The pandemic isn’t over just because we’re over it. You heard that right! Even though it’s the last thing our social life needs to hear but with a virus that just won’t quit–-and is circling back with newer variants–it is imperative that we continue to waste our prime inside the safe confines of our home. Phew; just saying that aloud took a bigger commitment than doing a long distance relationship where I wouldn’t see my S.O for over a year. Good thing is that I’m not isolated anymore because I spent all my savings and married him right before the pandemic (I’m very close to smacking people who say it must be like a honeymoon) but my pals who are still engaging in the warfare that is online dating are putting themselves out there as we speak. And the least thing I can do (and live vicariously through them) is help with predictions for top rising trends that will help define online dating in the new year with insights from a survey conducted by Bumble.

Now, 2021 was the year of intentional dating where “Dating Intentions” was one of the most popular filters used in 2021 among the community as people searched for potential partners. And as it turns out the intentional dating trend will continue in 2022 as the majority of single people (54%) in India are more mindful of how and when they date. But while this year has brought the return of some much-loved pre-pandemic behavior, the future of dating holds many new and welcomed shifts.

1. Resetters: The pandemic brought a lot of changes for daters, but many adjusted along the way by adopting video chat and planning virtual dates. 71% of people on Bumble in India are ready to hit the reset button on their dating journey in the new year. For 75% of people the pandemic has made them now prioritize finding a partner who is more emotionally available. For more than half of (52%) people the pandemic has drastically changed what they are looking for in a partner.

2. Explori-dating: While what we’re looking for has changed but this hasn’t necessarily made dating super serious. In fact, the pandemic has made almost half of the people (48%) question what our ‘type’ even is. Looking ahead to 2022, more than half of daters in India would describe their approach to dating as exploratory (55%).

3. Hobby Dates: From cooking together to pottery classes to starting your own business – 75% of Indian daters have picked up new hobbies and skills. And now it’s also present in our dating lives as 52% of people in India are planning their dates around their new hobbies. This is an easy way to get back into dating post- lockdown by doing something you already love and it’s a great way to connect over shared interests. Just let’s not drop the masks!

4. Consciously Single: We’ve all heard of ‘conscious uncoupling’ but 2022 is all about finding that someone, not just anyone. The pandemic has made more than half of us (62%) realize that it’s actually OK to be alone for a while. Looking ahead, people are consciously making a decision to be single, with the majority of single people (54%) being more mindful and intentional in how and when they date.

5. Power PDA: With vaccination rates increasing, PDA is back in a big way and it looks like it’s not just the celebrities that are into it. 73% of single Indians say that they are more open to public displays of affection post-pandemic. So sniff the love in the air through your mask.

Samarpita Samaddar, India Communications Director, Bumble said: “If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that people are being more mindful of what they are looking for in a partner and more intentional about dating at their own time and pace. As we head into the new year, there is a sense of hope and excitement around dating, both virtual and IRL, as India lifts restrictions across states. With over 70% of single Indians looking to ‘reset’ their dating lives, 2022 looks likely to be a big year for romance.”

So, what are you waiting for? Christmas! Well, good thing it’s here.

via GIPHY

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