Think internet dating slows to a grinding halt during the holidays? Reconsider. We're actually heading towards what's known in the world of internet dating, as “peak season.”
According to Match.com, peak dating season starts Dec. 26 and runs through Valentine’s Day, with the dating site seeing 50 million messages sent and A million dates happening during this period. (FYI, if you're a person that loves to plan in advance, the busiest day of the entire year for internet dating falls on Sunday, Jan. 7.)
While it might appear counterintuitive to leap in to the dating scene during the holidays, it's rather a great time to become online. Romance is incorporated in the air and with the emphasis on family and togetherness this time of year, people tend to be more in a relationship frame of mind.
Laurel House is Match’s dating expert and author of Screwing the guidelines: The No-Games Guide Love. As she told USA Today, “the holidays are a great way to break with the ice by asking real substantive questions, understanding people on the deeper level after which say ‘how maybe it was being single for you personally throughout the holidays?'” she said.
If you're looking to date during the holidays, here are some things to bear in mind.
DO most probably to meeting people during this period of the year.
As mentioned previously, statistically speaking, a lot of people are on the internet and looking for love throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Years. Also, the holiday season tend to bring people from the woodwork. Whether it's a party, a visit home or simply a heightened need to socialize, almost always there is the chance that you'll meet someone you may not have crossed paths with otherwise. Stay open to the chance.
DON'T be demanding when it comes to scheduling dates.
While the holiday season is a lot of fun to satisfy people, it is also a remarkably busy season for many folks. Be open to creating new connections, but additionally be aware that between family, friends and work commitments, most people are going to possess a lot on their plate. If your date can't get together right away or has other activities scheduled, don't provide them with difficulty.
DO keep the momentum alive.
The busyness from the holidays has a tendency to sweep us away. With that in mind, dating isn't impossible. If you're both super busy, make time when you are able to see each other and make an attempt in which to stay touch through the festivities. Scheduling a fast hot cocoa date and sending a thoughtful text message to let your date realize that you're thinking about them will go quite a distance with regards to keeping the spark alive.
DON'T allow the holidays kill your single person mojo.
You may meet someone throughout the holidays or else you might not. If you aren't experiencing a rom-com degree of romance this year, don't despair. Instead, concentrate on what's good about the holidays. Plan a get together with your other single friends to celebrate, dish, and vent (believe me, you're not the only person with nosy relatives that keep inquiring about your single status).
Lastly, while it never hurts to become open to the potential of meeting someone during the holidays, be sure you center yourself within the experience. Here's your time to spend with friends, family or just relax through the fire. Remember that.