Hello, lovebirds and singles ready to mingle! As summer approaches, the dating scene is buzzing with fresh trends that are reshaping how we connect, flirt and fall in love. This season’s dating landscape is all about slowing down, being intentional, embracing sustainability and celebrating diversity. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your favorite summer outfit, and let’s dive into the top dating trends that are set to make your summer love life more meaningful and fruitful than ever.

Trend #1 Slow Dating: Savor Every Moment

Gone are the days of rapid-fire swiping and speed dating. This summer, it’s all about slow dating. But what exactly does slow dating mean? Think of it as the culinary equivalent of saving a gourmet meal rather than wolfing down fast food. It’s about taking the time to truly get to know someone, one delicious conversation at a time.

Why Slow Dating? 

In our fast-paced world, where everything from our online shopping habits to our relationships can feel rushed, slow dating offers a refreshing change. It’s an opportunity to build deeper connections and enjoy the journey of getting to know someone without the pressure of immediate expectations. When you focus on quality over quantity, slow dating allows you to understand your partner’s values, interests, and quirks. And they get to do the same with you!

How to Embrace Slow Dating 

1. Take Your Time: As the trend implies, don’t rush into dates. Spend time chatting on dating apps and getting to know each other before a face-to-face meet up. Find out if they are someone you want to invest in-person time with.
2. Enjoy the Journey: Plan dates that allow for meaningful conversations, like a long walk on the beach (an original idea 😉) or a cozy coffee shop visit. You’ll get to know each other better without screaming into each other’s ear at the bar.
3. Be Present: Put away your phones and distractions. Give your date your full attention and engage in the conversation the same way you’d want to be treated. 

Trend #2 Intentional and Meaningful Dating: Clarity and Connection

This next tip is complimentary to slow dating and represents a new dating trend. Intentional dating is all about being clear about what you want and seeking relationships that align with your values and goals. It’s the antidote to casual flings and cloudy situationships if you’re looking to get serious with someone. This summer, singles can embrace intentional dating to find deeper, more meaningful connections.

Why Intentional Dating?

Taking a more mindful approach encourages you to reflect on your relationship goals and what matters to you in a romantic partnership. How many times have we gone down a path with someone that maybe didn’t want the same things as us or sacrificed what we wanted for the convenience of having a partner that maybe wasn’t up to our standards? By being upfront about your intentions, you attract people who are on the same page, reducing the chances of misunderstandings and mismatched expectations.

How to Practice Intentional Dating

1. Know Your Values: Reflect on what is important to you in a relationship. Is it loyalty, ambition, or humor? Knowing your values helps you find someone compatible.
2. Communicate Clearly: Be honest about your intentions from the start. We know it can be tough to speak up sometimes but whether you’re looking for a long-term relationship or something more casual, clear communication is key and can prevent feelings getting hurt down the line.
3. Set Boundaries: Establish your boundaries from the jump and respect your partner’s as well. If you aren’t into PDA or like to prioritize alone time, communicating that in a respectful way can help foster a healthy relationship dynamic. 

Trend #3 Eco-Conscious Dating: Love for Each Other and the Environment

As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the trend of eco-conscious dating. This summer, couples are making an effort to incorporate sustainability into their love lives, and what a perfect season to do so. Eco-conscious dating is about making choices that are good for both your relationship and the planet.

Why Eco-Conscious Dating?

Sustainability can be a shared value that brings people closer together. It shows a commitment to a cause bigger than yourselves and can lead to unique and meaningful date experiences. It can also expand your pool of date ideas and change things up from the usual dinner and a movie to get you outside and in the sunshine.

How to Date Sustainably

1. Eco-Friendly Dates: Choose activities that have a low environmental impact, like hiking, biking, or perusing a local farmer’s market. Bonus points for biking or taking public transit to the farmer’s market, or making sure to leave the hiking trail better than how you found it.
2. Support Green Business: Opt for restaurants and cafes that prioritize sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients that are in season or reducing waste in other ways (i.e., biodegradable utensils or pasta straws at coffee shops).
3. Gift Thoughtfully: If your love language is gift giving, consider options with a reduced impact on the planet, like reusable items, plants, or experiences rather than material goods. Pro Tip: ditch the wrapping paper for the comic section of the newspaper or a brown grocery bag you can decorate with your own design.

Trend #4 Inclusivity and Diversity: Celebrating Love in All Forms

In 2024, inclusivity and diversity are at the forefront of the dating scene. This trend is all about celebrating and embracing relationships across different cultures, races, genders, and sexual orientations. Inclusivity in dating means creating a space where everyone feels seen, respected, and valued. Gen Z is leading the way in redefining and personalizing their partnerships, rewriting the rule book for relationships and dating trends.

Why Inclusivity and Diversity?

Embracing diversity enriches our lives with new perspectives and experiences. It fosters understanding and empathy, making the world a more inclusive and loving place. For dating, it means being more open-minded and less judgmental, allowing love to flourish in its many beautiful forms.

How to Foster Inclusivity in Dating

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about different cultures, identities, and experiences. Understanding and empathy go hand-in-hand with inclusivity.
2. Be Open-Minded: Approach dating with an open heart and mind. Forget the notion of having a “type” and be willing to learn from the unique experiences and perspectives of the people you date.
3. Challenge Biases:  Reflect on any biases you may hold and actively work to challenge them. Inclusivity starts with self-awareness.

Trend #5 Self-Prioritization: Loving Yourself First

In addition to these trends, self-prioritization is making waves in the dating world. This trend emphasizes the importance of self-love and personal growth, ensuring that you are your best self both in and out of relationships. It’s about understanding that you can’t pour from an empty cup – taking care of yourself is crucial to building healthy relationships

Why Self-Prioritization

When you put yourself at the top of the priority list, you bring a healthier, happier version of yourself to the table. It ensures that you enter relationships from a place of wholeness rather than looking for someone else to complete you. Showing yourself love and grace allows you to give that back to others.

How to Prioritize Yourself in Dating

1. Invest in Self-Care: Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s exercising, reading, or meditating, self-care is essential.
2. Set Personal Goals: Focus on your growth and achievements. Pursuing your passions and goals makes you feel more fulfilled, which can attract people with the same drive.
3. Know When to Walk Away: If a relationship isn’t serving your well-being, have the strength to walk away. Prioritize relationships that add value to your life rather than ones that suck the energy out of you.

Combining the Trends: Crafting Your Perfect Summer Dating Experience

Now that you know the top dating trends for this summer, how do you combine them to make the perfect summer romance? Here are some fun and creative date ideas that incorporate these trends:

1. Eco-Conscious Picnic: Plan a zero-waste picnic in the park. Bring homemade snacks in reusable containers, use cloth napkins to make it feel fancy, and enjoy the sunshine together. It’s a slow, intentional, and eco-friendly way to spend time together.
2. Volunteer Together: Find a cause you both care about and volunteer together. Whether it’s a beach clean-up, helping at a local animal shelter, or participating in a community garden, working towards a common goal can deepen your bond and align with your shared values.
3. Cultural Festival: Attend a cultural festival or event that celebrates diversity. It’s a fun way to learn about different types of people, enjoy new experiences, and embrace inclusivity.
4. Mindful Meditation Date: Try a meditation class or mindfulness workshop together. It’s a great way to connect on a deeper level, practice being present, and prioritize your mental health and well-being.
5. Cooking Class: Take a cooking class focused on locally grown recipes. It’s a delicious and eco-friendly way to spend time together while learning something new. You also get to eat at the end, which we love!

Summer 2024 is all about slowing down, being intentional, embracing sustainability, and celebrating diversity in our dating lives. By incorporating these trends, you’ll not only enrich your relationships, but also contribute to a more loving, inclusive, and eco-friendly world. So, as you embark on your summer dating adventures, remember to savor each moment, stay true to your values, and love yourself first. Happy dating!