Since the COVID 19 pandemic has hit forcing the world to limit social interactions across the globe, I have noticed a growing trend in my practice of daters of all generations preferring real life connections over algothrims. This push towards something real and more human appealing to even the current generation of men and women in their 20s. We are oversaturated in technology. Digital fasts are becoming more common.
Recently, I had this conversation that if it were not for my business, I would completely sever any social media accounts. With the popularity of TikTok and Instagram rising, potential partners would prefer to get a sense of who people are rather than what they project to the outside world. Social media algorithms show you accounts of individuals who share geography, common interests and characteristics with a potential partner. I see experiences of minorities and disenfranchised communities share negative experiences with me concerning harassment as well as civil and criminal legal issues centered around social media behavior. While dating apps have pushed toward paying for memberships and subscriptions to access certain features, these experiences continue to meet the expectations for Gen Z daters. My own clients have shared that they valued those individuals who accepted them as they are or pushed them to be different as it connections are more authentic with these relationships.
I have several college students who prefer meeting people through their friends at school or through networking through their university. It seems old fashioned to me,but dating a friend can alleviate their anxiety or stress feelings that young people face in the dating environment.
As someone who spent a lot of time single prior to meeting my current partner, I would often nickname potential suitors. I tell my own clients to keep their options open until they are able to meaningfully communicate their goals, needs, and future plans with a partner. Having options can be really helpful when you are feeling disheartened or stuck in the dating scene. Be mindful of how others treat you is what I would tell a client who was struggling. It's not about only physical attraction, but how the other person makes you feel that is important.
When I worked on myself and focused on what made me a better person,dating became much easier. It should be an empowering, enjoyable experience is what I discovered when I took time to build authentic, more human connections in real life.
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