How to make dating fun again

September 9, 2021

We get it. Dating can feel dull sometimes. Whether all your dates are starting to blend together, or you’re not even motivated to truly put yourself out there, it happens. This doesn’t have to be the norm though. Simply shaking up your routine can be exactly what it takes to bring back the excitement.

Match’s Dating Expert: Brooklyn

While mathematics is her specialty, Brooklyn knows there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for relationships. With this in mind, she’s made it her mission to help singles with their specific struggles, whether moving on from a previous relationship, or simply moving out of their comfort zone.

Q: I’m in a dinner date rut. How do I liven up my first dates while ensuring the other person is having fun too?

A: It’s easy to get caught in a revolving door of dinner dates. A new setting is what you need. While you’re still in the chatting phase, be sure to learn about your potential date’s hobbies, interests & even the activities they loved growing up. For example, if they used to play competitive sports, introduce some healthy competition with a round of mini golf. If they’re creative, consider a paint & sip class. Even if your date prefers a more traditional approach, moving that meal outside for a picnic or bringing takeout to a cool drive-in movie can make all the difference.

Q: When is a good time to start bringing my date on group outings?

A: I would suggest waiting until you’ve been on a few dates. It’s good to get in some quality one-on-one time together before introducing them to a group. However, if you’re someone who feels more secure meeting for the first time with friends, make sure you gauge your date’s comfort level first. After all, meeting your crew might feel a bit intimidating. Suggest they bring some of their friends along to ensure they feel more at ease.

Q: I’m out of my comfort zone now that I’m dating again. Any tips on how to overcome the anxiety & actually enjoy myself?

A: You’re not alone in this feeling. The majority of members are either new to online dating or getting back into the swing of things. Start by setting boundaries for yourself. If scrolling through tons of profiles is nerve-racking, set yourself a manageable time limit for how long you’ll sift through prospective matches each day. Maybe even reward yourself by doing something you love afterwards. If sending the first message makes you uneasy, compose a message template that allows you to customize the details depending on the person you’re reaching out to. And if it’s the actual in-person date that’s giving you the blues, consider setting up video dates to get better acquainted with them beforehand. The more comfortable you are, the more fun you’ll have.