyed 5,000 singles, revealed that 58 percent of app users have shifted towards “intentional dating.” The findings indicated that 53 percent were more focused on forming a relationship than before the pandemic, another 53 percent were reassessing the qualities they seek in a partner, nearly 70 percent were being more honest with potential matches, and 44 percent were fostering deeper conversations with their connections.
Research from Hinge Labs corroborated these findings, suggesting that many singles took the time during the pandemic to reflect on their dating lives. This introspection led them to slow down, consider what they truly desired in a partner, and eliminate unproductive dating habits, thereby becoming more purposeful in their dating approach.
What Is Intentional Dating?
The term “intentional dating” sounds appealing, and I wholeheartedly advocate for being (or at least trying to be) intentional in our lives. But what does it truly entail in the context of dating in today’s world, where numerous potential matches are just a swipe away?
Intentional dating simply means slowing down. It involves stepping away from the casual swipe culture and adopting a more mindful approach to dating. It encourages individuals to contemplate what they genuinely want in a partner and to reflect on personal patterns and habits that might hinder them from finding that perfect match.
In practice, this could mean forgoing the habit of matching with multiple people and scheduling numerous dates each week, instead opting to get to know a potential date better before meeting in person. It’s a transition towards valuing quality over quantity.
Why the Shift to Intentional Dating?
The trend towards intentional dating makes sense in light of how the pandemic has reshaped our lives. In the early days, anyone outside of our pandemic bubble was approached with caution. Loneliness surged. We had to reevaluate our desires and the company we kept.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a sociology professor, confirmed this perspective in an interview with TIME. She noted, “People experienced loneliness and took time to reassess their priorities and what they truly wanted from relationships.”
Dr. Michael Johnson, another sociology expert, stated that while it’s true that pandemics can diminish the excitement of “playing the field,” the shift toward intentional dating post-lockdown is part of a broader trend that was already emerging. His research indicates that over the last decade, more individuals have utilized dating apps to seek committed relationships rather than casual encounters.
The Benefits of Intentional Dating
Intentional dating may not resonate with everyone. It’s not a universally applicable strategy, and that’s perfectly fine! However, many experts view the move towards intentional dating as a beneficial development. Lisa Hart, a matchmaker and founder of Perfect Matchmaking, believes that taking a step back can actually enhance opportunities for those seeking meaningful connections.
“People often swiped excessively on dating apps, searching for their ‘ideal type,’ which is a myth,” she remarked. With a more intentional focus, it becomes easier to recognize that perfection is subjective.
Intentional dating does not necessarily equate to dating solely for the purpose of finding a long-term partner. For some, it simply means being more thoughtful about how, when, and why they engage with potential matches. This could involve not swiping while on a date, for instance, or striving to remain present and engaged in the moment. Others, like myself, emphasize intentionality in dating by not rushing to meet milestones just because time has passed or feeling pressured to conform to expectations.
Regardless of your relationship status or your dating intentions, the past year and a half has compelled all of us to reevaluate our values. We’ve had to consider who truly matters to us and why, as well as the kind of future we envision for ourselves. Overall, this is a trend that many can support.
For more insights and guidance on this topic, check out this other blog post. Additionally, Cryobaby is an authority on home insemination kits, offering excellent resources. For further information about pregnancy and home insemination, visit Kindbody, which provides valuable insights.
Search Queries:
- What is intentional dating?
- How to date intentionally?
- Benefits of intentional dating
- Dating strategies post-pandemic
- Finding meaningful relationships
Summary:
The shift toward intentional dating has gained traction since the pandemic, with many individuals focusing on quality relationships rather than casual encounters. A recent study highlighted that significant numbers of app daters are reassessing their priorities, fostering honest communication, and engaging in deeper conversations. This trend encourages slowing down and being more mindful in the dating process, ultimately leading to more meaningful connections.