Dating Trends in 2022

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Every year new trends pop up: fashion trends, fitness trends, food trends, and of course dating trends. Whether you have had it with endless and unsuccessful dating apps or you are starting to think about dipping your foot into the dating pond after the end of a relationship, the following are six dating trends that will govern the way men and women find love in 2022.

 

1. Dry Dating - the past two years have had many people reassessing their relationship when it comes to alcohol consumption while dating. The networking app Bumble found that 34 percent of global daters are now more likely to consider going on a ‘dry date’ than they were during the pre-pandemic phase, and 29 percent of Americans surveyed believe that societal norms around drinking and dating are shifting. Now that we think of it, a nice latte date followed by a chilly stroll through the park does not sound too terrible.

 

2. Hesidating - Was first coined by the dating app Plenty of Fish in its fifth annual list of Dating Trends, and means, “Feeling indifferent about dating, unsure if you want to date seriously or casually because life, in general, is so uncertain right now. While some celebrity couples have recently hopped into new relationships quickly and with certainty, 70 percent of singles say hesidating is a very real thing,” explains the experts at POF. Single people are mirroring the uncertainty of the world in general in their dating lives, leading to reluctance to put themselves out there. After nearly two years of almost indescribable confusion, many are clinging to the things that are most secure and safe in our lives. Wading back into the dating pool would introduce a level of disquiet, which can be scary. However, here is the thing: Opening yourself up to dating again does not have to be scary. 

 

3. Dating Apps for All Ages - You are never too old to find love. Just refer to Google searches for ‘dating apps for older people,’ which have grown by a whopping 3,500 percent in the past few months. Though older singles can (and should) use sites and apps like Match, OKCupid, Bumble, or Hinge, it is also worth exploring the set of services geared specifically toward more mature folks, namely Silver Singles, OurTime, or SeniorMatch. 

 

Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

4. Proud Singlehood - Though quite the opposite of a dating trend, it is worth pointing out that Bumble also predicts a rise in what they are calling a conscious single. “We’ve all heard of ‘conscious uncoupling’, but 2022 is all about finding that someone, not just anyone,” the site’s experts write, pointing out that, per their data, the pandemic has made half of us (53 percent) realize that it’s OK to be alone for a while. Looking ahead, people are consciously deciding to be single, with the majority of singletons globally (54 percent) being more mindful in how, and when, to date.

 

5. Emotional Intelligence - Physical Attractiveness - According to Match.com’s annual Singles in America report, emotional maturity has never been hotter. “This year, for the first time, there was a drop in singles’ preference for physical attractiveness, while preference for partner traits like being open-minded and accepting increased,” the report reads. Eighty-three percent of singles polled are looking for emotional maturity in a partner over physical attractiveness. Looks fade, but being a compassionate, progressive human does not.

 

6. Slow Dating - This one has been trending since the beginning of the pandemic. With new variants popping up every few months (or so it seems), slow dating is sticking around. Per Bumble, slow dating is the trend of “people taking the time to get to know each other and build a connection before deciding if they want to pursue the relationship or meet in person.” The result is that fifty-five percent of people on Bumble are taking longer to move a match offline. Jemma Ahmed, head of insights at Bumble, believes this is related to having the time and circumstances—a pandemic will change your outlook—to think more critically about what they want in a relationship. “People are starting to get to know themselves a lot more,” says Ahmed. “And as a result, they’re taking the time to figure out who is and isn’t right for them.”

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Valentine's Day Surprise Messages for Loved Ones in a Long Distance Relationship

Today is St. Valentine’s Day and for those who are in a long-distance relationship, Samim Akhter is sharing her messages that will make your lover’s day romantically complete without being there.

 

Have a Happy and safe Valentine’s Day.💓

 

Creating a Relationship Contract by Vivienne Diane Neal

Managing your personal and business affairs does not just involve finances but understanding when to implement important matters that will affect your relationship. When planning your personal or business objectives, there will come a time when a contract, whether simple or complex, may be important.

Of course, we are not just talking about married couples but people living together or as some judgmental folks would say, “Living in Sin.” However, I am not here to pass judgment on those who choose not to marry while living together but to share some on how to maintain a fantastic and long-term relationship, whether you live together or not. 

 

Author Mandy Len Catron, who penned the viral New York Times essay "To Fall in Love with Anyone, Do This,” believes contracts are the key to happy and healthy relationships. Mandy says making a contract for her relationship has kept it healthy. Catron told NPR she and her partner revisit the contract every six months so they are on the same page. The contract includes a date night quota, a clause about alone time, and a mission statement. If you would like to learn more about creating a relationship contract, visit her page. 

 

A Premarital Agreement is a written contract between intended spouses, which provides for the division of property, income, and responsibilities to each other and their child or children should the marriage ends in divorce or by other means. Many couples believe you must be wealthy to have a prenup agreement but this is not true. Both spouses may come into a marriage with nothing but years later, their assets may be worth millions of dollars. In many states, those millions are marital assets even if one spouse gained the millions. Before you tie the knot, think long and hard about what will happen if one of you wins that million-dollar lottery. Seeking the advice of a lawyer is practical.

 

If you are not married and living together, setting up a joint account can be risky. Even though both signatures are required when opening a joint account, a partner can withdraw large sums of money and leave enough for his or her partner to buy a cup of coffee and a donut and then do a disappearing act. The only time both signatures are required is if both people are closing the account. Therefore, establishing a contract when it comes to the allocation of monies may be important, but setting up separate accounts is even better.

 

For one reason or another, men and women do lend money to each other, whether they are lovers, friends, acquaintances, or associates. However, what happens when a person decides to lend money to his or her lover? Too often, when an individual borrows money from a significant other, everything is hunky-dory. Love is blind, and each person is madly in love with the other. Promises are made to repay the loan. Both people are going about their daily lives, until one day the relationship has hit a sour note, and it is over. All of a sudden, the loan becomes a gift because the borrower was romantically involved with the lender during the time the debt was incurred. 

 

If you are in a romantic relationship, do not be a borrower or a lender. If you do lend money to someone, and you truly want that money back, have that person sign a promissory note as the borrower along with your signature as the lender. This is a legally binding contract. Never rely on verbal promises, because during the heat of passion, an individual will make all sorts of assurances that the money will be paid back. Once the courtship is over, there is the likelihood that you will never see your money or your partner.

 

On the other hand, don’t give money enclosed in a greeting card that reads hope you love this $500.00 gift; buy something nice for yourself, and then months later when your mate leaves you, you decide to take him or her to court and complain that the cash you gave was a loan. Remember, many people do hold on to those greeting cards!💓 

Credit: Photo by Romain Dancre on Unsplash

Make your 2022 Dating Year more Memorable

Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

As the pandemic continues, singles balancing online and in-person dating will face challenges. Singles relied on dating apps to find matches. According to Adjust, an Analytics Company, dating app downloads increased 13% in 2021 compared to the last three months of 2020. 

At the same time, some dreamed of chance in-person encounters, as vaccines became available in the spring and summer months. Throughout the year, dating experts told Insider their top tips for finding and flirting with a match, whether on your phone or in person. 

 

First Impressions Count - According to New York City-based dating coach Amy Nobile of Love, Amy, the best flirts have a warm, positive, and playful vibe. Nobile always tells her clients to start a conversation by asking, "What keeps you busy?" This framing allows someone to talk about their career but also leaves room for discussions about hobbies and passions. How a match responds to this question will clue you in to whether they are self-sufficient. If they are excited about their day-to-day life, two important qualities in a long-term partner, said Nobile.

 

Practice flirting with your eyes, says Nobile. According to Nobile, flirting with your eyes, or what she calls "flies," is a great way to get into a playful mood.

 

To practice your "flies," hold eye contact for three seconds with someone walking by in the opposite direction, said Nobile. As you are about to pass each other offer a smirk or brief smile, depending on your audience.

 

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When using dating apps, reference a match's profile to keep the conversation flowing. To keep the conversation flowing, pick something you have not yet discussed from their profile, and ask a question about it, said Nobile. If a match said they have run four marathons, you could write, "Wow! Four marathons? Does running run in the family?"

 

If you are looking to approach a cute stranger, make eye contact first. Striking up a conversation with a complete stranger can feel unnatural, so try making eye contact with someone you find interesting or attractive first, psychologist and founder of The Relationship Place Dana McNeil told Insider. Once you make eye contact, flash a smile and see if they reciprocate. If they do not return the smile or turn away, it could mean they are not interested, according to McNeil. However, if they do, it could mean they are open to chatting. To start the conversation, give a compliment or ask for advice.

 

Instead of using a cheesy pick-up line or asking which vaccine your date got, try a compliment, ask for advice, or offer both, said McNeil. She gave the example of seeing a cute stranger at a clothing store or even a bar. You could approach him, say you like how his shirt looks on him, and then ask where he got it from, with the intention of buying it for your friend or brother. This way, you are not only complimenting their appearance but also hinting at your single status, according to McNeil. 

 

Photo by Monstera from Pexels

Suggest plans if you want to keep in touch. If you want to see the person you met again, ask if they are open to meeting for drinks or coffee soon. "I know this might feel scary at the moment, but when you consider you may never see this person again if you don't take action, then, you'll really kick yourself in the butt if you don't at least try," said McNeil.

 

If you are nervous, she suggested thinking of the worst-case scenario: "On the flip side, if it doesn't go well or they reject you, then you will never see them again. So what does it really matter in the scope of the big picture?"

 

Get curious about a match's differences instead of writing them off. Instead of searching for a date who shares all of your interests or perspectives, Nobile said to get curious when differences do arise and find a love interest that does the same. For example, if you match with someone who loves to hunt but you do not understand the allure, avoid saying "I hate hunting." Instead, ask why they enjoy it and explain you have never tried it, said Nobile. This way, the conversation keeps a positive tone. If you find yourself, feeling uncomfortable because of the questions a match is asking you, it is OK to end the conversation right away, said Nobile.

 

Photo by Anna Tarazevich from Pexels

Nobile swears by grabbing coffee for a first in-person date. Nobile told Insider a first date, which she also calls a "screener date," should always be 30 minutes long and take place at a coffee shop, cafe, or juice bar.

 

Nobile, who charges a minimum of $10,000 for four months of her services, instructs all of her clients to grab a coffee when they meet someone new. This way, they get a genuine feel for their date before investing time and energy on someone who they only know from a dating app.

 

Start an in-person date with a compliment. When you arrive at your coffee date, compliment your date right away, according to Nobile. She said picking out something about their physical appearance, whether it is what they are wearing or their eye color will create a warm atmosphere.

 

On the first date, ask about your date's career and relationships. For people who are dating to find a partner, Nobile suggests asking specific types of questions on your first three dates. Called the "3-4 rule," Nobile's method requires that singles learn four key principles: chemistry, core values, emotional maturity, and readiness, so they do not waste time dating someone they are likely incompatible with.

 

For the first date, Nobile suggested learning about a prospect's career and passions, what they have learned about themselves over the past year, the relationship they are looking for, and their relationship history. It is also a good time to ask about their family and long-term goals, Nobile said.

 

If you are enjoying the date, end it with an 'accidental touch.' If all goes well and you are interested in spending more time together, do not extend your first date's duration, said, Nobile. Instead, Nobile suggests you end your 30-minute meet-up with a strategy she calls the "accidental touch." To do it, Nobile said on your way back from the restroom or as you are getting ready to leave, subtly touch your date on the forearm or knee, as if by accident. Then, Nobile suggests saying, "Sorry," or, "Oh my gosh, I thought there was something on your arm," to acknowledge the touch. The move, which could be too far out for some, can suggest you are interested in connecting further on a second date, said Nobile.

By the third date, be sure to ask about family and deal breakers. You can get into more specifics about relationship deal breakers, family planning, marriage, and communication styles.

 

Though it can be nerve-racking, self-love and practice help, Nobile said. Always give yourself grace. Learning to trust your partner fully will help you develop as a couple. Your first few outings after time off dating could involve awkward silences and unwanted rejections, and you should not put too much weight on those hiccups, McNeil said. Instead of worrying about how conversations could go, tell yourself you are worthy of love and joy, and that you have everything you need within yourself.

 

"Social connections require some bravery, some sense of self-worth, and a whole lot of humor and patience. You are doing your best and you will have a better chance of meeting your new partner by daring to do something a little outside of your comfort zone," said McNeil.

News for Travelers

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As Omicron cases continue to surge, information on traveling protocol on cruise lines changes. Following are some helpful guidelines if you are planning to take a cruise:

 

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stressed that people should avoid traveling on cruise ships regardless of their vaccination status, due to the fast-spreading of the Omicron variant.

 

According to Cruise Critic, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International have all revealed they would at least temporarily require facial coverings in all indoor areas unless eating or drinking.

 

Carnival Cruise Line officials said mask mandates would be implemented for passengers on all sailings through the end of January 2022, but the requirements could be extended or expanded, depending on the battle against the Omicron variant.

 

While Norwegian Cruise Line has been quick to highlight its mask-free policies due to all passengers being fully vaccinated, the continuous surge in Coronavirus cases has forced the company to require facial coverings for all customers and employees, unless eating or drinking. “We are asking guests to wear masks onboard while indoors, except when actively eating or drinking or when in their stateroom; wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible; and adhere to local regulations when visiting ports of call,” a Norwegian spokesperson told Cruise Critic.

 

Photo by Sasha Kim from Pexels

Royal Caribbean announced that all passengers would be required to wear masks indoors on all sailings, regardless of vaccination status. This was through January 5, 2022. The cruise line previously allowed fully vaccinated guests not to wear a mask in approved areas. “We feel it prudent to temporarily add measures and require masks indoors at all times unless actively eating or drinking,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Cruise Critic. “This new update also applies to vaccinated areas and venues. Guests booked on these sailings are being reached out to and made aware of the change.”

Source: Travel Pulse 

Thoughtful Gift-Giving Ideas for Valentine’s Day if you are in a New Relationship by Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All 

Nothing is more exhilarating than a new relationship. St. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. You probably want to show your new honeybee some love without going over the top and possibly risking coming off as someone who loves their partner so much that they do not want to let that person go. Looking for the right Valentine’s Day gift can be thorny in a new relationship.

Due to the COVID-19 Virus, men and women have spent a lot of their time indoors, and their connection has most likely moved a little quicker than it would have before the pandemic struck. Now, you can go that extra mile than a casual new relationship when selecting a gift, because you graciously know each other sufficiently. It is also safe to buy your new admirer something simple. When buying a gift, you do not want to spend too much money, but you do not want to come over as a tightwad either. 

You can get your new companion a couple of things, but do not go overboard. Following are some great gift-giving ideas for couples in a new relationship: 

Art by Tessy

 

Zach & Zoë Sweet Bee Farm

 

Naot Footwear

 

Omaha Steaks

Sugar Plum Chocolate Pretzel

 

Beef Jerky Flower Bouquet

 

Yummy Brothers Desserts

 

Warmies Microwavable   

 

Rosebud Motel Mug

 

W&P Craft Cocktail Kit

Homesick Scented Candles

 

Wunderkeks Cookies

Maya’s Cookies

 

Partake Foods

 

Bang Cookies

 

Slim and Husky’s Frozen Pizza

 

The Little Pie Company

 

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Photo of Couple by RODNAE Productions from Pexels 

Photo of Gift Boxes by Michelle Leman from Pexels

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Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.