Dating Sunday: Strategies To Handle Internet Dating

Updated January 23rd, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team

To some people, Dating Sunday can be an exciting yet stressful day. Perhaps one of the busiest online dating days of the year, it can provide an opportunity to connect with new people. However, some people may become frustrated if they don’t make connections despite there being so many people online that day. Below, learn the meaning of Dating Sunday and strategies to approach internet dating this year. 

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Dating Sunday on the first Sunday of January

Every year, the first Sunday in January is Dating Sunday. According to Newsweek, Dating Sunday is the busiest day of the year for online dating. A survey of 3,000 people conducted by the dating site Hinge found a 29% hike in messages and a 27% hike in “likes” on Dating Sunday in 2023, compared to the figures for an average Sunday. 

The significance of the new year

The new year marks a fresh start to the dating lives of many people around the world. Moe Ari Brown, Hinge’s love and connection expert, recently stated, "As we step into the first days of the new year, it's a time to reflect on the past and envision the future—a perfect opportunity for a fresh start.” The new year brings hope as one chapter ends and another begins.

Strategies for connection: The new year ahead

Online dating can create a sense of anticipation yet spark nervousness. Some people include in their New Year’s resolutions a desire to approach dating in a way that is open yet protective of their mental health. The following are some strategies that may help with dating in the year ahead. 

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Moderating expectations

Dating can be exciting, but entering a dating situation with high expectations may lead to disappointment. Try to remain open to opportunities while not setting high expectations. Many people experience challenges with this balance, so if you experience it, know that you’re not alone. 

Being open to new possibilities with internet apps

People often approach dating with certain expectations. However, expectations can lead to disappointment and limited opportunities to find more matches that could lead to a long-term relationship. In some cases, even the slightest romantic connection can lead to a more meaningful connection, so consider being open to people who don’t necessarily have the same interests as you.

Scheduling time to use a dating app

Checking messages throughout the day can be tempting when using a dating app. However, doing so can lead to anxiety, especially if you’re constantly checking messages. Set a schedule of times to check a dating app throughout the day. For example, some people might benefit from deciding to check messages once in the morning and once before bed. This strategy may help you enjoy all the other aspects of your life without spending too much time on dating apps. 

How to set boundaries 

When using dating apps, you might want to reveal information about yourself too quickly to establish intimacy. You’re not alone in this challenge. Some people might reveal intimate details about themselves, hoping you will do the same to establish a relationship. However, doing so can be dangerous in some cases, as there are people on dating sites who have bad intentions or who can use intimate details about you to harm you. Set boundaries related to the information you want to reveal at each step of the dating process. 

Getting support with online dating

While the above strategies may be useful for navigating online dating, they may also help you speak with a licensed therapist. Therapists can often provide an objective outside perspective on situations in a person’s dating life. Therapists might use an approach like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people identify and replace negative and inaccurate thoughts they have about themselves. Some of these thoughts may affect a person navigating dating and relationships.

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Do you have concerns about dating?

Online therapy for finding connection: The new year ahead 

Some people may be uncomfortable discussing their dating situation in a conventional in-office therapy setting. Discussing dating with an online therapist may be more manageable in these cases. With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp for individuals or Regain for couples, individuals can choose a mode of communication that they find comfortable for these conversations, such as audio, video, or live chat. The latter option allows individuals to communicate in writing with a licensed therapist. Online therapy also allows people to reach out to their therapist at any time through in-app messaging, and their therapist will respond when they have a chance. Individuals who have questions about connections they make between sessions may find this feature useful. 

In recent years, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. One study published in 2017 found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective for several mental disorders, including depression and social anxiety disorder, both of which may cause challenges with dating.

Takeaway

Dating Sunday, which occurs on the first Monday of January every year, is considered the busiest day of the year for dating apps. This day can serve as an opportunity to start anew and begin to make connections with others. However, dating can also bring out nervousness and memories of past hurtful experiences. If you’re experiencing emotional challenges related to dating, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed mental health professional. Take the first step and reach out to a provider online or in your area for support.
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