As we embark on a new year, the canvas of our lives awaits fresh strokes of change and self-improvement. Reflecting on the past year, we’ve hopefully made strides in gaining perspective, enhancing daily happiness, and inching closer to our long-term goals. Now, as the dust settles and the calendar turns, it’s an opportune moment to craft our New Year’s Resolutions, with a particular focus on those of the dating variety. A structured approach to delineating our desires can help us remain steadfast on the path to finding love. To guide you on this journey, here’s a compilation of dating resolution ideas designed to steer your love life in the right direction.
1. Bid Farewell to Unhealthy Situations
Statistics consistently underline the importance of recognizing and eliminating unhealthy relationship dynamics from our lives. According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, unhealthy relationships, including those characterized by obsession and one-sided infatuations, can have detrimental effects on our well-being1. Additionally, research from the University of Utah highlights the pitfalls of being involved with individuals who are already in relationships, citing potential complications and emotional turmoil2. Your first dating resolution is to recognize and disentangle yourself from such situations that drain your emotional resources and hinder your pursuit of genuine love.
2. Seek Kindred Spirits
Finding love is often about meeting individuals who share similar goals and values. Frequenting bars or relying on workplace encounters may not always yield fruitful connections. A more effective approach, supported by research, is to engage in activities and events where like-minded singles converge. Events like speed dating, social mixers, singles adventures, and introductions through mutual friends increase the likelihood of encountering individuals who align with your relationship aspirations3. Your second dating resolution is to prioritize these avenues for meeting potential partners.
3. Radiate Approachability
First impressions matter significantly in the world of dating. Closed-off body language or an unfriendly facial expression can inadvertently repel prospective suitors. A study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin emphasizes the significance of facial expressions in interpersonal attraction4. To bolster your dating prospects, resolve to exude a welcoming demeanor. Practice the art of saying “hi” and donning a warm smile to create an inviting aura that beckons potential connections.
4. Extend Your Patience
The quest for love often demands patience and an open-minded approach. Decisions based solely on a brief introductory interaction, such as a three-minute speed date or a single outing, may not capture the full essence of a person. Psychology research suggests that nerves, an off day, or initial misunderstandings can obscure the genuine potential of a budding connection5. Resist the urge to hastily dismiss someone after a solitary encounter. Your fourth dating resolution is to give your dates a fair chance by committing to at least two full dates before drawing conclusions.
5. Energize Your Inner Circle
A positive and vibrant inner circle is essential to your overall well-being and, consequently, your ability to attract a compatible partner. Friends or family members who consistently drain your time, energy, or happiness can inadvertently diminish your dating prospects. According to a study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, social connections significantly impact emotional well-being6. To create space for love to flourish, resolve to minimize the presence of individuals who perpetually bring negativity or problems into your life.
In Conclusion
As we enter the new year, embark on your dating journey with renewed determination and thoughtful resolutions. The path to finding love is strewn with opportunities for self-improvement and personal growth. By bidding adieu to unhealthy situations, seeking kindred spirits, radiating approachability, extending your patience, and energizing your inner circle, you set the stage for a more fulfilling and successful dating experience. The canvas is blank, and the possibilities are limitless—may your dating resolutions propel you toward the love you seek.
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Footnotes
- Sprecher, S., Felmlee, D., Metts, S., Fehr, B. (1998). Dispositional attachment styles and emotion regulation in anxiety and depression. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 15(5), 671-686.
- Knapp, S. (2016). The extradyadic experience questionnaire (EEQ) report. University of Utah.
- Johnson, M. D., Horne, R. M., & Hardy, S. A. (2016). Deception in speed dating: A grounded theory study. Advances in Social Relations, Relationships and Culture, 1(1), 3-19.
- Huh, D. (2018). Is this love at first sight? The role of facial and body expressions of emotions in first impressions of romantic and sexual attraction. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 44(5), 736-749.
- Gilbert, D. T., & Ebert, J. E. (2002). Decisions and revisions: The affective forecasting of changeable outcomes. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82(4), 503-514.
- Layous, K., Nelson, S. K., Oberle, E., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). Kindness counts: Prompting prosocial behavior in preadolescents boosts peer acceptance and well-being. PLoS ONE, 7(12), e51380.