evntful

A Safer Way to Date: Inside the Evntful x Chayn Collab

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:54:56 GMT

A Safer Way to Date: Inside the Evntful x Chayn Collab

By Emily Brown

TRIGGER WARNING: this article discusses rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence. Follow the links if you’d prefer to skip the article and go straight to Chayn’s website or Bloom’s resources .

Evntful’s mission is to redefine online dating, prioritising genuine connections, safety, simplicity, and mental well-being.

With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 18 men being survivors of rape and sexual assault, dating can be really daunting, especially online dates with a complete stranger. That’s why safety is so important to us, and it’s what makes us different from other dating apps.

We developed Evntful with safety features built in, such as the option for three emergency contacts and an ‘I need help’ button, in case you ever feel unsafe on one of our dates. We’ve also partnered with organisations to enhance our safety measures both within and beyond the app.

Our newest partnership is with Chayn (pronounced “ch-en”), a global non-profit making healing accessible for all survivors of gender-based violence. Chayn’s founder, Hera Hussain, helped two friends escape abusive marriages and discovered how hard it is to find basic information, like your rights when experiencing gender-based violence and how to cope with trauma. This is why Chayn’s information is free, accessible, and available in multiple languages.

Similarly, our founder Tegan, started Evntful after a negative experience on a dating app. She wanted to create a community where people can enjoy dating without fearing for their safety.

Our partnership with Chayn will strengthen our vision for making dating spaces safe. We have a collaborative post on Insta, with tips for staying safer on dating apps , using our knowledge of online dating and Chayn’s trauma-informed knowledge of safety.

Chayn also has a free service called Bloom - a gentle, survivor-created space, for anyone who has experienced gender-based violence. Bloom offers trauma-informed, multilingual, and feminist resources you can access whenever you feel ready. Through thoughtful video courses, caring 1:1 messaging, and grounding exercises, Bloom supports you to learn, heal and grow towards a confident future.

We’re so excited to be partnering with Chayn, and hope working together will allow us to make Evntful the safest space possible for our users.

Before going on your next Evntful date, you might want to read Chayn’s ‘DIY Online Safety Guide’ , or complete Bloom’s ‘Healing from sexual trauma’ course, which covers having sex after trauma.

Credits:

Dating in 2025: Why Gen Z is So Over Scary First Dates (And What We’re Doing About It)

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:42:50 GMT

Dating in 2025: Why Gen Z is So Over Scary First Dates (And What We’re Doing About It)

By Sanchia Saunders

Let’s be real, dating in 2025 is kinda crazy - and this is me talking from first hand experience.

Between algorithmic swiping and TikTok therapist advice, Gen Z is rewriting the rules of romance, one date at a time.

But even with all the tech in our pockets, with there being over 11.1 million online dating users in the UK , finding someone who isn’t a walking red flag is harder than it should be.

To really understand what’s going wrong (and right), Evntful teamed up with Egalitarian , a Gen Z-led digital community platform, to run a Community Dating App Experience Social Media Poll (June 26, 2025).

And the results? Let’s just say, the streets are not easy.

A massive 72% of respondents said they’ve been on a date arranged through a dating app. But here's the kicker: 93% said they’ve felt uncomfortable on one of those dates. That’s not just awkward vibes. That’s a broken system.

This is why, here at Evntful , it’s our mission not to just create another dating app but to build a safer, smarter way to meet real people in real life (minus the cringe and mess).

And with 41% of UK adults currently being single , who else is going to step in and save the dating scene?

Blind Dates

Let’s talk blind dates...

They used to be a cute, rom-com trope. Now? Not so much - as 63% of Egalitarian’s community respondents said they’ve never been on one before.

Why? Because the trust just isn’t there anymore .

One user even shared their horror story:

“He made a joke about my dead Dad on the first date (& told me he found out through my Insta).”

- Um, absolutely not -

And it’s not just emotional discomfort - 64% admitted to actually fearing for their safety on a dating app-arranged date.
Even more shocking? 0% said they’ve ever used the “Ask for Angela” scheme , either because they didn’t know it existed or they didn’t feel safe enough to ask for help.

That’s why Evntful integrates location sharing, IRL safety prompts, and real-time check-ins into every event-based match.

As with 91% of women admitting to being worried about their safety on dates , it reinforces why dating apps like Evntful are needed now more than ever.

The Current Vibes

So, what’s the vibe now? Gen Z isn’t giving up on dating… but we are changing the rules.

Our generation is all about curated experiences and real connections. It’s why we’re more likely to show up at a run club or group Pilates class than a candlelit dinner with a complete stranger.

At Evntful , we match people based on shared interests and event vibes and not just profile pics. Because let’s be honest, a guy who only has one photo on his dating profile doesn’t exactly scream “emotionally available.”

When you meet someone over something you both love doing, the energy hits way different.

Graphics by: Ioanna Lamprou

The Problem

The problem isn’t just the people, it's the platforms.

And the proof is in the pudding: in November 2024, Tinder lost 594,000 users , while Hinge dropped by 131,000 , Bumble by 368,000 , and Grindr by 11,000 . With most dating apps built for endless swiping instead of meaningful connections, no wonder 58% of Egalitarian poll participants said they’re unlikely or definitely not going on another dating app-arranged date again.

And when stories like “I got called a sl*t and strangled on a Hinge date” are being shared, it’s clear we’ve normalised too much trauma. Reinforcing once again why apps like ‘Ask For Angela ’ are needed to help combat this dating horror stories.

Evntful was built because we believe safety and chemistry shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. We’ve reimagined dating from the ground up, putting community accountability and consent at the core of every interaction.

What Singles Deserve

Dating should be exciting; not terrifying.

And while Gen Z isn’t afraid to ghost , block, or call out bad behaviour, we also crave connection, authenticity and respect.

Whether you’re into indie gigs, plant swaps, or dog park meet ups, Evntful makes sure you’re not just going on another sketchy dinner date; you’re stepping into a space where you're seen, safe, and surrounded by people who get it.

Because we deserve more than awkward small talk and safety concerns.

We deserve dates that don’t suck.

Graphics by: Ioanna Lamprou

Credits:

Halloween date ideas - on a budget

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:32:19 GMT

Halloween date ideas - on a budget

By Emily Brown

The Spooky Season is finally upon us, meaning there are so many ways you can (pumpkin) spice up your dates this month, no matter if it’s your first or 500th date.
One thing that doesn't need to be scary, though, is the price. Keep reading for Halloween-inspired, inexpensive date ideas.

Visit a pumpkin patch

It feels like visiting a pumpkin patch is becoming more and more popular each year.

Although you tend to see long-standing couples going pumpkin picking to celebrate a bit of autumnal whimsy, it’s a great first date option too. You’ll be meeting in the daytime, which is safer and makes it easier to travel home afterwards.
Plus, it’s a short and sweet date idea, which I think can be the best option for a first date. If you like them, you can leave them wanting more; but if you don’t feel a connection, you don’t have to worry about finding an excuse to end the date early.

Here are the best pumpkin farms to visit if you’re in London , according to Condé Nast and since they own Vogue, their recommendations are good enough for me!

Pumpkin carving

If sparks were flying at the pumpkin patch, you could suggest meeting up a few days later to carve your pumpkins. Or this could be a fun way to extend your first date, if you feel comfortable.

You could also just buy pumpkins from the supermarket if you’re on a budget (I promise no one will tell the difference).

This date idea works for new couples as it’s a creative-messy-activity, meaning you have something to focus on besides just small talk.

If you’re feeling ambitious (or maybe you’re actually a skilled pumpkin carver - couldn’t be me though), use Pinterest for inspo .

Ghost photoshoot

You’ve probably seen friends and couples taking part in this Halloween trend for the past few years, and I get excited to see it on my FYP every October.

All you need is a bedsheet, sunglasses, a phone or camera, and some killer poses.

This is probably a better activity idea if you’ve already been on a few dates, but it would also work as a cute double date too!

Snuggle up with a horror film

Whether it’s a slasher with special effects that didn’t age well or a chilling psychological horror that makes you want to sleep with the big light on, having a Halloween movie night is arguably one of the most well-known autumnal date ideas.

Whether you’re watching a film at home, cosying up under a blanket with spooky sweet treats, or meeting at the cinema for a safer first meet, it’s a great way to answer an all-important question: will my potential partner protect me in a zombie apocalypse?

Matching outfits

And lastly, some might say this is a greater mark of commitment than a diamond ring; wearing matching Halloween costumes.

If you’re ready to hard-launch a new relationship, why not do it in style ?

These are some of the best couple costumes I’ve seen:

Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf;
Fred and Daphne/Shaggy and Velma from Scooby Doo;
Fireboy and Watergirl;
Colin the Caterpillar and Percy Pig (ok I’ve NEVER seen this but I have a vision).

Once you’re dressed up, there are so many things you could do for your evening to celebrate, whether that’s attending a party or going on a hunt for London’s most haunted spots - if you dare!

Credits:

CN Traveller: https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/pumpkin-patches-near-london
Pinterest : https://uk.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=pumpkin%20carving%20ideas&rs=ac&len=12&source_id=ac_Hy4KPrhz&eq=pumpkin%20carv&etslf=8670
London Pass: https://londonpass.com/en/things-to-do/10-most-haunted-places-in-london

Pro Queer London: Finding Love in the UK vs. the Rest of the World

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:54:00 GMT

Pro Queer London: Finding love in the UK vs. the

 Rest of the World

By Sanchia Saunders

In a world where queer love is still politicised, London is standing tall as one of the most progressive and Pro-Queer cities on the planet (which is so crazy to even think, that little old London is doing its BIG one)

But what does it actually mean to find love in the UK, and how does it compare to other places globally? From bustling Soho nights to swipe-right success stories, the UK, especially if you zoom into London’s queer scene, is proving to be a beacon for LGBTQ+ dating culture. And with platforms like Evntful Dating helping queer singles find more than just a hookup, the conversation around authentic, community-rooted love is evolving, and it’s very beautiful to see.

So let’s break it all down.

Queer Love in the Global Context:

Globally, queer people still face intense discrimination, from criminalisation in over 60+ countries to societ al shame in places with no legal protections.

According to ILGA World’s 2024 report , only 35 countries have fully legalized same-sex marriage, and many quee r individuals are still navigating love through fear.

Compare that to the UK, where civil partnerships have been legal since 2004 and same-sex marriage since 2014, creating a safer backdrop for relationships to grow.

Despite the dating scene in London not being perfect, it’s radically better than cities where even holding hands can be dangerous.

As when you really step back and look at the bigger picture, London has really become a beautiful melting pot of self expression, culture, sexuality and love all in one place, and many other countries should take a leaf out of the UK’s book!

Why is London leading the way?

London is not just a major city, it's a cultural megaphone for queer rights.

With over 250 LGBTQ+ venues and events every year ( according to Visit London ), it’s no surprise the city ranked #3 globally for queer inclusivity in a 2025 Queer Cities Index.

The rise of community-first dating platforms like Evntful Dating (designed by and for queer people) is pushing London’s dating culture into a more intentional, emotionally-safe space.

Unlike traditional dating apps like Tinder & Hinge , that often prioritise fast swipes and hookups, Evntful connects people in real life through curated events - making it easier to form genuine bonds over shared experiences.

Graphics by: Ioanna Lambrou

The Queer Dating Gap: UK vs. the World

Ever tried dating while queer in a small town in Eastern Europe?

Or even parts of the U.S. where anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is surging? It's a very different vibe to what we experience here in London.

In fact, a 2023 Pew Research survey found that 56% of LGBTQ+ people in non-Western countries feel unsafe dating openly.

Compare that with the UK, where 78% of queer individuals report feeling comfortable expressing affection in public (YouGov, 2024) .

While rural UK still has its gaps, cities like London and Manchester offer unmatched cultural and legal protection. It's not just about legality; it’s about vibe , visibility, and access to inclusive spaces that nurture queer love.

The Future is Queer (and IRL)

Queer love deserves more than just apps built for straight people.

That’s where Evntful Dating comes in: it flips the script by blending community, safety, and intentional connection through IRL events.

From sober brunches to creative workshops to chaotic drag trivia nights, it's not just about dating - it's about building a life surrounded by queer joy.

In 2025, as digital fatigue rises (Gen Z spends 4.5+ hours/day on their phones), intentional, r eal-world dating is making a comeback.

And cities like London, with its deep-rooted queer culture and political progress, are the perfect playgrounds for love to bloom.

But what do you think, is London really the place to be for our queer siblings?!

Credits:

LGA World (2024): State-Sponsored Homophobia Report: h ttps://ilga.org/state-sponsored-homophobia-report/
GOVUK: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a750cd2e5274a59fa717007/140423_M_SSC_Act_factsheet__web_version_.pdf
Queer Cities Index (2025), Visit London LGBTQ+ Events Report (2025): https://www.visitlondon.com
Tinder: https://tinder.com/
Hinge: https://hinge.co/
YouGov LGBTQ+ Survey (2024): https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/explore/topic/LGBT
Pew Research Center (2023) - Global Attitudes Towards LGBTQ+ Rights: https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/06/25/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists/
Evntful Dating: https://www.evntfuldating.com

The State of Dating in 2025: Ghosting, AI, and Getting Real Again

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:31:01 GMT

The State of Dating in 2025: Ghosting, AI, and Getting Real Again

By Sanchia Saunders

Over the years men have often been painted with the same brush - more recently that brush spelling out the very familiarised term of, ‘men are trash’.

With these outdated stigmas and views, which realistically are often only associated with a small group of men, still heading precedence over the work that men are doing in today’s society to become more emotionally available - it highlights that maybe just maybe men deserve more grace.

As let’s be real, the “men are trash” term became a punchy meme in the 2020s, due to men’s wrongdoings being humourised in viral videos across platforms likes TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat & more.

But in 2025, it looks like things are finally starting to evolve.

Even though toxic masculinity such as “boys don’t cry” is still getting called out, with Reddit users saying, “71.8 % of men got called weak for opening up” which is a major hurdle to emotional safety - things are finally starting to look up and narratives are finally starting to shift!

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

Dating Apps

Let’s talk about the apps. We love them… until we don’t.

In 2025, dating apps are still the main way people meet, but now AI is doing the matchmaking, which is very crazy to think.

Some apps now even predict your “emotional compatibility score.” Cool? Yes. Creepy? Also yes.

But here’s the thing: over 50% of Gen Z daters say they feel burned out by dating apps , per Statista.

We’re craving depth & meaningful connection over convenience, which can often be found through event based dating.

That’s why Evntful’s whole vibe curating chill, low-key events where people connect in real life actually hits.

As with the options of Rocket Padel to Meraki Studios Reformer Pilates there really are options for everyone.

This is why you don’t need 87 swipes and three weeks of texting just to find out they chew with their mouth open. With Evntful, you meet people, vibe, or don’t.

And either way, you’re not wasting time.

The Shift

If we really sit back and reflect on the dating scene over the last few years, the vibes have definitely shifted post 2020s, or should I say post covid.

We’ve collectively realised that emotional safety trumps situationships - and it’s very refreshing to see if I do say so myself.

In fact, a 2025 Singles Report from Match says 71% of singles are prioritising emotional maturity over looks or status.

Huge!

We’re no longer romanticising red flags or “fixing” emotionally unavailable people.

It’s about healthy communication, shared values, and real-world chemistry, something that digital-only dating just doesn’t deliver .

Evntful Dating gets it.

They’re creating space for authenticity, where it’s about real people, not just curated profiles.

Plus, there’s zero pressure to perform.

Just show up, be real, and see what happens.

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

What it’s really about

So with dating continuing to shift from generation to generation, it’s clear to see that dating in 2025 isn’t just about finding someone - it’s about finding your person .

That’s not just cute talk either. According to eHarmony’s Future of Dating study, 42% of Gen Z say their biggest dating goal is finding a “deep, soulful connection.”

Not a situationship, not a sneaky link, not another “what are we?” convo.

A connection that feels real, mutual, and meaningful. That’s why Evntful isn’t just another dating thing, it’s a movement and exactly who it thinks it is.

One that actually cares about singles finding their people, in spaces that make sense, without the ick.

We’re all here for the vibes, but more than that, we’re here for something real.

Credits:

Hinge: https://hinge.co/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/?kuid=31b6d78a-c086-437f-9ab0-df56eaf7fd8b&kref=vGWRdzLJnjYf
AI/ Chat GPT: https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwiCprD66KuPAxX1j1AGHUq3Jz4YACICCAEQABoCZGc&co=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw2brFBhBOEiwAVJX5GDYiBu-_eou2T2sk6OQkw0oPXSi4rMaKzPppvE8X_Y0-FME24gxDuRoCI-8QAvD_BwE&cce=1&sig=AOD64_2f5OPWe-kLEsn7bOfElVsWW54sSA&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwj0zKj66KuPAxXqdUEAHU7vM9kQ0Qx6BAgKEAE
Pew Research Center, 2024: Gen Z Dating Habits: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/02/key-findings-about-online-dating-in-the-u-s/
Evntful: https://www.evntfuldating.com
Statista, 2025: Online Dating Usage & Burnout Trends: https://www.statista.com/forecasts/997776/online-dating-usage-by-brand-in-the-uk
Meraki Studios: https://www.meraki-studios.com
Rocket Padel: https://www.rocketpadel.com
Match.com Singles in America Report, 2025: https://www.match.com/
eHarmony Future of Dating Survey, 2025: https://www.eharmony.co.uk/labs/dating-diaries-2025-dating-and-relationship-trends/

The launch that somehow actually worked

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:04:11 GMT

The launch that somehow actually worked

By Sanchia Saunders

Saturday the 26th of July 2025, is the day that changed it all for Evntful.

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you should know by now that Evntful is the ONLY dating app that you need in your life (obviously based on the grounds that you’re single and ready to mingle of course)

With establishing meaningful connection at the core of what Evntful stands for, particularly when it comes to event based dating - it highlights how this is the app of the future, and most certainly the app that you need.

As with statistics finding that the hottest trait in a potential partner isn’t physical attraction, but instead a healthy dose of emotional intelligence, it looks like Evntful may be onto something.

With a number of events like Rocket Padel, The Supper Club, Meraki Studios Reformer Pilates & more already under Evntful's belt - there is no surprise that we had to take things to the next level with our LAUNCH EVENT.

Unfortunately this event has already happened but who doesn’t love a cheeky debrief about all that went down on the big day - as believe me there is a lot to get through!

The Evnt

For our launch, we didn’t want to play it safe and just put together a booze filled piss up - that would probably leave you forgetting what event you even attended in the first place.

Instead we wanted our launch to mirror what we believe dating should feel like: fun, intentional, and not behind screens (I say this writing behind a screen myself) and this is why we held it at Padel Yard Wandsworth.

However, back to the point at hand, the event wasn’t just an opportunity to introduce our baby (the app) to the world, but instead spark conversation and really get people living and breathing the core values of what makes Evntful so special.

As with the younger generations facing more & more challenges with online dating, such as finding someone who shares their interests – with 45% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials considering this one of their biggest dating obstacles, Evntful continues to prove why we are the people’s princess.

What was on the itinerary::

So as I previously mentioned there was a lot to get through on the day.

So to sum it up nicely here are 12 short bullet points to give you a taste of what was up for grabs on the day.

1. YOU’VE GOT A TEXT! (and a Pickleball racket): Yes, we hosted pickleball dates. Every game began with a classic “You’ve got a text.” Iconic.

2. BURGER VAN DATES: Inspired by Chicken Shop Date. But make it Evntful. We literally parked a burger van, sat people down face-to-face and let the charm unfold. Evntful. 10/10.

3. PERFUME STATION by Richmond™ Perfume School London : We said “romance is in the air” and meant it literally.

4. GAMES by Big Potato Games | B Corp™ : Shout out to Big Potato for sending us the perfect fuel for awkward daters and their competitive streaks.

5. FLOWER ARRANGING with Freddie's Flowers : What’s m ore romantic than gifting flowers? Making them together. Love possibly blooming.

6. PHOTO BOOTH MOMENTS by Step Into The Booth : You know it’s working when there’s a quiet queue the whole day.

7. POTTERY by The Padel Yard: Shoutout to the team at The Padel Yard, Wandsworth for letting people get their "Ghost" moment on.

8. THE COSMIC CIRCLE by Astrology Circles: This was less party trick, more group therapy.

9. TAROT by Julia Sophia: People pulled The Lovers and yelled “He’s a Gemini!” mid-reading. It got personal fast.

10. DATING EXPERT PANEL: We had the brilliant minds of Henika Patel, Kit Esuruoso, Abi Blears, ACC, Minnie Lane, Johnny Cassell and Persia Lawson join us to give their real-time advice, dating insights and (sometimes brutally honest) takes on modern dating (few lightbulb moments).

11. GOODIE BAGS THAT DELIVERED: Our goodie bags were stacked. Huge love to our partners who helped us pull together the most Evntful goodie bag: Louis Noir, virtue drinks, Joss Shots by Bevi Drinks, D Rum Punch, The Egalitarian | Safe Place Project, Plenish, Biomel Gut Health and Freja Broth.

12. BBC. WAS. FILMING: Did we mention that already?

What’s next...

So with the launch event out the way - you may be wondering what’s next for Evntful, so here goes.

First of all we are going to stay true to what we know and that is to continue to change the dating scene as singles once knew it.

Second of all we are going to continue putting on some kick ass events starting with Laser Quest Greenwich, on Sunday the 24th of August & Ballie Ballerson Saturday the 30th of August!

Finally if you want to keep up to date with all of the juicy goodness that goes on here at Evntful you need to download the app.

What are you waiting for?

Go go go!

Credits:

Time: https://time.com/6115383/match-singles-in-america-study-2021/
EVNTFUL: https://www.evntfuldating.com/blog
Eventbrite: https://investor.eventbrite.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/Eventbrites-New-Report-Reveals-Why-Singles-Are-Shifting-from-Online-to-Offline-Dating-in-Favor-of-Shared-Experiences/default.aspx
R ocket Padel: https://www.rocketpadel.com
Meraki Studios: https://www.meraki-studios.com
Padel Yard Wandsworth: https://www.matchi.se/facilities/g4pthepadelyard
Richmond perfume school: https://richmondperfumes.co.uk/School/Home
Big potato games: https://bigpotato.co.uk/?maas=maas_adg_api_584581465164636318_macro_1_1&ref_=aa_maas&aa_campaignid=15504625860&aa_adgroupid=&aa_creativeid=ad-__dev-m_ext-&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15510866561&gbraid=0AAAAADG4-iMO94rv53NqpqRZgUeYQWJWZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwZDFBhCpARIsAB95qO3MiEJpuuGXdo60xzsqwCRYcFkF2leDXTxW_gH2HUfcW9naE5X1pSoaAiDfEALw_wcB
Freddie’s Flowers: https://www.freddiesflowers.com/v1?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21594670778&utm_content=760320269254&adset_id=163378220302&utm_term=freddie%27s%20flowers&campaign_type=brand&c=FFVASEOFFER&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21594670778&gbraid=0AAAAADQNM9uXbZ8iYXFWCNfLMo5IbWqhH&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwZDFBhCpARIsAB95qO3s9sV3PEqgW7GOX9gztVJZNuNueRLCO91UcKbFrtNvh1OffWGF5YcaAuK1EALw_wcB
Step into the booth: https://www.instagram.com/stepintothebooth/?hl=en-g

The King of hearts: why men are starting to get more in touch with their softer side in 2025

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 08:00:10 GMT

The King of hearts: Why men are starting to get more in touch with their softer side in 2025

By Sanchia Saunders

Over the years men have often been painted with the same brush - more recently that brush spelling out the very familiarised term of, ‘men are trash’.

But in 2025, it looks like things are finally starting to evolve.

The Soft Side: Vulnerability Is the Glow-Up

With the narrative around men continuing to progress in a more positive light, it appears that vulnerability has become the new flex.

According to Bumble’s 2024 Dating Trends, 31 % of American men are more open and vulnerable, and 25 % globally report a happier emotional state thanks to this shift.

Sexpert Marina Lazaris even labels men who cry as “the best lovers” which is a seriously big glow‑up moment for men! In that space between brunch and therapy, men are levelling up their emotional intelligence and Gen Z daters are here for it.

However there is still more work to be done, especially when it comes to the mental health of men..

Men’s Mental Health: The Silent Crisis

According to reports, men account for a whopping 75 % of suicides in the UK and globally are nearly 4 × more likely to end their lives than women.

In England, 1 in 5 men will face serious mental health issues by 65, yet only 36 % of NHS talking therapy referrals land on men’s plates.

A shocking 40 % of UK men have never talked to anyone about their mental health, and 29 % cite embarrassment/pride as the blocker.

That’s why peer spaces like Andy’s Man Club with 240+ weekly sessions and ~5,700 members are literally lifesaving spaces.

Despite these statistics being very shocking and hard to read, it is the brutal truth and proof as to why we must take men’s mental health more seriously.

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

Why Men Deserve Their Flowers Too

Based on the above, as well as the steps men are taking to be better, maybe It’s time to finally give men their flowers as it’s the emotionally literate, introspective guys who are fixing generational trauma and helping evolve relationship culture.

Dating coach Adam Cohen‑Aslatei notes traits like honesty and respect are in high demand and apps like Evntful are pioneering this by offering curated, activity-based dates that cultivate genuine connection not ghosting culture.

Evntful isn’t just another swipe app: you sync schedules, book real dates at partner venues, and check-in for safety - no pen‑pal messaging.

London-only users can punch out of endless swiping and into intentional dating.

It’s safety-first and connection-rich, thanks to partnerships with groups like Safer Business Networks and Ask for Angela ethos.

Let’s celebrate men who show sensitivity, emotionally clean living, and commitment to mental health because those are the real ones.

Future Dating for Men: Emojis + Emotions

If we think to the future, just like most of our work lives, dating will be hybrid; emotional cues + IRL events. Such as dating apps prompting you to “share your fav self-care ritual” or badges like Therapy Chic or Emotionally Fluent.

Evntful is already modelling this: users pick events like padel, run-clubs, pottery, tarot stalls; complete with safety check-ins and curated experiences.

Evntful's soft launch party on 26th July 2025 at the Padel Yard, featuring pickleball, pottery, tarot and so much more; is a sign we’re moving into relationship 3.0.

Add peer‑coaching retreats, emotional‑skill workshops and offline-first dating platforms?

That’s the future.

Dating becomes holistic: mind, body, feelings - all in sync.

Imagine dating speed‑runs that focus on values and emotions instead of just appearance.

Credits:

Reddit: https: //www.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/1h9tgzz/why_men_struggle_to_open_up_analyzing_1100_reddit/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Bumble 2024 Report: https://bumble.com/the-buzz/bumble-dating-trends-2024
New York Post: https://nypost.com/2025/01/21/lifestyle/men-who-cry-make-better-lovers-sex-expert/
True North Psychology: https://www.truenorth-psychology.com/post/men-s-mental-health-challenging-stigma-learning-vulnerability-and-giving-compassion
Hope Therapy: https://www.hopefulminds.co.uk/the-stigma-around-mens-mental-health-why-its-time-to-talk/
Wellityglobal: https://wellityglobal.com/2025/06/02/mens-health-week-2025-shoulder-to-shoulder-connecting-for-health/
Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy%27s_Man_Club
Ask for Angela: https://askforangela.co.uk/

Living in your Pilates Era: The rise of event based dating

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:42:33 GMT

Living in your Pilates Era: The rise of event based dating

By Sanchia Saunders

Just like the matcha hype, which I’m very much here for btw, the surge that we have experienced, not just here in London, but globally when it comes to the growing rise in popularity of reformer Pilates - has honestly blown my mind.

Don’t get me wrong, I am one of the girlies who have purchased their grippy socks from Amazon , boo ked in for a number of reformer classes and even considered a total career change to become an instructor myself.

So this is why it makes so much sense that Evntful held their very own event at ‘Reformer Pilates London’!

Yes you heard that right, Reformer Pilates has landed onto Evntfuls rosta - so keep your eyes peeled for when the next event is rolled out!

The Event:

On the 1st of June, on a beautifully sunny Sunday in London, 3pm sharp, Evntful hosted their first ever reformer Pilates class at RE:FORM and let’s just say we’re already having discussions on how we can make this a regular occurrence.

With the vibes in the studio high enough to replicate the surge of adrenaline that coffee often provides - we were able to contribute to the rise in activity based datin g whic h is an ongoing mission for us here at Evntful.

As from Squid Game speed dating and super clubs on the rise to the NHS even stating that, “one of the best things we can do for our mental health and wellbeing is to be active - as it's a natural mood booster - it highlights why the work that we carry out here is so important not just for singles, but for mental wellbeing too.

Why did we partner with RE:FORM?

If Re:forms ethos is anything to go by, then it’s basically self explanatory as to why we partnered with them.

This is because, according to their owner and founder Alison Bank s:

“Reformer Pilates has truly transformed my life, and I’m passionate about the incredible benefits it offers for your body-improving alignment, building strength, enhancing shape, boosting balance, and aiding in injury prevention and rehab.

Unlike high-impact exercise, which I also enjoy, Pilates is gentle on your body, yet incredibly effective. It calms the mind, offering a much-needed escape from the constant mental buzz.”

So with its calming effects and ability to transport you far away from the mental buzz that often consumes our minds, the event was the perfect escape.

With a 2022 survey finding that 82% of people have experienced overstimulation which can then lead to your body activating its sympathetic nervous system, also known as your “fight or flight” response, it reinforces the importance of taking time for yourself and blocking out the noise.

Even though I may be biased, the event proved to be a hit, and also a great opportunity for people to reconnect with themselves and find alignment not just physically but mentally too.

What’s next on the cards?

By now I’m sure you would have seen that we have rolled out a number of amazing events thus far.

From Rocket Padel to The Supper Club, we think of it all even down to our goodie bags and sponsors.

For this event we were kindly sponsored by Juno bamboo water which kept everyone hydrated throughout the class, as well as Drink Stop Ldn who looked after us post workout too, with some yummy goodies.

So when you think about what is not to love?

You’ve got food, drinks, good vibes and amazing events on the cards so if this hasn't got your spidey sense tingling then what will??

However if this sounds like a bit of you, what are you waiting for?

Head to our app and join Evntful!

Credits:

Getting into the swing of love: Rocket Padel

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:41:07 GMT

Getting into the swing of love: Rocket Padel

By Sanchia Saunders

EVNTFUL is back with their latest event based dating extravaganzas, this time BIGGER and BETTER than ever before and let’s just say things are only looking up from here!

Last weekend we sold out and brought together 40 strangers, yes you heard that right, 40 strangers, in a belt to play matchmaker and sprinkle some love back into London’s dating scene, and dare I say that it was a success.

With 3 guests winning “A Date on Evntful” for

Communication
Teamwork
Spirit it was definitely one not to miss!

If you managed to take a peak at the weather forecast over the last few weeks, and felt the scorching temperatures which have been engulfing London’s streets & homes - just know that it was us at Evntful bringing the heat once more, in the form of a cheeky game of padel.

The Evnt

If for any reason you have been living under a rock, or so happened to miss our latest event, then this is where I come in to give you all the juicy details about what went down.

As yes they were juicy and arguably a refreshing way for UK singles to spend a hot summer's day, in the most productive yet fun way possible.

The event took place at, Rocket Padel, which has a number of branches dotted across London stemming from: Battersea Power Station, to Illford, Brockton and more.

With the main aim of the event serving as a fun activity based version of speed dating , rackets were swinging and fun was being had (and maybe a sprinkle of love was in the air too) who knows.

With there being a number of rotating matches between guests it helped break the ice, provide a zero pressure environment and allow guests to chat and mingle with a number of different attendees on the day.

With so many successful events, based right here in London may I add, under our belts thus far, you may be wondering why we go so hard when it comes to activity based dating … so let me tell you why.

Benefits of event based dating:

One of Evntful's main missions is to ensure that singles, ‘Swipe left on traditional dating’ and ‘Move beyond the same old drinks dates to activities that let you shine as your true self’.

With reports stating that 5 7% of respondents would rather ditch dating apps to meet their partner in person - it highlights how there has been a shift in dating styles in recent years, especially amongst groups like Gen Z and Millennials.

With attracting not just good looks but meaningful connections too, it’s only right that we give the singles what they want, and provide a platform where singles can go for drinks if they wish or they could trade in their heels and opt for a game of Padel instead.

As living and experiencing in the real world is very much giving green flag - as really and truly what’s not to love!

With 33% of singles thinking they’ll meet their someone special at activities like dance classes and painting workshops - this is why we do what we do here at Evntful, as w e want you to have the best chances at finding love whilst doing the things you love.

Given the fact that first dates that involve something active are 25% more likely to lead to a second date than meet-ups at bars, restaurants, or coffee shops - it looks like we might actually be onto something.

The ones who make the event extra special

First and foremost we have to give a BIG shoutout to Rocket Padel, who allowed us to use their amazing grounds to host our event.

Secondly when it comes to goodie bags we certainly lead from the front when it comes to including the things that you want but didn’t realise that you needed.

We make strives to partner with not just game changers within the industry but small businesses too; as this is something that we pride ourselves on here at Evntful!

If you were unable to get your hands on one of our goodie bags then let me tell you what familiar names you could have found amongst the goodies.

So if this event or the last handful have not inspired you to tap into activity based dating then head to our Instagram to share what events you want to see next and it might just be coming to a location near you!

Credits:

Rocket Padel: https://www.rocketpadel.com

Charlotte Maracina: https://charlottemaracina.medium.com/blending-tradition-and-technology-gen-zs-new-approach-to-old-fashioned-dating-310983a2e5bc

Eventbrite:

https://investor.eventbrite.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/Eventbrites-New-Report-Reveals-Why-Singles-Are-Shifting-from-Online-to-Offline-Dating-in-Favor-of-Shared-Experiences/default.aspx

105.7 WROR:

https://wror.com/2025/04/21/singles-want-more-activities-on-first-dates/

Evntful:

https://www.evntfuldating.com

Running into the arms of love: The Run Club which is changing the dating scene one lap at a time.

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 19:36:41 GMT

Running into the arms of love: The Run Club which is changing the dating scene one lap at a time

By Sanchia Saunders

Saturday the 14th of June marked the launch of Evntful's very own run club - and let’s just say this is already in my calendar as a reoccurring event, so I don’t miss out on all the hot singles, all the yummy matcha, and most certainly all the fun!

So no more 2pm wake ups & nursing deadly hangovers over a Bloody Mary - but instead a rebrand of the Saturdays you once knew filled with matcha, flirting and some really hot cardio.

With goals of fostering a sense of community, togetherness, meaningful connection and hopefully at some point a sprinkle of love too - Evntful are continuing to make strides to reshape the dating scene as we once knew it, one activity based date at a time .

Location

After reading this amazing intro, if a run club is something that tickles your fancy then look no further. As every Saturday, Fulham Pier, at 10am is the place that you need to be.

Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness goals or improve your love life - Evntful has you sorted with a wholesome run club filled with the loveliest bunch of people and hosted but the one and only cricket icon, Tom Curran .

Finally, with fun starting to be put back into dating both offline and on and what better place to experience the beauty of meaningful connection and community than with likeminded individuals (like myself) who are all in the same boat!

Past events

If you’re concerned about all the eye candy that can be found at a run club causing your temperature to rise just a little too high, then rest assured as word in the street is Evntful is Queen of events!

With a number of successful events under our belt already stemming from: Pilates (Meraki Studios), Alcotraz, The Supper Club at Boha & more there is definitely something out there for you!

So to ensure you don’t miss out follow n our socials so you don’t miss a night or day to remember!

The rise of event based dating

As dating norms change, more and more jangles seek enjoyment when it comes to finding love.

With 82% of Gen Z and Millennials wanting to do something they both enjoy, with a further 42% of singles wanting to step out of their comfort zones - it reinforces the idea of straying away from traditional dinners and drinks and thinking outside of the box.

This is why it’s so refreshing to see that - 70% of men, 74% of women, and 72% of active daters - consider a first date successful if they had fun - as it is often seen as a potential stepping stone to other future dates.

Evntful’s Partners

If you’re not enticed enough already to head on down to the next run club Saturday then maybe hearing about some of our partners will be the cherry on the cake!

So with refreshments, good vibes and a splash of exercise, will we be seeing you at the next run club?

Head to our Instagram and let us know!

Credits:

Think like a man vol. 1 : How are men dating today

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:50:26 GMT

Think like a man VOL. 1: How are men dating today

By Sanchia Saunders

Dating dating dating, when it comes to dating and really getting into the nitty gritty of how the male brain works, (during the dating stage and beyond) we could possibly be here all day trying to understand what really gets men going.

This is because with the macho male stereotype diminishing each and everyday with statistics finding that, only 2% of young men between the ages of 18-24 identify as completely masculine, compared to 56% of men aged 65+ ’, it illustrates how there is a significant gap within the way that men perceive their masculinity.

As with ‘male’ author, John Gray , even stating himself with his leading title that, “Men Are From Mars & Women Are From Venus” it reinforces the idea that even men can acknowledge when it comes to the mind of a man and the mind of a woman, there are many differences, which can often be reflected in a man's dating/ attachment style.

However, back to the topic at hand…

How are men dating today?

According to online dating giants Bumble , dating burnout can manifest in a variety of ways, but overall it boils down to a drained, despondent feeling.

One where you’re no longer having fun on dates, or even looking forward to meeting someone new.

You may feel like dating is a waste of time and start to disassociate from the idea of finding a partner - all together.

So with Bumble very much opening my eyes to the idea that I myself may in fact be experiencing dating burnout too - it poses the question of what is dating actually about?

What dating is actually about?

When it comes to finding love, specifically when it comes to finding love online, you have to expect the unexpected.

This is because the more the men of today become in tune with their emotions and in more cases than not, their feminine side, we often begin to see shifts in dating roles and dating expectations.

Reports found that 39% of men say they have been on a date planned by the other person and they’re into it. Highlighting that men actually like to be asked out too, and want to feel sought after and desired!

This is why with the importance of emotional connections beginning to rise with 62% of men saying they value emotional connection more than they did two years ago - it poses the question of….

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

If dating isn’t just about the matches, what is it about?

So, in today’s society, different communities often have different experiences when it comes to finding love.

Whether that’s through, online dating, offline dating, speed dating, dating apps, you name it everyone’s experience is different.

Thanks to the outdated views on heterosexual males, which have been instilled into society for many decades, we expect men to lead, take charge and have no emotions.

However, with reports stating that 58% of men admit to feeling some dating anxiety, especially around the first move or defining the vibes, it showcases how men have feelings too - and things aren’t always as they appear in the fairy tales.

With a further 72% of single men saying they feel more confident dating when the app or event feels ‘low pressure’ and fun (such as curated meet ups, mutual connections or activity based dates.

It begins to make you think is it time for the iconic term ‘’men are trash” to be trashed?

The future of dating

So with male dating expectations and experiences continue to evolve each and everyday with 1 in 4 men having now paused dating apps at least once in the past year for a mental refresh it makes you think, is the future of dating online or is it offline ?

Head to our Instagram to share your thoughts.

Credits:

John Gray Wiki: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gray_(philosopher)
YouGov: https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/15391-low-young-masculinity-britain

Hungry for LOVE: Evntful x BOHA - The Supper Club Event

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:56:13 GMT

Hungry for LOVE: Evntful x Boha

By Sanchia Saunders

Hungry? Well look no further as Evntful definitely ATE with their latest event in collaboration with, The Supper Club which took place last week.

On the 30th of May a number of strangers gathered at the dimly lit restaurant of Boha London , broke bread, drunk and indulged in a harmonious combination of good food and most certainly good company.

Despite a few hiccups, and no that’s not from eating the food too quickly, due to last minute changes, tricky logistics and not everything going picture perfect - the event beautifully represented the true meaning of what Evntful continues to strive for. Just like any relationship we are not perfect, and we don’t always expect perfect results, instead we continue to strive for connection and not perfection - which is something we should all take a mental note of - and implement when the noise of life is getting all too much.

However back to the event at hand.

What is The Supper Club?

In short, The Supper Club is one of London’s most unique immersive dining experiences. Now running for almost 8 years.

Head chef Beau is the star of the show as she brings the culture, the knowledge and most certainly the flavours to the whole experience.

With Beau specialising in Latin American cuisine she perfectly explains the origin of each dish and what they mean to the country that they ordinate from.

 Why do you need to be at the next Evntful event ?

So with The Supper Club x Evntful event very much eating down - you may be wondering how you can get involved and maybe even why you should.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the answers to the above questions, as this is where I come in.

Given Evntful's continued goals of helping singles like you and me forge meaningful connections offline, and very much in the real world - what better place to achieve this than to do it at an event with other like minded people.

So far some of the brands Evntful have collaborated with stem from Meraki Studios to Alcotraz - so if you haven’t attended what are you waiting for ?

With recent reports from The Independent stating that , out of 2,000 adults, 70 per cent were nervous about how to greet their potential love interest on their first meeting.

With a further 34 per cent deliberating whether to go for a hug, kiss on the cheek, or even a formal handshake - it reaffirms the importance of pushing the narrative of activity/ event based dating.

As if we home in even further onto Gen Z men, 45% of them have never approached a woman in person - which reinforces the importance of event based dating, speed dating you name it.

So will we see you at the next event ? Head to our instagram and let us know!

Credits:

Boha London: https://bohalondon.com
Medium: https://medium.com/write-a-catalyst/a-reaction-to-45-of-men-age-18-25-have-never-approached-a-woman-in-person-d3ee0680a7a5
Evntful: https://www.evntfuldating.com
BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/dating/dating-first-date-confidence-valentines-b2281112.html

Alcotraz x Evntful: The event that’s got everyone talking about offline dating

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 19:02:58 GMT

ALCOTRAZ x EVNTFUL: The event that’s got everyone talking about offline dating

By Sanchia Saunders

Friday the 23rd of May was game day here at Evntful or should I say event night - no pun intended.

But yes on this day Evntful held their second dating event at the Alcotraz , and it SOLD OUT!

Following the success of Evntful's first event in collaboration with Meraki Studios last month, it was only right that we came back bigger and stronger, ready to take the dating scene to new heights.

If you missed that event, definitely check out our article here as it gives you all the tea and goodies that were up for grabs and why it’s a must that you’re at the next Evntful extravaganza!

However, back to Friday the Alcotraz x Evntful collaboration consisted of a number of friends, daters, dating experts, singles and even the BBC gathering to participate in a night of wholesome fun!

As who doesn’t love mingling in a prison cell, with some cocktails, an orange jumpsuit and good vibes - because I certainly do!

So what even is the Alcotraz ?

According to the Alcotraz themselves:

“Hidden behind unassuming shutters deep within the capital lies Alcotraz London, also known as Cell Block Two-One-Two - a secret speakeasy prison cocktail bar and immersive theatrical experience.

What makes this clink a little more bearable? Well, successfully smuggle in liquor with the help of our crooked guards and get it to the hands of Alcotraz’s canteen-working inmates, who will serve you up delicious, bespoke cocktails.

So if immersing yourselves in a prison styled cocktail night is your thing, then this may be your cup of tea, and the number one reason as to why you should definitely head down and give it a try for yourself.

As from what I’ve heard from some of the event goers themselves, this is a dating hotspot that everybody should try.

How did the BBC get onto the guest list?

With 47% of singles favouring in person dating, due to it reducing the risk of someone hiding their true identity- we at Evntful wanted to showcase how singles can take online dating offline and still have fun.

Our collaboration with Alcotraz, was the perfect opportunity to illustrate this, and t his is where the BBC got involved.

They alongside our very own social media advisor Marina were interviewing attendees and getting the inside scoop regarding the event, the dating scene today and just genuine organic real life stories to display how activity based dating is on the rise.

The Goodie Bag

If the above wasn’t enough for you then you will definitely be sold by the goodie bag of dreams that Evntful provided on the night!

Inside you would have found some Juno Bamboo Water , Freja Bone Broth , Baked goods by Matcha Mochi Cafe , and Cosmo Events for Evntini and Evntfling drinks - just to name a few!

So with the Evnt providing insight, television royalty otherwise known as the BBC and goodies too - surely you’ll be at the next Evntful event.

Right?

Head to our Instagram and share who else you would like to see us partner with.

Credits:

Why dating is more than finding a match

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Fri, 23 May 2025 16:30:00 GMT

Why dating is more than finding a match.

By Sanchia Saunders

In this day and age when it comes to dating, a lot of singles get caught up on the number of likes they receive on Instagram , or the number of roses they receive on Hinge or the number matches that they receive on Tinder - that they unfortunately begin to lose sight of what they are are actually searching for.

I will be the first to put my hands up and say yes, I have fallen victim to this way of thinking one too many times. As if I’m not matching with the guys I like, or not getting roses sent to me on Hinge - dare I say I get a little chip on my shoulder - because yes I do.

Thankfully I’m not the only one, as statistics from Forbes have found that, “79% of Gen Z singles have reported dating app burnout” - conveying the idea that the dating system is flawed leaving loop holes for feelings like burnout and maybe even self doubt.

What is dating app burnout? What dating is actually about?

According to online dating giants Bumble , dating burnout can manifest in a variety of ways, but overall it boils down to a drained, despondent feeling.

One where you’re no longer having fun on dates, or even looking forward to meeting someone new.

You may feel like dating is a waste of time and start to disassociate from the idea of finding a partner - all together.

So with Bumble very much opening my eyes to the idea that I myself may in fact be experiencing dating burnout too - it poses the question of what is dating actually about?

What dating is actually about?

Traditional dating as we know it often refers to two people partaking in a number of social/ activity based outings , otherwise known as dates with the end goal of falling love, having babies and living happily ever after.

But in all serious dating especially as you get older is with the intent of finding a life partner and settling down.

However, when you actually take a step back and think about it, dating is about loving yourself enough first , a nd ensuring your cup is half full first, so you can then go out into the big wide world with the confidence and surety of opening up your heart to someone new.

Yes you read that, dating requires confidence.

This is because with, 1 in 5 women severely lacking confidence in themselves - it reinforces the confidence that it takes to even immerse yourself into the dating scene.

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

If dating isn’t just about the matches, what is it about?

So as I briefly touched on earlier on in the post a lot of Gen Z singles are suffering from dating burnout, due to the fun and magic that once embraced the dating scene now starting to fade.

With singles becoming consumed by superficial things like likes and matches they no longer seek self gratification but the gratification from others instead.

With over 6 in every 10 women feeling negatively about their bodies, it really does shed light on why dating is a whole lot more than just the matches.

Instead it’s about feeling comfortable and confident within yourself so you are then able to go out and foster healthy platonic or romantic relationships.

It could be argued that dating is like a form of self care.

As you have to live, nurture and sometimes even find yourself first before, during and sometimes even after dating.

But what do you think - head to our Linkedin and let us know!

Credits:

Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/health/dating/dating-app-fatigue/

Bumble: https://bumble.com/the-buzz/dating-burnout

Stylist: https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/mental-health/confidence-crisis-uk/940549

Parliment: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmselect/cmwomeq/805/80502.htm

Clingy Love: The different attachment styles singles face when dating

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 15 May 2025 14:45:00 GMT

Clingy Love: The different attachment styles singles face when dating

By Sanchia Saunders

When it comes to dating there are a variety of different dating styles, tactics, approaches you name it there’s something - which now upon reflection could be one of the many reasons as to why offline dating has become so challenging in recent years.

Despite this, if you look with a closer lens at the dating world today, and the amount of different people and preferences that the dating scene has to mould itself too - whether that’s our queer counterparts or the single hot girls looking for a 2025 hot girl summer, the dating scene is definitely working over time.

This is why it has become so important to factor in what is important to you when it comes to dating.

As with Threads stating that, “80% of single men are no longer interested in dating”, does this mean that the dating scene is collapsing?

Dating priorities

So with all the shifts in the world I think some things have started to hold more weight than others, when factoring in whether your latest tinder match could be your husband is their attachment style.

Yes you heard it right, attachment styles play a very large role when it comes to singles finding their perfect match, as according to multiple psychology studies and dating experts, our attachment patterns can significantly influence who we’re drawn to, how we communicate, and whether a relationship actually lasts.

What are the different attachment styles ?

When I took a deep dive on the good old World Wide Web, I found out there are in fact 4 different attachment styles when it comes to dating.

Don’t worry if you are not familiar with what these are, it is your lucky day as I have listed them below.

Once you’ve found out which category you fall into, definitely head to our Instagram and share what attachment style you have!

1. Secure: According to The Attachment Project , the secure attachment style implies that a person is comfortable expressing emotions openly. Therefore, adults with a secure attachment style can depend on their partners and, in turn, let their partners rely on them.

2. Anxious : I f you have an anxious attachment style statistics have found that , tend to have a negative self-view, but a positive view of others. This means that they may view their partner as their literal “better half.” Someone with this attachment style deems themselves to be less worthy of love in comparison to other people, the thought of living without their partner (or being alone in general) causes high levels of anxiety. In other words, they deeply fear abandonment .

3. Avoidant: A dismissive-avoidant attachment style (also known as “avoidant dismissive”) involves low anxiety levels and high avoidance levels. This attachment style may lead to more distant or casual relationships, sometimes stemming from a fear of commitment.

4. Fearful: With terms like Philophobia , which alludes to the idea of being afraid of falling in love, being so embedded in the dating dictionary it is not surprising that People with the fearful attachment style tend to vacillate between the traits of both anxious and avoidant attachment depending on their mood and circumstances.

For this reason, someone with this attachment style tends to show confusing and ambiguous behaviours in their social bonds.

So with a fair few attachment styles to choose from what category do you think you fit into?

Head to our instagram to share your thoughts!

Credits:

Evntful: https://www.evntfuldating.com/offline-dating
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@masculinefacts/post/DDA8pkxikmV?hl=en-gb#:~:text=80%25%20of%20single%20men%20are%20no%20longer%20interested%20in%20dating.
The Attachment Project: https://www.attachmentproject.com/blog/four-attachment-styles/
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/what-is-philophobia
Better Help: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/attachment/what-are-the-four-attachment-styles/?utm_source=AdWords&utm_medium=Search_PPC_m&utm_term=PerformanceMax&utm_content=&network=x&placement=&target=&matchtype=&utm_campaign=16929735023&ad_type=responsive_pmax&adposition=&kwd_id=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16921811401&gbraid=0AAAAADqBHiZDOo035bQxfvK1RaoZTyNdM&gclid=CjwKCAjw24vBBhABEiwANFG7yyYZeyf1wqDaaG41Rbn40XGZxoylfd3m4KMq0YTfZmEAWnOi6YIGHhoCpHkQAvD_BwE

Filter Free Dating: How Gen Z are finally understanding that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Fri, 09 May 2025 15:58:17 GMT

Filter Free Dating: How Gen Z are finally understanding that beauty is in the eye of the beholder

By Sanchia Saunders

I am definitely guilty when it comes to dabbling with filters to enhance my social media appearance, especially when it comes to posting on online platforms like Snapchat and Instagram .

As who doesn’t love a good old flower crown filter, otherwise known as the coachella filter, or a cheeky dog, tongue wagging lens.

Side note, if you were young and thriving in 2016 like me, when these iconic filters hit our Snapchat screens, then you will already know that that was the birth of it all!

However, with statistics finding that, “Roughly 57% of UK Gen Zs say that they use filters on their posts”, it poses the question of whether the heavy usage of filters and editing has become damaging, in regards to the way that people view themselves and ultimately feel about themselves as a whole.

The Mask

So with filters very much being a part of a Gen Z’s everyday regime, especially on platforms like TikTok where the ‘Bold Glamour’ filter has been used in over 58 million videos, it reinforces the idea of how quickly people have become bored and almost dissatisfied with their looks.

I was reading an article by Yahoo and I think it really summed up this new reality perfectly by stating that, ‘with hyper-realistic filters and endless body-changing content, it’s easy for people, especially the younger Gen Z - to develop negative feelings towards their natural bodies.

To try and attain something that’s not real, it can sometimes lead people to engage in behaviours that might not be healthy for them.

This is why I am not surprised that The National Organisation of Women cites a study saying that about 50% of 13-year-old American girls reported feeling dissatisfied with their bodies .

In the same study, about 20% of boys reported being “concerned” about their muscularity and leanness - which just goes to show how filter obsessed/ body conscious we have become as a generation.

Self love era/ Natural Beauty/ Raw/ Organic

Despite all of this you should be happy to hear that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

This is because slowly but surely Gen Z have started to get into their self love era , and strip back the lip fillers inspired by Kylie Jenner and the BBL’s inspired by the Kardashians and instead just be themselves naturally and authentically.

As if you look at influencers like Nara Smith who recently opened up about how eczema has affected her physical appearance. To super model Winnie Harlow embracing her vitiligo and using it as her super power - it really shows how people are beginning to embrace their natural beauty.

Will the future of dating be filter free?

So with Gen Z embracing their natural beauty more and more with each passing day, especially when it comes to embracing all the little quirks that make someone unique - It poses the question of what does the future look like.

This is because, with insights stating that, “56% of millennials are thinking about their looks most or all of the time” when it comes to online dating will there finally be a reduction in the heavy use of filters and altered reality.

As with online dating being very visual, whether that’s creating the best dating profile, or turning your Instagram into your dating profile , how you present yourself online is important.

Which is why being unapologetically you is key.

But what do you think?

Credits:

Digital Body Language: The top 5 things that can turn any Gen Z dater off when online dating in London

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 18:54:11 GMT

Digital Body Language: The top 5 things that can turn any GenZ dater off when online dating in London

By Sanchia Saunders

GenZ are a digital native generation, as our everyday lives are consumed by technology. Social media like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and X to be exact.

However, if you delve into the dating scene where apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge and so on have been leading the way when it comes to looking for a meaningful connection online, it really highlights how we have become so accustomed to the online world, especially when looking for love.

This is because, with there now being over 11.1 million online dating users in the UK as of 2023, with estimations in place that by 2028 there will be well over 12 million, it really sheds light on the importance of appropriate online etiquette - which leads me nicely onto DBL.

What is DBL?

DBL, which in layman's terms is otherwise known as digital body language, is arguably one of, if not the most important things to factor in when dating online.

This is because a new study by Hinge, which delves into the dating history of Gen Z singles, revealed that 77% of people who use their platform say that DBL reveals a lot about a match's interests and intentions, reaffirming how big a role digital body language plays in dating.

With the iconic term, ‘silence speaks volumes’, it hilights why non verbal communication whether that’s eye contact, a lingering glance or subtle touching of hands, should be ranked higher on singles priority lists - as it is important.

Fortunately, I have 5 key areas to look out for when dating online to avoid you falling into a meaningless connection!

1. Clear Communication (Intentions)

With poor communication contributing to over 65% of divorces , it shows how important it is to communicate both during the early ‘talking stages’ of a relationship and also once you’re in one too!

This is because especially when you’re dating online there are more barriers in place that can hinder a persons communication.

Whether that be work, slow replies, lack of interest or even ghosting - it is super important to keep your date in loop. As if you don’t they may get fed up and swipe for somebody else, when that could’ve been your soulmate right there.

So make your intentions clear and make your feelings known.

2. Emotional Vulnerability

When dating, men in particular don't always feel comfortable when it comes to showing their emotions/ being vulnerable with their date - especially online.

This could be down to a number of reasons, the main one being outdated views on heterosexual males having to be a matcho man, but that’s a story for another day.

However, with reports stating that , 93 percent of daters want to date someone who shows emotional vulnerability, and 61 percent of people surveyed ranking it as a higher priority than attractiveness, income, or height - it shows how important it is to let your guard down just a little when online dating.

3. Punctuation

You may be sitting here thinking I left school a thousand years ago so what does punctuation have to do with anything, but believe me when it comes to online dating, international dating or any sort of virtual communication - punctuation is important.

This is because it’s one of the only ways you are able to set the tone and show some sort of emotions when speaking virtually.

So saying what you mean, and meaning what you say is crucial.

4. Truthfulness

This may seem like an obvious one, but honesty and being truthful is up there when it comes to digital communication.

Whether that’s whilst you’re talking or setting up your dating profile , it’s important to be honest during all stages and topics, even during sex.

This is because, 87 percent of singles said they wanted their partners to be honest about sexual topics, even if it might hurt their feelings.

5. Message Consistency

Finally, with inconsistency being one of the many dating red flags, it is important that if you’re feeling someone’s vibe to make sure 1. You let them know and 2. You don’t go and ghost them.

This is because the dating scene is fast pace, especially online, some may even call it speed dating. So you have to make sure you are consistent otherwise you could get ghosted and nobody wants that.

But what do you think, is your digital body language up to scratch - or is more work needed?

Credits:

EVNTFUL X MERAKI STUDIOS: Events that are good for the soul

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 08:37:41 GMT

EVNTFUL X MERAKI STUDIOS: Events that are good for the soul

By Sanchia Saunders

With Evntful opening its (virtual) doors, and launching the dating app of the year, which will hopefully entice hot singles like you and me to give love another chance, it could be argued that the dating scene has finally been resurrected and brought back to life!

This is because with Evntful's mission to put a stop to endless swiping and meaningless connection, it could finally mean that the light at the end of the tunnel has now been switched back on, so singles can see all the fish that are still in the sea.

As with a UK wide study revealing as many as 74% of single Brits have either ‘given up’ or are taking a ‘lengthy break’ from the pursuit of love, it looks like Evntful is the dating app you wanted but didn’t realise that you needed!

With the app being laser focused on fostering meaningful connection, it links perfectly to the amazing event that Evntful held with Meraki Studios, highlighting the importance of togetherness and connection through activity based dating!

Evntful x Meraki Studios

Given Evntful's continued goals of increasing activity based dating, so a stop can finally be put on endless swiping - Evntful hosted a very cutesy & very demure pilates event - in collaboration with Meraki Studios .

If you haven’t been living under a rock then you will know Pilates is the exercise of choice these days, if you want to fall into the ‘cool girl’ aesthetic, so it was definitely one not to miss!

The event, which consisted of multiple sessions running throughout the day, was put together in a belt to boost moral amongst singles and foster a sense of girl power.

This is because as dating norms change, so does demand for certain activities, as according to reports, ‘42% of singles want to step out of their comfort zone when going on dates’, which is why Evntful's event was so perfect.

What did the event intel?

All attendees received a delicious banana and caramel, or strawberry matcha drink by Naked Ground - along with a goodie bag filled with treats.

This also included a free drink from Tequila Mockingbird as well as this attendees received a complimentary Backyard Comedy Club ticket and a protein bar from Biomel !

With so much up for grabs the best way to end a perfect day was with a bit of girl talk!

GURL talk:

At the end of the event, conversations surrounding modern day dating were sparked, which left room for attendees to discuss their dating do’s and don'ts as well as their dating green flags and red flags.

This was something that was good for the soul as an Analysis from the Community Life survey released last year showed that 62% of 16–24-year-olds felt lonely often/always, some of the time or occasionally which highlights the importance of conversation and meaningful connection - whether romantic or platonic.

So with the event ending on a high, due to attendees wiping off their dating dont's from the whiteboard provided, it leaves the question of, will you be attending Evntful's next event ?

Credits:

Evntful: https://www.evntfuldating.com
ATV Today: https://www.atvtoday.co.uk/254343-dating/
Eventbrite: https://investor.eventbrite.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2024/Eventbrites-New-Report-Reveals-Why-Singles-Are-Shifting-from-Online-to-Offline-Dating-in-Favor-of-Shared-Experiences/default.aspx
Centre for Social Justice: https://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/newsroom/lonely-this-valentines-day

The top 5 ways to make your date feel safe

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:00:57 GMT

The top 5 ways to make your date feel safe

By Sanchia Saunders

When it comes to dating, especially when it comes to going on a first date, I feel like singles go through a multitude of emotions and feelings that sound a little something like….

What do I wear, where do we go, will they like me, am I really their type - honestly the list is endless.

And yes this list may sound crazy and a little on the outlandish side, however we singles have all been there, so don’t worry we are all in the same boat.

However, with a staggering 70% of people reporting that they have experienced some level of first date nervousness, it sheds light on some of the pressures that come with dating which ultimately determines whether some singles choose to date sometimes, if at all.

As when you stop and really think about it, a first date is a bit like going in for your first day of school. You have butterflies in your stomach, you’re nervous and you really don’t know what to expect, as you don’t know anybody.

Even though I haven’t gone on many first dates myself, when I think back to the few I have gone on, it takes me right back to those feeling of nervousness, almost feeling sick at some points, sweating in the uber, thinking have I sprayed enough perfume, does my makeup look nice, will he like me - so I totally understand the struggle.

But if you’re wondering how some people combat these fears, The Independent reported that, 39% of singles admitted that they have an alcoholic drink beforehand to help calm their nerves’.

However don’t worry if you’re not a drinker I am sure there are some more T-Toal ways to get rid of your pre date jitters!

So with the general consensus highlighting that first dates can be a bit nerve racking it leads me onto the top five ways in which we can combat this (especially when dating online.)

1. Being honest/ Dating profiles

When dating, especially online, the first thing someone will see is your dating profile , so the best thing to do is ensure that you are honest and truthful, as first impressions matter.

This is because these days anything can give someone the ick or cause them to swipe left, so if you lead with honesty you have a fighting chance at finding the one, and actually making it out onto a date.

With statistics reporting that 1 in 3 relationships now begin online , your dating profile is crucial in ensuring your date's comfortability. As these are the limited nuggets of information that they’ll be able to hold onto when trying to prepare themselves for your meeting.

So if you’re dishonest or fragmenting the truth then this could really jeopardise things.

2. Location

The location of a first date is arguably the most important factor which will ensure whether your date feels safe and comfortable when meeting you for the first time or not!

This is because if your date suggested meeting in an abandoned warehouse, alarm bells would definitely be ringing, as it’s not giving safe dating vibes at all.

This is why if you were somewhere more public and familiar you may be more inclined to actually go.

Statistics have definitely backed this up as according to reports, 65% of people have voted that restaurant is their ideal date activity and location . Reinforcing the idea that the location of your date can play a very big role in both the success of your date and also whether or not it actually goes ahead.

3. Respecting boundaries

When going on a first date, the reality is that you are really meeting a stranger.

Therefore you have limited information to go off surrounding what they like, what they don't like, what makes them comfortable and what makes them uncomfortable, which highlights why it is crucial that you are socially aware when it comes to reading the room.

As if your date is giving off signals that they are uncomfortable or putting subtle boundaries in place, it is important that you respect them.

With reports stating that singles only have a 10% chance of getting a second date , it really conveys why it is so important to ensure that you and your date are in tune and both feeling comfortable with each other.

4. Take your time

This may seem like a rogue one, but taking your time is so important when it comes to dating, as like singer & songwriter Leon Thomas says in his hit song Mutt, ‘She said take your time, what's the rush?” and it's so true as what really is the rush?

With reports finding that 44% of Gen Z Hinge daters have very little dating experience , adopting a slower approach when you're dating for the first time is a great way to ensure you don't get overwhelmed, and I strongly believe this applies on dates too.

As rushing in with too many compliments and leaning in for a kiss can be too much for some people resulting in no second date and maybe even a drink to the face.

So slow down, take it easy and get to know each other at a slower pace.

5. Move on if rejected

Finally if for whatever reason your date doesn't go well, the best thing to do is not to push it but to move on. This is because with nearly a quarter of online daters experiencing digital stalking - it sheds light on the dangers that could occur in real life.

Therefore if you are going to take any advice from this post today, if you're feeling someone but they are not feeling you don't worry, shake it off - as there are plenty more fish in the sea.

However if you are feeling cautious about going on a first date, Ask Angela is a perfect way to subtly get help if you need to leave or you’re not feeling the vibes, so definitely check out their page.

Credits:

Marriage.Com: https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/first-date-nervousness/#:~:text=Nearly%20every%20dater%20has%20faced,level%20of%20first%2Ddate%20nervousness.
Pew Research Centre: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/02/key-findings-about-online-dating-in-the-u-s/
The Independent: h ttps://w ww.independent.co.uk/life-style/dating/dating-first-date-confidence-valentines-b2281112.html
Top10 : https://www.top10.com/dating/first-date-etiquette-survey#:~:text='Let's%20Grab%20Something%20To%20Eat'&text=It%20may%20not%20come%20as,hitting%20a%20board%20game%20cafe
Fashion Journal: https://fashionjournal.com.au/life/slow-dating/#:~:text=Can%20anyone%20engage%20in%20slow,partners%2C%E2%80%9D%20Moe%20tells%20me .
Kaspersky: https://www.kaspersky.com/about/press-releases/nearly-a-quarter-of-online-daters-experience-digital-stalking
Ask Angela: https://askforangela.co.uk/

How to design the best dating profile: The do’s and don'ts of finding love online

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:54:22 GMT

How to design the best dating profile: The do’s and don'ts of finding love online

By Sanchia Saunders

When it comes to dating it could be argued that the statistics never lie.

As with reports stating that , 28.9 million people in England & Wales alone have been listed as single - and new predictions being put in place that marriage could be extinct by 2062, it looks like we need to get our act together real fast and real soon.

This is because with it becoming increasingly more difficult to locate all the fish that were once in the sea, we now must take matters into our own hands to ensure that we have the best possible chance at attracting our perfect match.

You may be wondering how to even do this, but don’t worry this is where I step in.

As with 1 in 3 relationships now beginning online, the place singles need to start is with your dating profiles!

What is the importance of a good (dating) profile?

52% of singles have stated that they have come across someone they think was trying to scam them online - and I think this is a very vivid example of why your dating profile is so important.

As with singles comparing dating to wading through admin , it is crucial that you make sure you’re stands out (in a good non creepy way).

If you’re wondering where you would even need to start to get your dating profile looking 10/10, then today is your lucky day! As just below you will find the top 3 areas you will need to focus on.

1. Photo(s)

I think the biggest thing that you need to take into consideration when setting up your dating profile is what images you are going to use.

This is because unfortunately statistics have found that, ‘Users decide whether to keep reading your profile in 1.4 seconds based on your first photo’.

Therefore if you only have 1 picture and it’s not giving then you will have less chance of finding a match. So be yourself, smile, add a candid photo if you must, as these are the ones most likely to get you noticed.

2. Bio

Now that we have your pictures sorted the next thing singles will read on your dating profile is your bio, so please let’s not make it weird.

Instead make it personal and tailored to you.

Be honest, don’t lie - as that weird and wonderful quirk you may have could make all the difference in you getting on that date or not!

3. Voice note/ video prompts

Finally this section is a bit like a bonus round, but videos and prompts are very much the dark horse when it comes to your dating profile.

As reports state that, video intros can increase swipe-right rates by over 50%, therefore don’t be afraid to add a video, as people can take a lot more away from a video than they can a picture - as this is where things start to get juicy as we can hear someone’s voice, mannerisms, dress sense - trust me it’s important.

So it could be argued that if you follow these steps your bound to get a date. However there are still some common profile mistakes that singles make which limit their chances of finding love online - so let me tell you what this is.

The most common profile mistakes to make:

Creating a dating profile can often appear daunting but let me tell you it really shouldn’t. As the more you overthink it the more it will feel rigid and un-natural.

This leads me nicely to the most common mistake that singles make when setting up their profile and this is adding group photos.

Like I get the whole phrase, confuse the enemy- however you’re meant to be looking for love - which means people want to know who they are trying to date, and not have to pick one out of 6 people in the photo. As the likelihood is they are going to end up wanting one of your friends.

So with reports finding that, group photos as the first image reduce engagement by 33% - please think long and hard about what pictures you decide to add to your profile - as it really could be make or break.

But what do you think, are dating profiles important - or do you think it’s a waste of time?

Credits:

Just4One: https://just4one.com/news/being-single/#:~:text=How%20many%20Brits%20are%20Single,in%20England%20and%20Wales%20alone
Pew Research Centre: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/02/key-findings-about-online-dating-in-the-u-s
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/dec/08/it-feels-like-admin-why-are-people-falling-out-of-love-with-dating-apps
Statista - Online Dating Trends: https://www.statista.com/outlook/emo/dating-services/online-dating/worldwide

Why Gen Z singles are racing to love in London: The rise in running clubs has reignited singles' goals of racing to love.

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Why Gen Z singles are racing to love in London: The rise in running clubs has reignited singles' goals of racing to love.

By Sanchia Saunders

When you think of running, if you’re anything like me, the first thing that’ll come to mind is, middle aged fitness fanatics running around London’s very own Hyde Park , whilst it’s pissing it down with rain, in a belt to stay in shape and keep the blood pressure down.

However if you fast forward to today, that visual image that I’ve ever so kindly just provided you is no more.

It’s done a total 360.

As now if I mention running the first thing you’re gonna think of is sexy young men & women decked out in Gym Shark & Lululemon outfits showing off every muscle and curve of their perfectly crafted bodies, outside ready to find their perfect match at a Run Club.

If you’re wondering why there has been such a sudden surge in activity based dating I would blame TikTok, British Gossip Girl, Emily to be exact.

As with over 80k followers on the app, and a number of viral videos showcasing the inside scoop of what goes on behind the scenes of a run club, alongside some of their top attendees, I’m not surprised that it continues to grow in popularity!

What even is a run club?

A run club is basically what it says on the tin.

It’s a group of individuals who gather on set days of the week to participate in a group run, which is often filled with community spirit, and oozes ‘safety in numbers’!

According to RunnersNeed, some of the benefits of a run club are as follows:

SOCIAL: If you’ve moved to a new area and want to meet like-minded people or you just want to be social, Run Clubs are a one of the best ways to do it. With time to chat along the route you might even end up enjoying a post run drink with your fellow runners.

SUPPORT: If you’re struggling with your training or you’re looking for a pat on the back after a good one, running with a Run Club will give you all the support and encouragement you need.

SAFETY: Running on your own can feel a little uneasy, especially if it’s in the dark or through poorly lit streets; running with a Run Club will give you that extra security.

COMPETITIVE (IF YOU WANT THAT): Not everyone who runs in a Run Club is looking for competition but if you thrive with a little rivalry then you could find your

MOTIVATION: Running is a great way to get a little solitude but sometimes it helps having someone to chat to and cheer you on when you’re finding it difficult.

Have run clubs replaced dating apps?

With dating apps being very much on the decline due to them now being described as ‘admin’, it has created a space for singles to think outside of the box and come up with new ways to find love.

With more than half a million [Tinder] users abandoning the platform since May 2023, it has allowed for run clubs to blossom and become the most popular form of dating for singles thus far in 2025.

According to the Independent, ‘Dating apps often encourage a focus on appearance over personality which can lead to feelings of objectification and superficiality.

It often leaves people feeling dehumanised and less valued for their true selves. The prevalence of fake profiles and deceptive behaviour, such as catfishing, is also undermining trust in dating apps, so a running club cuts through that noise.”

This perfectly sums up how even though dating apps are on the decline due to them not fostering meaningful connection - it sheds light on how singles are now looking for love offline in more activity based dating styles.

The future of dating?

So with social media clearly influencing dating trends/ styles - what does this mean for the future of dating.

As the statistics stated about tinder seeing a decline in its users and singles willingly choosing to run to find a man/ woman - it looks like activity based dating is here to stay.

Whether that’s running, swimming, Pilates, golf I truly believe love is switching to offline , but what do you think?

Credits:

British Gossip Girl: https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyannwillcox?lang=en
Runnersneed: https://www.runnersneed.com/expert-advice/run-clubs/the-benefits-of-joining-a-run-club.html
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/dec/08/it-feels-like-admin-why-are-people-falling-out-of-love-with-dating-apps
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/running-clubs-dating-apps-meet-cute-b2548844.html
Offline Dating: https://www.evntfuldating.com/offline-dating

The Birth of ‘Micro-Mance’: How Gen Z are tapping into consistency when it comes to small gestures

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The Birth of ‘Micro-Mance’: How Gen Z are tapping into consistency when it comes to small gestures.

By Sanchia Saunders

A Black Croc Skin Hermes Birkin, with a side of 20,000 red roses, a cheeky hotel stay with a final serving of a 2 week baecation to the Maldives, is what Gen - Z singles are asking for from their love interests these days in a belt to showcase their love.

Crazy right?

Well yes of course it is - as if you look at relatively normal people like you and me who have some level of decorum this may sound excessive - especially when it comes to the dating/talking stage.

As let’s be real most of the singles that we date who are in their twenties fighting to climb the corporate ladder, barely have the money for matching socks lets alone a Birkin.

However for some singles this is expected just to make it to the exclusive stage.

(Ps. If you are struggling with the Gen Z terminology used thus far please head to our Gen Z Dictionary attached here to get yourself better acquainted)

But yes right now the dating scene is in a bit of a shambles - however since discovering the term, Micro Mance it looks like things may finally be on the up!

What does Micro-Mance even mean?

According to good old Google, reports have found that the definition of Micro-Mance is: “A term coined to describe short-term, low-pressure romantic connections that prioritise meaningful, yet brief, emotional exchanges.

Unlike traditional dating, which often emphasises long-term commitment, ‘micro-mance’ thrives on living in the moment.

These micro-relationships can range from fleeting romantic encounters to short-term “situationships” that are enjoyable, intimate, and mutually understood as temporary.”

If I am going to be transparent with you - as a Gen Z single girlie myself I had never heard of this term - however the more that I have read up on it it has really opened my eyes.

Why Micro Mance is the term singles wanted but didn’t realise they needed

So as I alluded to earlier on in the post - these days the single girlies and the single guys have high expectations when it comes to receiving gifts/ grand gestures during the talking/dating stage.

As if they’re not getting that Birkin then they are definitely getting the ick!

However with Micro Mance homing in on low pressure romantic connections - with a stronger focus on emotional exchanges - it almost takes some of the pressures away.

As now there is a lower chance of you getting scolded for buying your date that £5 chocolate from Tesco - reinforcing the growing fondness of emotional connection.

This is because with Hinge discovering a whopping 93 percent of daters want to date someone who shows emotional vulnerability , and 61 percent of people surveyed ranking it as a higher priority than attractiveness, income, or height - it highlights how some singles mindsets are beginning to shift.

As it’s not all about the materialistic things we see on the [Insta]Gram - but more about deeper meaningful connection.

However, has the damage already been done?

Despite the birth of Micro Mance encouraging singles to search for meaningful connection as opposed to a quick fling - what if the pressure of living up to unattainable standards has already gotten too much.

I say this because statistics have found that , n early 4 out of 5 millennials and Gen Zers surveyed say dating stresses them out, and nearly half (43%) said they don’t date at all due to their anxiety.

Suggesting that the oversaturated dating market has become too much for some singles that they’d rather not date at all.

But what do you think, have you seen a shift in dating styles lately?

Are you finding yourself yearning for meaningful connection instead of a materialistic charged one or are you impartial?

Head to our instagram to share your thoughts.

Credits:

Unlock GenZ’s Dating Dictionary: https://www.evntfuldating.com/the-genz-dating-dictionary
Millionaire Match Dating: https://millionairematchdating.medium.com/why-micro-mance-is-gen-z-s-hot-dating-trend-for-2024-081566f5eaa9
The ICK: https://www.evntfuldating.com/the-ick
Cosmopolitan: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a42006606/emotional-vulnerability-high-priority-for-singles/
Dating Advice: https://www.datingadvice.com/studies/dating-anxiety-statistics/amp

The rise of activity based dating: Will you find your boo offline?

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 19:57:10 GMT

The rise of activity based dating: Will you find your boo offline?

By Sanchia Saunders

One thing about love is that it will find you when you least expect it. Whether it’s online or offline , inside or outside - love will come like a thief in the night and surprise you.

However if you home into the different ways that singles have chosen to find love over the years, it has changed quite dramatically!

This is because once upon a time traditional dating was the norm - with singles courting and having set intentions of marriage when they went out looking for a life partner.

However, since the explosion of the internet (which was officially created on the 1st of January 1983 ) and the birth of online dating, there has been a major shift in dating styles - with more and more singles now turning to online to find love.

With statistics finding that more than one in 10 UK adults are now on online dating services, (with more men than women on the lookout for connections 61% vs. 39%), it shows that online dating has become one of, if not the most popular form of dating to date.

Lockdown

Despite online dating being so popular, If we take it back a few years to 2020 when the world was introduced to its very first lockdown - due to yours truly Coronavirus, gracing us with her unwanted presence - the effects of this period of time are still being felt to this day.

Due to us not being able to go out, mingle, have fun, nothing - when the lockdown was finally lifted - singles in particular became a lot more appreciative and excited to be outside and partake in more activities and events.

With statistics finding that, nearly half of adults in England have reported that they now spend more time outdoors than before the pandemic - it presents the question of is activity based dating on the rise ?

What does activity based dating actually mean ?

So you may be wondering what I mean by activity based dating- and in layman's terms I basically mean the modernised version of traditional dating.

So that can be anything from attending a run club, to the gym or golf - basically if you are outside of your house and participating in something fun then it is an activity based date.

With game based agents growing 163% back in 2023, it makes you wonder what is influencing this change in dating style.

The influence of social media trends

When it comes to social media there are many pros but at the same time there are also many cons.

However when it comes to activity based dates social media has had a positive impact thanks to all of the trends that it provides. This is because if you look at run clubs for example, before social media nobody was interested in going to a run club - let alone looking for love at one.

However since the many TikTok’s and reels that have flooded our social media’s statistics have found that over 15% of people from Belfast are looking for love at run clubs.

So if you think about the number of people right here in London who are looking for love at a run club right now - well let’s just say that it would be a lot.

But what do you think? Do you find easier to swipe online or are you open to stepping outside, smelling the roses and getting active when it comes to finding love?

Head to our instagram to share your thoughts!

Credits:

The top 3 safety issues when it comes to dating: And how dating apps can help prevent these through in app bookings

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:30:00 GMT

The top 3 safety issues when it comes to dating: And how dating apps can help prevent these through in app bookings

By Sanchia Saunders

When it comes to love, we all wear the same pair of glasses. I’m pretty sure you know what glasses I am referring to, but in case you have forgotten, let me remind you.

When it comes to love we view near enough everything through rose tinted glasses, as we are consumed by joy, happiness and a bunch of endorphins running through our body’s- that we don’t always think about the safety issues that surround dating.

This is because as much as love is lovely, unfortunately in this day and age we have to be more careful than ever before when dating ( especially when dating here in London )

If you look at the statistics just solely based on safety alone, statistics have found that one in four Brits have felt unsafe during a date in the past year .

If you take those statistics further and home in on women, who are usually deemed more vulnerable compared to men, 40% of women stated that they felt uncomfortable or unsafe on a date at some point.

So with it being fairly clear that there are some safety issues surrounding dating, let me tell what 3 of these are.

1: Who are you dating ?

I think it is clear to see that social media is both a very influential and a very large platform. I think one of the biggest issues that arise when dating is not knowing who you are actually talking to. As with people catfishing or altering the truth on their dating profiles, it can really cause serious dating issues to arise.

This is why it is important that you make sure the person you are talking to is real - you have some level of shared interest - and most importantly you feel comfortable and no pressure before meeting them.

2: Location

As I mentioned earlier on in the post, love is lovely - so much so that when singles head out on a date it is often the case that they either head out in secret or forget to give details as to where they are going.

This is a major dating issue - as if for any reason you do get into an unsafe situation whilst on a date - if your friends/family don’t know where you are - they won’t be able to help you - which can result in a more minor situation escalating into a more serious one.

This is why it is important to share your location and to also pick a venue for your date which is somewhere where you feel safe, there’s other people around and also (especially for a 1st date) somewhere in which you are familiar with.

As if you’re in an isolated area where there’s not many people and you’re not very familiar with it - it can make it a lot harder to get away from a bad situation.

 3: Emergency Contact

Finally not having an emergency contact is another safety issue when it comes to dating. As even though this may seem like something only parents do when their kids go on a school trip, if you need to leave and are not familiar with the phrase, ‘Ask Angela’ contacting someone you trust to come and get you or to come and meet you will really go a long way.

By now you may be thinking that my main agenda here is to put you off of dating - however that is not the case. The aim here is to ensure safety whilst dating - and an app which I know has dating safety at the forefront of their brand is Evntful !

Who is Evntful ?

Evntful is the new kid on the block when it comes to dating apps.

With their approach of encouraging their users to swipe left on traditional dating - they have basically redesigned the idea of dating as we once knew it - with goals to encourage singles to partake in more offline dating and get outside!

However this isn’t the best part.

As I previously mentioned safety is at the forefront of this dating app and let me tell you how.

Evntful's safety features

So on this app people match based on similar interest so already you have something in common if you do decide to take things to the next level and head out on a date.

The second thing is that dates are booked through the app. Yes you heard that right, dates are booked through the app so it is all logged - and your emergency contacts, which I will get to in a moment, will know where you are in the case of an emergency.

But back to the dates, with Evntful partnering with a number of establishments to host some of the fun exciting dates that singles on the app will be heading to, it means you won’t be heading to an isolated area for your date.

Instead you will be somewhere with people - in a known establishment which should hopefully ease any fears that you may have.

The final thing - which in my opinion is the best thing that this app can offer to ensure safety is the emergency contact feature. The app allows for you to have up to 3 emergency contacts who would be notified if you felt unsafe on a date and hit the ‘I need help’ button.

I think this feature is genius as it is discrete and an easy way to get in contact with someone if you are not feeling safe. Besides that, these are all amazing features and provide me with a level of comfort if I did decide to get back out there and date again - as I know this dating app cares about my safety and has installed functions to ensure this.

But what do you think?

Would using an app with functions geared toward safety entice you to get back out their and date - or are you happy in your self love era?

Credits:

Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/dates-unsafe-uncomfortable-polite-friend-family-member-relationship-a8752481.html
Security.org: https://www.security.org/safety-while-dating/#:~:text=Almost%2040%25%20of%20women%20and,a%20date%20at%20some%20point .
Ask Angela: https://askforangela.co.uk
EVNTFUL: https://www.evntfuldating.com

Has your Instagram become your dating profile?

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:56:45 GMT

Has your Instagram become your dating profile?

By Sanchia Saunders

It could be argued that the dating scene today (especially when it comes to dating in London ) is like a depressing, sad fairytale with no happy ending. And before you think I’m just a single bitter girl let me tell you the story as to why - so here goes.

Once upon a time there were the most beautiful set of fish in the sea, swimming beautifully, waiting for their one true love to come and find them (these people were like you and me, known as the singles).

However as time went on, the fish began to disappear until one day there were only a few left - resulting in the singles slowly but surely hanging up their fishing nets and giving up on love all together.

Statistics have even alluded to this idea due to past reports stating that , one in eight - mostly women - have given up on finding love - due to them not finding the right person to settle down with.

However if we enter back into the real world and out of my sordid fairy tail then I’m here to remind you that the dating scene isn’t all bad… or is it?

As following social media’s abrupt arrival back in 1997 (back in the dinasoar age) where the first recognisable social media site which we know today as Six Degrees, which funnily enough was a platform created to enable users to upload a profile to to make friends online, has since created a multitude of platforms and avenues for people to interact, communicate and connect with one another on a global scale.

The impact of social media

With over 63.9% of the world's population currently being on social media, with the daily average being a minimum of 2hrs and 21 minutes a day, I think it is clear to see that social media is both a very influential and a very large platform.

With there being a number of apps stemming from Instagram to Snapchat to TikTok to X, it could be argued that this generation is spoilt for choice when it comes to interacting with new people online, and building meaningful relationships whether platonic or romantic.

This is because as more and more people lean on social media as a way to express and unload with many people’s accounts being referred to as a digital diary, it wouldn’t sound that crazy if I said social media has become one of the new/ more popular ways for singles (especially Gen Z) to find love.

As with gen z creating their very own dictionary to describe what dating is like on social media, it presents the question of, has my instagram account become my dating profile ?

Instagram

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms on the market to date.

With statistics stating that the current known number of Instagram users is 2 billion monthly users , it is evident that the platform has become a safe space for (most) users to share their lives, their selves, funny videos, memes you name it it all goes down on Instagram.

With the rise of influencers and the need to look good, a lot of users now use their platforms to share idealic/ aesthetic pictures of themselves, abroad, eating out with friends, at the gym to ultimately share their lives with their followers.

However this doesn’t always just have an appeal for your friends and family members who follow you.

Oh no, if your account isn’t on private it opens you up to a whole new world of possibility and connection, a lot of time in a romantic sense, as people start sliding in the DM’s.

What does sliding in the DM’s actually mean ?

So as I mentioned a lot of Gen Z singles have got creative when it comes to explaining their dating experiences online, and one of the terms they have come up with is, sliding in the DM’s.

In layman's terms this basically means when someone (unexpectedly) drops you a direct message to express interest in you.

Ps. If you do have reservations of how safe this form of dating is, please do head to our page and read our article on, “How to date safely in London” .

But back to the point at hand, if you combine the jaw dropping pictures the girlies and the guys be posting on their feed, alongside the vast scale of users on Instagram, it’s almost become a dating app - as you post your best pictures - show glimmers of you personality and then wait for the one to come and find you.

A bit like fishing.

Social media vs Dating Apps

With this all being said it poses the question of what type of dater are you ?

As despite social media lending its services to aid singles in the right direction to finding their true love or a quick fling - would you rather go the more traditional route of signing up to a dating app - or would you leave it to fate ?

As at the moment dating apps are in a crisis due to people just not being happy on them. With recent reports finding that , 5 2% of online daters said they had come across someone they thought was trying to scam them!!

With a further 57% of saying online dating is not too or not at all safe - and finally 85% of people saying someone continued to contact them after they said they weren’t interested.

So with online dating somewhat being in shambles at the moment if I told you there was a new kid on the block - and what if I told you this new kid was called Evntful .

If you wish to elevate your dating experience and make dating great again head to our page and check it out!

Credits:

EVNTFUL - Dating in London: https://www.evntfuldating.com/how-dating-trends-have-changed-over-time
The Dailymail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3172810/amp/Love-died-one-eight-given-finding-special-Poll-reveals-women-fear-trusting-new-partners-men-worry-not-having-good-job-way-finding-soulmate.html
Smart Insights: https://www.smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-media-strategy/new-global-social-media-research/
Our World in Data: https://ourworldindata.org/rise-of-social-media#:~:text=The%20first%20recognizable%20social%20media,make%20friends%20with%20other%20users .
Evntful - The Gen Z Dating Dictionary: https://www.evntfuldating.com/the-genz-dating-dictionary
Backlinko: https://backlinko.com/instagram-users
Later: https://later.com/social-media-glossary/sliding-into-dms/
Evntful - How to date safely in London: https://www.evntfuldating.com/how-to-date-safely-in-london
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/aug/17/dating-apps-decline-bumble-tinder
EVNTFUL: https://www.evntfuldating.com

The Work Husband vs The Real Husband

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:21:19 GMT

The Work Husband vs The Real Husband

By Sanchia Saunders

With romance very much being in the London air at the moment, due to it being themonth of love , maybe it’s not a boyfriend that you need to lift your spirits.

As with committed relationships no longer being that easy to come by these days, us singles have started getting creative and broadening our horizons.

This is because with current dating sites no longer serving their purpose, due to enthusiasm around sites like Tinder and Bumble dwindling - with Tinder seeing a 23% drop and Bumble seeing a 26% drop in users, it makes you question what’s next.

However what if I told you that you can find it at your least favourite place… that place being work!!

Yes you heard it right, work is where your romantic dreams can come true. As with LinkedIn repositioning themselves from a job site to a dating site, maybe love can be found in the office, in the form of a work husband or work wife.

So what is a work husband/work wife?

According to Very Well Mind , a work spouse is having a platonic friendship with a coworker with whom you have a strong and trusting bond. These relationships generally have a sense of emotional safety, there is mutual respect, as well as a trust that allows for disclosure.

Which in lament terms means a close friend at work, usually of the opposite sex, which you have developed a close bond with.

However this topic is often a controversial one with lines often being crossed between work spouses, due to the blurred lines surrounding how far and how real these relationships can go.

According to reports 13% of workers – rising to 19% of men – don’t mention the close bond with their work spouse at home at all, due to the closeness of these relationships causing spouses to raise their eyebrows.

Why have work spouses become so popular?

So you may be wondering why there has been such a rise in these platonic work relationships. As with the vast majority of British workers, 73% to be precise, having one there must be a method behind the madness.

Well if you compare the world today to how it was 50 years ago there are some stark differences.

The main one being that we as people are more career driven, money hungry and always trying to climb the corporate ladder.

With statistics stating that, “one third of your life is spent at work”, then there’s no surprise that we form such close bonds with our colleagues.

However with singles often feeling lonely, confiding in a ‘friend’ at work, who is of the opposite sex can be quite thrilling, enticing and something to look forward to, instead of the boring Monday to Friday 9-5.

Also it lunates the possibility of decision fatigue as your work spouse is just a friend right ?

But the real question is do you have a work spouse and if you do what’s your opinion on this controversial topic ?

Why LinkedIn is giving insta a run for its money?

Once upon a time a person's instagram page was the equivalent of a dating profile, as it featured all of your best pictures, and if you were lucky enough you might have even found a few guys sliding in your DM’s.

However, with the world continuously shifting and there being a new trend every other second ready to influence every decision we make, the new trend, when it comes to looking for viable romantic candidates, is LinkedIn.

According to recent reports , ‘61 per cent of individuals aged 35 to 40 have found their dates on LinkedIn. However this trend also extends to people aged 20 to 40, with 52 per cent of respondents acknowledging LinkedIn's unexpected role in modern dating’, suggesting that careers and love could be the equivalent of cheese and ham - the perfect combination.

So with sophisticated career driven dates driving the current dating scene it presents a number of questions some being: is it a safe dating method, how long will it last, what’s the success and last but not least do I need to get myself a work husband ?

Head to our Instagram to share your thoughts on dating in London , and whether you’d rather opt for a ‘platonic’ work relationship or give love another shot.

Credits:

Tinder: https://tinder.com/en-GB
Bumble: https://bumble.com/en/
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3w822n7827o.amp
Very Well Mind: https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-of-a-work-wife-or-husband-8653731#:~:text=Increases%20Work%20Support,%2Dday%20support%2C%20Goldman%20says.
Metro: https://metro.co.uk/2023/02/07/the-majority-of-british-workers-now-admit-to-having-a-work-spouse-18233326/amp/
Gettysburg: https://www.gettysburg.edu/news/stories?id=79db7b34-630c-4f49-ad32-4ab9ea48e72b
India Today: h ttps://www.indiatoday.in/amp/lifestyle/relationship/story/millennial-india-is-finding-love-on-linkedin-and-work-on-bumble-2622331-2024-10-27
Epigram: https://epigram.org.uk/love-at-first-swipe/
Evntful: https://www.evntfuldating.com/how-modern-lifestyles-impact-relationships , https://www.evntfuldating.com/how-dating-trends-have-changed-over-time , https://www.evntfuldating.com/valentines-vs-galentiens

Valentines VS Galentines: Are men missing out on the annual holiday?

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:12:04 GMT

Valentines VS G alentine s : Are men missing out on the annual holiday?

By Sanchia Saunders

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s a very vivid reminder for singles that yes they are in fact still single, and no it’s very unlikely that they’re going to see a bouquet of roses at their front door.

With the shops filled with cards, balloons and cute teddies it could be argued that it’s Christmas all over again for lovers - as they’ll be able to spoil their spouses rotten and overindulge in good food, good company and maybe even a good time.

However for the singles out there like you and me, who are still searching through all the fish in the sea for their perfect one, Valentine’s Day may feel like January, the longest month of the year with -£69 pounds in your bank account and praying the month will end as soon as possible.

Fortunately you’re not alone as with statistics listing 28.9 million people as single in England and Wales alone, you won’t be the only one eating a ready meal on February 14th .

The three stages of Valentines Day:

I believe that there are roughly three phases that singles go through on Valentine’s Day the first one being loneliness, the second being self love and third is, if you’re lucky, graduating to girlfriend or boyfriend status.

Out of the three loneliness is definitely something that often gets people down, as an estimated 3.7 million people reported feeling lonely often/ always in the UK.

However what if I told you there was a way to reduce and hopefully beat loneliness during the valentines holiday season.

What if the only thing you needed to do was ditch Valentine’s Day and partake in Galentines day !!!

What is Galentines Day ?

Galentines day is celebrated a day before Valentine’s Day on February the 13th, and is a symbolisation of friendship. It often consists of wholesome activities whether it’s sip and paint, a cutesy dinner, or even a movie night.

For all the taken girlies rest assured as this does not mean that you can’t get involved too, as you can.

It’s just more appreciated by the singles girlies who won’t be getting wined and dined by their partner and instead will use February the 13th as a way to relax, enjoy and participate in some whole activities.

Why has it become so popular ?

With the whole of social media very much being in there self love era, Galentines is basically an extension of that and is broadcasted everywhere from TikTok to Instagram.

This is not surprising as an evening spent with your friends participating in wholesome activities definitely sounds like a form of self love to me and a lovely way to heal your inner child.

According to statistics, “In a recent poll of The Female Lead’s Instagram audience, a whopping 49% of respondents said they were celebrating Galentine’s Day this year - a hefty amount for a holiday which is a totally unofficial alternative to Valentine’s Day.”

Reinforcing the growing popularity and success of this unofficial holiday.

Why Valentine’s Day is for women and not men

So with Galentines very much being for the Gals, you may be wondering why there isn’t a male version of the new found holiday and to be honest there’s many scenarios floating around as to why.

The main one being that valentines is geared towards women, with men often expected to be the initiators.

This is why you often see men going all out and planning an elaborate day from start to finish, as this is their time to shower their lover in romantic gestures and remind them of their love for one day out of 365.

This can often feel stressful and come with a lot of pressure, as men are expected to provide and live up to societal expectations as if they don’t then they are viewed as less than.

Reports have found that men dislike the holiday because it’s too much pressure.

Many feel like they’re under a social media spotlight to produce a “wow moment” that is beyond their skills and budget.

Many of the “VDay Anxieties” stem from the unreasonable expectations about love that we have conditioned our girls to expect.

The outdated gender views which have stopped men putting their own spin on Galentines Day

When you step back and actually think why there’s not a day where women shower their men with romantic gestures - or guys don’t come together to have wholesome evenings in with their friends, it’s because it all comes down to outdated rigid stereotypes engraved within society.

Unfortunately to his day men are still expected to be macho and emotionless meaning they are not in touch with their feminine side.

As god forbid they are, they would be deemed less than and emasculated as there are often stigmas surrounding heterosexual males being too feminine these days.

This could be why men are afraid to create their own day of love with their friends due to fears of emasculation and mockery.

Breaking down stigmas/ importance of self love

With the expectation of men sometimes being too high depending on who you ask, it reinforces the importance of self love and also the importance of friendship.

As with valentines very much being a hit for the girlies, it’s only right that men feel the love too, as friendship and laughter are both definitely good for the soul.

But what do you think, do you want to see your man celebrating Valentine’s Day with his friends, or are you going to wait until steak and blowjob day to celebrate your man ?

If you’re unsure of this holiday please head online and be as blown away as I was when I read up on it!!

Credits:

Just4One: https://just4one.com/news/being-single/#:~:text=How%20many%20Brits%20are%20Single,in%20England%20and%20Wales%20alone.
Campaign to end loneliness: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/press-release/younger-brits-report-higher-levels-of-loneliness/
The female lead: https://www.thefemalelead.com/post/galentine-s-day-a-trivial-yet-awesome-way-to-celebrate-women
Essence: https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/valentines-day-anxiety-2/

2025’s Best Dating Advice: By Male Experts

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 06:48:09 GMT

2025’s Best Dating Advice: By Male Experts

By Sanchia Saunders

As 2024 draws to an end it's the perfect time to reflect on some of the goals that we may have been able to achieve this year, the relationships we may have been able to create, both romantic and platonic, and finally the words of wisdom and advice that we have been able to seek from both experts, and social media to carry on with us into 2025.

Example being the term which rules many singles lives which is, ‘Men Are Trash’ , as this is arguably a term which will never leave the UK’s dating dictionary .

Yes it is a throw away comment which is often associated with many humorous videos across social media, however hopefully with time and some expert advice the term will hopefully become just a generalisation and not the law laid down by un-healed singles.

With terms like ‘Men are trash’ still swimming around in the dating pool, it highlights the importance of Brits remembering to rank love a little higher on their priority list in 2025, and surround it with positive connotations and not just the negative ones.

This is because with it being the end of the year, this is the time when you see people trying to get their lives in order and curate some new year's resolutions to hold themselves accountable within the new year.

And solely based on statistics alone, the main goals that we often see year in and year out are to do with saving more money, and working on their health and fitness.

Statistics have very much proven this to be true as, January is the busiest month for heading to the gym across the UK , with it being 28% busier than months like December and 10% busier than the previous October, November and December combined.

Reinforcing the idea that health is very much the top of Brits priority list.

Why Love should be on your new year's resolution list

However what if Brits decided to add a new goal to their new year's resolution list ?

Instead of just focusing on the serious stuff like money, diets and weight, what if people stopped putting love on the backburner and instead ranked it a little bit higher on their priority list.

This is because believe it or not, creating and curating meaningful relationships is very important, as just like the Beatles say, ‘ All we need is love ’, as without it you can end up feeling lonely and isolated.

Despite loneliness being deemed an ‘old people problem’ , stats have found that 16 - to 29-year-olds are twice as likely to be chronically lonely than those who are over 70.

Therefore maybe 2025 is your year to delve inwards so then you can find love outwards, and if you are unsure this is where the experts come in.

The Evntful Date Night Podcast

With love and relationships being a very complex topic, sometimes if you don't have the answers right away, then you should look to the experts.

Yes this may appear daunting or scary, however thanks to social media and podcasts like, ' The Evntful Date Night Podcast ' it takes the pressure away, as it's like having your own personal agony aunt or an older sibling to confide in.

If you look at their most recent episode they feature male dating expert Kit , who provides a male perspective on dating and the red flags that you should look out for, which is very insightful and would be good for singles who may be looking to date, and may not know what to look out for.

So let's delve into what two of the dating experts think and get a male's perspective on things.

Kit Esuruoso

I think it's only right to start with Kit Esuruoso as our first mal e dating expert, to get the ball rolling. As he has over 10 years of experience within the field, and if you've listened to ‘ Evntful Date Night 's most recent podcast, he definitely sounds like he knows what he's talking about.

So Kit, who prides himself as being the number 1 dating expert, has received over 30 million views online and has a reputation of being the UK’s very own Hitch.

If you don't know what Hitch is then you need to take a nose dive into Will Smith's film catalogue and get yourself familiarised.

However if you take a look at Kits website Slick With Kit , he states that h e has, “Helped thousands of women who feel stuck in their dating life understand and attract a high quality man who wants to build an exciting future.

He also goes on to say that he has found a predictable pattern behind what a majority of men are looking for from women.

So what advice does he have to give ?

When listening to the podcast, Kit dropped a number of gems which I feel women would find useful.

This is because he initially discusses how, “Nowadays we live in a culture where there's a narrative that to be masculine, it is to be wrong and to be toxic”.

“So now the standard of behaviour is the feminine behaviour. But the irony is that most women don't want a man who’s feminine. They don't want a man that's going to look to you to make the plan, look to you to lead, look to you to provide the frame of your relationship”, which I very much can acknowledge”.

As a result, this leaves many guys confused.

So to make things more clear Kit suggested to “send him choosing signals”, if you are out and feeling a guy.

As the example he gave was that, if you are in a bar 80% of guys in the bar would want to approach you but 79% feel they don't have the permission to. Therefore to give permission you must Initiate a level of indirect contact.

That could be eye contact/smile/ wave if you have the courage to let them know that you are interested.

So what do you think, will you be giving ‘choosing signals’ when you are next out, or will you be sticking with your girls.

Matthew Hussey

The second male dating coach I would like to talk about today is Matthew Hussey .

Hussey, who is also a dating and relationship coach, has helped millions of women get the love life of their dreams through his New York Times bestselling book, sold-out live seminars, and powerful training videos.

His proven approach inspires women to find love through advice that is honest, authentic and practical; so they not only get the relationship they deserve but feel confident and in control of their own happiness.

Hussey's Advice.

In one of Hussey's many videos providing advice to signals titled, ‘ 6 Signs They’re Serious About You ” he states that, “There is a crucial distinction we have to make and that is the distinction between attention and intention” .

He makes it very clear that attention is not intention and attention is in fact a drug. As singles often get excited when they receive attention from a love interest which leads to them prematurely making plans and scenarios in their head when the other person hasn't even made their intentions clear.

Therefore to prevent getting your time wasted you should look for curiosity from your date and also from yourself, which will help signal whether you are actually interested in them or not, and vice versa.

Another sign would be to see if they follow up on a date which once again reinforces whether your date is interested in you or not.

So if you are going to take anything from this post next time you're dating ask yourself is it attention or is there intention.

Applying the experts advice

As I previously mentioned, dating can be a very complex topic which can be difficult to understand and navigate. However with the experts advice you may now have more of a fighting chance to take the balls by the horn and get back out there.

Don't get me wrong the experts don't always get it right, as if you look at shows like Married At First Site UK, not many of the matches made by the experts stood the test of time.

However if you are clear with what you want and who you want and don't stay on the delulu train too long then you should be good to go.

Credits:

UK Active: https://www.ukactive.com/news/january-gyms-over-half-of-brits-go-to-the-gym-to-manage-a-health-condition/#:~:text=January%20is%20the%20busiest%20month,start%20their%20New%20Year's%20resolutions.
UK Dating Dictionary: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/evntfuldating_the-gen-z-dating-dictionary-activity-7198715942573408256-QMvU
The Beatles: All you need is Love.
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/21/young-single-women-lonelier-than-ever-community
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4w6cLzIjuKD2VP6WBZyo6v
Kit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kit_is_me/?hl=en
Slick With Kit: https://www.slickwithkit.com/
Matthew Hussey: https://matthewhussey.com/
6 Signs They’re Serious About You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cTfu4w-nUc

Winter Date Ideas: 7 of the best winter date ideas

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Winter Date Ideas
By Sanchia Saunders

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, to the point that you now resemble a very large cocoon squashed up alone in a single bed, due to you having to wrap yourself so tightly in your duvet to keep yourself warm, it really makes you question your life.

This is because, if you're part of the single club you are often faced with the very displeasing task of climbing into an empty bed every night, and welcoming the lovely embrace of the winter chill, which is very humbling to say the least.

However if you have taken cuffing season in your stride and even made it to winter wonderland this year then congratulations. As we know that unlike us singles you have the pleasure of wrapping yourself around your partner like a human sloth, and getting real cutesy and real cosy.

So yes i am definitely sending extreme side eyes to all you human sloths this year. But don't worry as regardless of if you are single or in a relationship there is still room for everyone to still enjoy some fun dates this winter, whether that's with your friends or your boo.

I have curated a list of 7 winter date ideas which will keep you occupied this winter.

1. Ice Skating

Coming in strong with an all time favourite would be Ice Skating.

I believe this would be the perfect date to kickstart the winter season dating saga, as it really gets you excited for the festive season ahead, due to locations like Winter Wonderland and Battersea Power Station really bringing the heat and setting the bar for outdoor ice skating.

Even if you're not the most confident skater, or may think that you will resemble bambi on ice, I think it's a really good ice breaker (no pun intended) especially for a first date to let your hair down and have some fun.

However if all else fails you can always grab some food after and have a cute winter stroll.

2. Hot Chocolate or Matcha Date

A hot chocolate date I personally believe is the perfect type of winter date, as you’re inside a coffee shop warm and dry, with your nostrils being greeted by the beautiful scent of coffee beans, oooh and you get to sit down and rest your legs.

It is also affordable and a good way to get some quality talk time with your date, and just relax and enjoy each other's company.

However if you have been keeping up with trends this year then you will know that Matcha has taken London by storm, with Blanc Streets popping up on nearly every corner and giving the infamous Joe and the juice a run for their money.

With the infamous UK influencer legend Mellisas Wardrobe even collaborating with them, take this as your sign to try Mels Maple Matcha this winter with your date before it's gone.

3. Christmas Market

When it comes to this time of year, this is when people will start wishing that money grew on trees.

As people's pockets can become extremely tight due to over indulging in Black Friday sales, Christmas shopping or even due to trying to maintain saving/ financial goals to finish off the end of the year on a high.

This is why Christmas markets are so perfect as they are free, and such a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit. If you feel like splurging you can even indulge in a mulled wine or a classic hot chocolate and just have a stroll around and take in the beautiful lights.

4. Gingerbread House Making

Food is always a safe bet when thinking of date ideas, so what better than to play with your food and decorate some gingerbread houses with your date.

You may think this is an activity for kids, but believe me it is not, as just last week me and my friends got together to decorate some gingerbread houses which were then devoured alongside a hot cup of chai tea, and it was amazing.

If you are wondering where you can get your hands on some gingerbread houses, head to Tiger and they will have an abundance.

But once again this is a cost effective date which you can do with friends or a partner and really have a good laugh over it. As you can make it a competition or work together, but whatever you choose just make sure you are having fun.

5. Christmas Tree Farm

So this one can be an acquired taste as many people these days opt for a fake tree as opposed to a real one, so heading to a Christmas tree farm like the Orpington Christmas Tree Farm may not be up your street.

However you don't necessarily have to go to purchase a tree, instead you can just have a look around and get some Christmas magic in your system.

This would be a unique day out as it's not everyday you can go and pick up a Christmas tree.

With this being said, if you did decide to purchase a tree, you could then extend your date by heading home and decorating the tree together, which is very cutesy and very demure.

6. Baking

If you are looking for a more intimate, hands on date then baking is where it's at. This is because this is your chance to show off your skills and show your date what you are working with in the kitchen.

This date is perfect for all four seasons as it allows for you to be in the comfort of your own home and just have fun.

From cookies to christmas cake you name it and you can bake it.

I think the more ambitious and daring that you are with your baking ideas, the more fun you will have, as who knows what the final result will look like.

7. The Christmas Orchestra

The final winter date idea may be my favourite, as it has been flooding my instagram ever since the clocks moved forwards or back, who even knows at this point. However if you haven't come across the christmas orchestra which plays over christmas films then you must be living under a rock.

Even though this may be the priciest date out of the 7 I think it would really encompass the Christmas spirit and just transform you and your date into a whole new world.

The most popular one I have seen thus far would be Home Alone, however if I am correct there are a few different films to choose from.

Therefore if you are thinking of earning some extra brownie points and knocking your dates socks off then you should head on down to the Christmas orchestra.

Credits:

Winter Wonderland ice skating: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/ice-skating/
Battersea Power Station Ice Skating: https://glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/
Blanc Street: Mels Maple Matcha: https://www.blankstreet.com/en-US/shop/products/mmmdi-x-blank-street-cup
Melissa's Wardrobe: https://www.instagram.com/melissaswardrobe/
Orpington Christmas Tree Farm: https://www.google.com/search?q=christmas+treee+farm&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB923GB923&oq=christmas+treee+farm&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDQ0NThqMGo0qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&lqi=ChNjaHJpc3RtYXMgdHJlZSBmYXJtSLmlhfPlgICACFohEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhNjaHJpc3RtYXMgdHJlZSBmYXJtkgETY2hyaXN0bWFzX3RyZWVfZmFybZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VOU2IyOVBTM2hSUlJBQqoBaAoIL20vMDI1bmQKCC9tLzA3ajdyEAEqFyITY2hyaXN0bWFzIHRyZWUgZmFybSgAMh4QASIaOU9bNA-7qPhIsxxY85HMDVBJ5vD4KpmjC8kyFxACIhNjaHJpc3RtYXMgdHJlZSBmYXJt-gEECEQQQA#rlimm=5449445583678288415

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland: How London’s #1 Winter Dating Hotspot Has Reshaped Cuffing Season

info@evntfuldating.com (Tegan B) — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:31:49 GMT

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
By Sanchia Saunders

If you know anything about London then you will k now that when winter hits everyone and everything is very much inside.

This means if you want to go for drinks after work they're gonna be inside, if you want to go for food it's definitely going to be inside, and last but not least if you want to go on a date it's inside.

This is because London weather is very unpredictable, with summer lasting all about five minutes and then it being cold and rainy for the remainder of the year.

However this does not mean that romance is dead for singles, and that everything is doom and gloom. As despite the sun going for a vacay when winter hits, surprisingly this is prime time for Brits to find someone to cosy on down with all winter long.

Statistics have found that , 49% of Brits have said that they are more likely to couple up for the winter, with a quarter of singletons (26%) saying they feel lonely during the dark and cold nights, reinstating the need for connection and intimacy during these cold and lonely months.

Meaning it is time for one thing and one thing only.

Enter Cuffing season!!!

What is Cuffing Season?

With it being that time of year again for singles to select their top situationship from their roster which they have been growing all summer long, what does it truly mean to immerse yourself in the cuffing season culture ?

So the term cuffing season refers to the phenomenon of suddenly wanting to just stay inside with exclusively one person, getting to know each other and maybe each other's body parts on a deeper level.

This can be done through Netflix and chill, ordering takeaway from your favourite Deliveroo spots , games nights and even just laying in bed and ordering some UberEats.

You may be wondering how this differs from a situationship or a casual fling, but believe me when I say they are not the same.

Reason being as cuffing season can almost come as a relief to singles who according to GQ , can pump the brakes on the relentlessness of dating and one-time hook-ups, and just do that with one person for an allotted amount of time, especially when it’s freezing outside and you have no money because you spent it all on Christmas tatt and your tax bill. Cuffing season allows singles to “pump the brakes” on the chaos of modern dating, focusing instead on one connection—at least until spring (aka ghosting season).

Meaning that you're almost playing house and manifesting for when the time comes for you to actually be in a serious relationship.

Why this London hotspot is interrupting cuffing season and causing singles to head outside for a date.

So if you have read the first half of this article then you may be able to relate to the idea that when winter comes it is like hide and seek and everyone runs inside.

However maybe I wasn't telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth, as if I mention the two magical words of Winter Wonderland , you will understand why the concept of staying in this winter may be out the window.

As yes singles are still looking for love during the winter months, however it is not just done online and in the house. Instead thanks to this christmassy magical dreamland, singles have now opted for offline dating and instead getting themselves geared up ready to hit the road and head to Hyde Park to experience the infamous Winter Wonderland .

What Makes Winter Wonderland London’s #1 Winter Date Spot and why do singles love it so much ?

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ll know that when November hits, it’s time to book your tickets and head to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland . Forget the drizzle—this is the ultimate London winter date idea.

This may sound ludicrous to you as it's cold outside and who's going to the park in these conditions, believe me you're right I agree wholeheartedly.

Here’s why singles can’t get enough of it:

Romantic Atmosphere : Think fairy lights, festive music, and a winter wonderland vibe so magical, it might just convince you love exists.
Variety of Activities : Whether it’s sipping mulled wine, ice skating like you’re in a rom-com, or browsing Christmas markets, there’s something for everyone.
Perfect First Date Spot : the park receives over 2.5 million visitors each year , it’s lively enough to keep any awkward silences at bay.

Plus, if the date’s not going well, you can always lose them in the maze of food stalls (kidding… sort of).

However there is something so magical about winter wonderland that you are ready to stand in the cold, with an overpriced hot chocolate in your hand, and just enjoy the vibes.

This is why it is so perfect for singles as your date is bound to enjoy at least one of these activities, at a pretty penny may I add.

Winter Wonderlands Success Story:

Y ou may still not be convinced and think that Winter Wonderland is equivalent to a trip to Thorpe Park but you are wrong; as Winter Wonderland has many success stories, one of which is with IT couple Tennessee Thresher and Danny Aaron.

As on one of the episodes featured on I'm a celebrity, Jungle favourite GK Barrys podcast, ‘ Saving Grace ’ Tennessee goes on to share her dating experience with Danny and where their first date was; and yes you guessed it, it was at Winter Wonderland.

Since then they have gone on to move into together and are even expecting a new bundle of joy. So you tell me is Winter Wonderland where meaningful connection is found and relationships are formed, or can you do that from the comfort of your sofa?

2024 Dating Wrapped: Is Winter Wonderland the Ultimate London Winter Date?

So, with Winter Wonderland surely on your winter dating list, what are your thoughts on other London winter date ideas? Is there a better spot that combines fun, romance, and safety in one magical evening?

Do you think Winter Wonderland can be topped or is it the ultimate winter dating experience, where you can have fun and date safely all at the same time.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Head to our Instagram to share your favourite winter date spots, or check out more tips on our Evntful Podcast for the ultimate dating inspiration.

Credits:

Cosmopolitan : https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a29713078/cuffing-season/#r3z-addoor
GQ: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/cuffing-season
Winter Wonderland: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/
Offline Dating: https://www.evntfuldating.com/offline-dating
PMY: https://www.pmygroup.com/case-studies/winterwonderland#:~:text=Winter%20Wonderland%20is%20the%20UK's,of%20about%202.5%20million%20visitors .
Saving Grace: https://www.youtube.com/@savinggracepod
How to date safely in London: https://www.evntfuldating.com/how-to-date-safely-in-london

Advice for male dating :The top 3 female dating coaches in 2024: And how their opinions can reshape the future of dating for men

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:33:46 GMT

Advice for male dating

By Sanchia Saunders

In recent years dating has become an unpopular concept, both here in London and on a global scale, due to singles growing tired of wading through all the remaining fish in the sea, in hopes of finding their perfect match.

Statistics have accentuated how unattractive dating has become with 50 percent of single people now not being interested in a committed romantic relationship, or even being interested in a date.

Reinstating how the dating pool has continued to decline due to singles choosing themselves instead of settling for mediocre relationships which closely resemble oil and water, as opposed to cinnamon and sugar.

How the dating scene in Hollywood is also collapsing.

This is not just proving difficult with normal working class citizens like you and me, but also amongst the glitz and glam within the ‘high life’ of the celebrity world.

As if you look at a recent interview between Drew Barrymore and Leslie Jones, they discuss the struggles of finding love in 2024, with Leslie going as far as saying, “They need to put all the [dating] apps on one app and call it what’s left” , which I’m pretty sure resonates very deeply with UK singles, who are very much slowly but surely giving up on the idea of finding their soulmate or twin flame in these very cold London streets; and instead opting for a pet goldfish to keep them company instead.

However, what do the experts think ?

With the dating scene seemingly being like an episode from survival of the fittest with all the red flags you need to avoid and icks you need to overcome, it is no surprise that dating experts have a lot to say when it comes to the current dating pool.

As singles are beginning to fall out of love with romantic relationships, men in particular as according to The Guardian 63% of men under 30 describe themselves as single, compared to 34% of women in the same age bracket”.

So what can be done to help men when it comes to dating, as with over half of them describing themselves as single, how can they up their game when it comes to successfully pulling on a date.

However, what do our 5 Female dating coaches have to say about this ?

Blaine Anderson

Blaine Anderson is a dating coach who has dedicated her instagram page to providing coaching advice for men in particular and also for her 718k instagram followers.

Within one of her most recent posts Anderson highlights the difficulties of making friends as an adult, but at the same time accentuates the importance of doing so, especially whilst dating.

Within the short video clip Anderson states that,

If you're single and dating and don't have many or any friends ‘stop focusing on women and dating’ and start focusing 100% of your energy on making friends.

This may seem like a strange piece of advice however the points she backs it up with may suggest that she actually knows what she is talking about.

As she goes on to state, having friends and ideally a good group of guy friends is essential for so many reasons.

The best way to meet women is through friends.
It's 10X easier to meet women when you go out if you are not alone.
You'll feel less lonely and needy
Quality women will think it's weird if you don't have friends.

So what do you think, does having a good friendship group boost your chances of finding a lasting relationship?

Minnie Lane

Minnie Lane is also a dating coach with over 17 years worth of experience within the field, and as a result has opted to take a slightly different approach when it comes to helping men find love.

According to her page, she helps her clients understand the dynamics of positive, connection-building communication and guides them through self-development necessary to form healthy, intimate relationships with others .

So with Anderson encouraging her followers to look at their environment and inner circle when it comes to dating, it is interesting to see how Lane suggests for singles to look inwards within themselves instead.

Suggesting that in order to form a healthy intimate relationship with others you need to work on your own self development first, before seeking love outwardly.

This can often prove difficult for singles, which is why more and more people opt to have casual relationships with no strings attached.

However Maybe Lanes is on to something when it comes to actually finding meaningful connection and long lasting love.

Jamie Date

Jamie Date uses her TikTok to dish out dating advice for men, and some wise words she shared on her page were, “ Stop telling her she’s beautiful ” .

This may seem like an odd piece of advice as often when dating a guy they will shower you in compliments or even love bomb you to the point that things may move faster than you may have initially planned.

Resulting in a short term fling or a one night stand.

So you may be wondering what else you should say to your date ?

Well according to Jamie she states that, “something niches comes first [and] physical appearance comes later” , highlighting the importance of thinking outside of the box and actually learning about the person and their interests before a date.

As that way it shows that the person is serious and not just after a quick lay.

So what does the future of dating in 2025 look like ?

If you look at the advice given from these 3 female dating experts they suggest that:

Men should look at their environment first and their inner circle to help boost successful dating
Self development is the key in finding long lasting meaningful connection
Thinking outside of the box and taking the time to learn about your date can go a long way

So with these being some of the key pieces of advice that the experts have provided when helping men when it comes to finding the person of their dreams; will they actually take it on board?

As chivalry isn't dead and making effort can go a long way.

This is why I believe that if men and women are actively working on themselves they will be able to attract a partner with similar interests and values whether that is through offline dating or online dating.

Credits:

Physiology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/living-single/202008/half-of-all-single-people-just-dont-want-a-relationship?amp
Drew Barrymore and Leslie jones: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedrewbarrymoreshow/video/7423131269921262891
Ick: https://www.evntfuldating.com/the-ick
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/feb/25/young-men-relationships-study-week-in-patriarchy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingbyblaine/
Minnie Lane: https://www.minnie-lane.com/
Jamie Date: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiedate/video/7251379838479568171?lang=en
Offline Dating: https://www.evntfuldating.com/offline-dating

Dating in London: How Dating Trends Have Changed Over Time

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:30:00 GMT

Dating in London

By Sanchia Saunders

Once upon a time, serenading was one of the most popular forms of displaying affection. You could often hear Nat King Cole floating from a radio, perched on someone’s perfectly laid dining room table, and into the ears of young love birds, who would be serenading each other with words that went a little bit like this; ‘L is for the way you look at me, O is for the only one I see, V is very very extra ordinary and E is even more than anyone that you adore…..

Fast forward to the present day, and the dating scene in London has changed tremendously. No longer do lovers stroll hand in hand sharing wired headphones; instead, almost everything has switched to online. People’s heads are glued to their phones, plugged in with wireless headphones, and clutching their devices tightly.

As if you live in London currently, then you should know all about the need of holding your phone with a vice-like grip, due to mobile phones being stolen every 6 minutes .

So does this mean that love is dead?

My answer is no. You still hear love songs blasting from tinted car windows, with popular tracks among Gen Z like Ed Sheeran ‘Shape of you’ or a little bit of Cardi B and Meghan Thee Stallion Wap just to name a few ‘love songs’ that are popular amongst Gen Z these days.

However, it could be argued that traditional methods have taken a backseat, giving online dating room to grow into the multi-million-pound industry it is today. Statistics show that over one in ten UK adults use online dating services, with 61% of women seeking a meaningful connection versus 39% of men.

Why the Switch to Online Dating?

Online dating has become a popular method for different demographics, particularly Gen Z, to curate meaningful relationships on a larger scale. Leading apps like Tinder and Bumble illustrate how UK singles are turning to the internet in hopes of finding their match. Tinder topped the list among adults under 30, with 46% of online dating users, followed by Match at 31% and Bumble at 28%. Highlighting how drastically singles have switched from offline to online dating.

This could be for a number of reasons, example being that online dating allows access to more people, a sense of control and safety, and friendship . Users have the power to decide when they swipe and who they swipe for.

Dating Issues

Despite the convenience, online dating isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Many singles feel like they’re swimming around aimlessly in search of companionship.

While some issues may seem trivial, like food choices leading to miscommunication, more serious concerns about safety exist. Between 2017 and 2021, more than 6,000 people have reported offenses linked to dating apps between 2017 and 2021. One in five were sexual offenses, highlighting why it is so important for dating apps to prioritize safety.

The Rise of New Dating Apps and Features

Even though dating can often appear daunting at times for some singles, it is not all doom and gloom, as there is a new online dating app on the rise to hopefully eliminate your dating fears and nightmares.

Although dating can feel daunting, there is a new app on the rise aiming to alleviate fears. Evntful , with the mission to "Swipe right on traditional dating," is set to change the game. With a strong emphasis on safety, Evntful combines the best of both worlds by merging traditional and online dating.

With dating safety at the forefront of their agenda, this online platform should hopefully become a place where traditional dating meets online dating to birth the beautiful dating app baby called Evntful .

Users can book dates in-app and share their location with emergency contacts if needed. The app prompts check-ins during dates, and if users feel unsafe, they can tap "I need help" to notify contacts and Evntful's team.

The Future of Dating

While dating apps are here to stay, let’s make dating more fun and enjoyable, allowing us to embrace being single. Although many feel that traditional dating apps aren't meeting their needs, there’s been a significant rise in interest for activity-based hobbies and dating events.

Burnout and Frustration: 70% of Bumble female users feel burnt out from the pressure of messaging first. Additionally, 90% of Gen Z report feeling frustrated with dating apps.

Mismatch of Expectations: Users often find that profiles don’t accurately represent individuals, leading to disappointment on dates.

Overwhelming Choices: With so many options, decision fatigue can set in, making it difficult to commit to anyone.

For instance, Roseli Ilano, Eventbrite’s Head of Community, highlights that there were 2 million searches for dating and singles events last year alone, showcasing the demand for genuine face-to-face interactions.

People are eager to meet others who share their interests, with a notable shift towards social clubs and hobby-based events. This change, intensified by the need for authentic connections during and after the pandemic, reveals that younger generations are gravitating towards experiences that foster meaningful relationships.

As we move forward, incorporating fun date options can lead to deeper connections and a more enriching dating experience. What are your thoughts on the future of dating?

Credits:

Nat King Cole: https://youtu.be/f_HmF84G7ZY?si=jwrFpWXEld0zgN92
BBC Phone theft: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-66442069
Shape of you: https://youtu.be/JGwWNGJdvx8?si=8GC5BkFSMQAI7CPm
Wap: https://youtu.be/hsm4poTWjMs?si=44C4FmsPmCeJiJoa
OFCOM: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/media-use-and-attitudes/online-habits/swipe-right-this-valentines-day-top-10-online-dating-services-revealed/#:~:text=Ofcom's%202023%20Online%20Nation%20report,39%25 ).
Pewresearch: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/02/key-findings-about-online-dating-in-the-u-s/#:~:text=Tinder%20tops%20the%20list%20of,%25 )%20or%20Bumble%20(28%25).
The 2024 dating diary this far: https://www.evntfuldating.com/2024-dating-diaries-update
Extension USU: https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/research/pros-and-cons-of-online-dating-in-later-life#:~:text=Online%20dating%20allows%20access%20to,experiences%20or%20not%20finding%20someone .
Evntful: https://www.evntfuldating.com/
BBC Safety: https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/proginfo/2022/08/datings-dangerous-secrets#:~:text=More%20than%206%2C000%20people%20have,latest%20statistics%20from%20March%202021 .
Offline dating: https://www.evntfuldating.com/offline-dating
Gen Zs frustrated by apps : More statistics on millennial and Gen Z dating
Gen Zs frustrated by apps: How To Approach Women Confidently In Any Setting - Blaine Anderson
Traditional dating apps: Targeted dating apps make match with mainstream rivals left on shelf
Evntful: The 2024 Dating Diaries Thus Far
Evntful: Evntful
The Future of Dating: After School by Casey Lewis Podcast
Article: Dating apps. Dating in London.
Gen Zs frustrated by apps: https://unherd.com/newsroom/gen-z-has-fallen-out-of-love-with-dating-apps

Feeling Frosty? Spice Up Your Winter with These Hot London Date Ideas!

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 14:15:00 GMT

Hot London Date Ideas

By Sanchia Saunders

With ‘ Brat Summer ’ well and truly over, it means that the cutesy picnics and the very demure golfing dates that were once flooding our Instagram timelines, will now have to be put on pause.

As with the sun very much going through its annual break up with the residents of London, it means that winter is approaching and singles are going to have to get creative when it comes to entering into their winter dating era.

In recent years getting into the zone of winter dating has meant finding a viable dating partner through online dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, and then spending the next six months locked inside.

Ultimately participating in the infamous Netflix and chill culture, which has taken the UK by storm.

Netflix And Chill:

This new dating norm that has become popular amongst single millennials, is arguably the answer to dating in London when it’s cold outside; as you can escape the terrible weather and enjoy a date or a hook up from the comfort of your own home.

This method of dating has also proven popular with people in relationships too; as according to statistics 72% of people in relationships have said that staying in and watching Netflix is one of their favourite ways to spend a casual date night.

With a further 58% of couples saying that they actually bond with their significant other over Netflix.

Suggesting that heading inside and dating over shared interests through series like ‘ The Bear ’ and ‘ Emily in Paris ’ could actually be the perfect date idea this winter.

However, what if there were more dating possibilities for singles in London apart from leaving a permanent indent on your mum's sofa ?

London dating ideas:

Despite Netflix and chill being the more viable and affordable dating option here in London, as we see the days grow agonizingly longer and the nights excruciatingly colder, surely there are more exciting dating ideas yet to be discovered.

As even though parks may be a no go, there are still a bunch of date night plans waiting to be made, which can both keep you warm and guarantee a good time. Example being:

Drinks:

Heading out for drinks with a match that you’ve made online is an oldie but a goodie when it comes to dating in London. As you are able to meet your date, potentially for the first time, in a public setting which can help singles feel more comfortable and safe whilst meeting new people.

Reason being as if you look at statistics it unfortunately shows that dating isn’t always as safe as we would like, as statistics have shown that 33 percent of dating app users have experienced either harassment or abuse by someone they met via a dating app , which isn’t the most positive statistic.

However if you head on over to one of our previous articles about ‘How to date safely in London’ , it highlights how concepts like ‘Ask Angela’ are in place to protect people if they are feeling unsafe, all through using the code word, ‘Ask Angela’ to seek help from trained employees if needed.

Museum:

Another dating idea in London which will keep your pockets full and your mind engaged would be a trip to your local museum. This is because museums are full of hidden gems, they often have interesting exhibitions going on, and most of the time they are free.

Examples of some free museums right here in London would be the V&A museum or the National Gallery just to name a few.

So if you’re looking to tap into your artistic side and get you and your dates' minds going then head on over to a museum.

Indoor Activity:

I would say one of my most favourite types of dates, when someone finally decides to date me again, would be an activity. Whether that’s an indoor arcade like gravity, bowling, or even tapping into your big kid era with a night at baller ballerson.

I believe an activity would be the perfect way to get to know your date a bit better, as it takes the pressure away from a traditional dinner date, and you are able to let loose and have fun, in an organic way.

So with this article very much proving that it is possible for singles to transfer their dating life from online to offline , hopefully this will give you the push you need to get back out there.

However if you are still feeling hesitant in how to even go about suggesting and planning such a date, luckily for you this is where Evntful comes in.

Evntful:

Evntful which is an upcoming dating brand has come to fruition with a new concept to spice up the dating scene as we once knew it, and put a fresh spin on guiding singles to love.

The main way they are able to do this is through matching like minded singles and getting them out there on some amazing dates, through some of the companies and institutions they have partnered with.

Examples being Laki Kane , Barge East and Alcotraz just to name a few.

With these partnerships it allows for singles to head out to a venue which is linked to Evntful, in which they are then able to safely have fun and create meaningful connections, which will hopefully then lead to long lasting love.

What makes Evntful so unique is that they put their users' safety at the forefront of their app, as some of the features on the app allow for their users to include emergency contacts which can be alerted at any time during a date.

Also the app will provide prompts to check on the date and see how it’s going.

So If for any reason it is not going well or you feel unsafe, you are able to select the ‘I need help’ feature, which will alert your emergency contacts, which will revolutionise the dating scene.

This is why you need to head out there and take a swipe on love, as if you’re worried about planning a date or thinking of something out of the box to wow your date with, here at Evntful we can help you eliminate your dating horrors and make your dating dreams come true.

Credits:

Brat Summer: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/brat-summer-charli-xcx
Teen Vogue: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/netflix-and-chill-study
Evntful: How to date safely in London: https://www.evntfuldating.com/how-to-date-safely-in-london
BBC: https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/proginfo/2022/08/datings-dangerous-secrets#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20new%20survey,met%20via%20a%20dating%20app .

The ick: What is it and why do singles get the stick about having the ick ?

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:30:00 GMT

The ick.

By Sanchia Saunders

What is it and why do singles get the stick about having the ick?

Social media has arguably revolutionised the world that we live in today, as it has altered the way that we as people consume content and then slowly filter it into our daily lives, through our language, interaction, and even the people that we date.

Single Gen Z’s are some of, if not the largest group who have been influenced by social media platforms like Instagram, X and TikTok when it comes to online/ offline dating, due to the heavy online presence that this demographic has on the internet.

With over 41% of Gen Z having signed up to a dating site to find love, it is no surprise that Gen Zers are heading to social media to learn about sex, consent, dating, and self pleasure.

This could arguably be doing more good than harm, as the internet has become an informative fun playground for singles to discover what their type on paper may be, who Taylor Swift's latest pick of the week is, and more importantly finding out which latest turn offs and icks are currently trending and circulating the net.

Why do Gen Z turn to the internet to find love ?

You may wonder why singles turn to the online world for dating advice and to ultimately meet their match.

However, can you blame them when there is such an over saturation of eye candy thanks to the latest launch of Love Island UK, and relationship gurus like Oloni right at your fingertips.

If you delve into the online world now and what’s trending, Love island has just started here in the UK, and Instagram has been in a frenzy eyeing up the new contenders.

This has been causing quite the discussion online when it comes to what the contenders look like and if they are anyone’s type on paper not.

As when it comes to dating it comes with many different categories and subcategories of whether dates are looking for the bad boy, the guy with the tats, the shy boy, the corporate girl you name it, social media has a category for everything, and also an opinion on everything.

With further inspection if any of you tuned into the first episode on Monday night, which would be a shock if you didn’t, as over 2.2 million people tuned into ITV and ITVX in for its launch, you would’ve seen that one of the first questions that the islanders asked when they entered the villa is what is everyone’s icks ?

Suggesting that the ick is an important element when it comes to dating.

What is the ick ?

When the waiter ignores him when he’s trying to get the bill, ick. When he vapes, ick. When no cars are letting him in when he is trying to merge lanes, ick.

Reading these statements outloud do sound very comical and arguably outrageous, however these are just some of many icks that can turn your date off before you even have the chance to order drinks.

The ick which surprisingly is a term that was coined by 90’s TV series, ‘Ally McBeal’, and then was more recently popularised by social media, is a term used to describe how certain actions or behaviours when dating can instantly cringe you out.

Leaving you questioning whether you even want to continue pursuing the romantic connection with your date or not.

Despite this seeming fairly shallow and superficial the ick is a phenomenon which has taken over the dating scene, and has left many men and women who would have once been deemed the full package, now aimlessly swiping through dating apps looking for love.

Despite my mum not being very familiar with the phrase or its meaning, getting the ick is more common than one would think, as surveys have found that one in four UK adults have experienced ‘the ick’, and this isn't even just during the dating stage.

As recent reports have found, 43% of people in relationships say that even their partner can give them the 'ick'.

How social media is fuelling the 2024 ick epidemic.

So now that we have discovered that near enough anything can give someone the ick, what is fuelling this ick culture ?

As if you look back to 50 years ago, you would not be hearing people talking about icks, instead you would be hearing about marriage and proposals and children with a sprinkle of money trouble.

However if you have guessed correctly, yes, social media is at the forefront when it comes to the ick. This is because there has been a list circulating with some crazy icks noted down.

One video in particular which was posted to TikTok account wyszkay, which has amassed over 300 thousand likes, shows a lady complaining about men drinking Starbucks. She goes on to say that: ‘There is nothing more icky than watching a guy walk out of Starbucks with a Frappuccino in his hand’.

This is then added to the trending list at number 584, just below ‘don't jump on a trampoline’

Despite this list being funny and quite informative for singles to see what things could give their date the ick, it could actually be more damaging than we think.

With every little thing that people do being under scrutiny it could result in people being fearful of dating or developing a complex on self image, and how they may be perceived by others. This is why it is important for daters not to get caught up by the ick.

As if singles limit themselves when it comes to dating due to someone blinking a certain way or even breathing a certain way, what will that mean for the dating world ?

Head over to our Instagram to share your thoughts about what gives you the ick.

How to date safely in London

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:30:00 GMT

How to date safely in London

By Sanchia Saunders

Online has revolutionised the dating scene, and the way in which singles find love on a global scale.

As finding your future partner is just merely a swipe away, whether you’re looking for love here in the UK or on the other side of the world in Australia, the impossible has been made possible thanks to online dating apps such as: Tinder , Bumble , Raya and Grindr just to name a few.

However if you look a bit closer to home, example being right here in London where 44.1% of London’s adult populationclassify themselves as single , it highlights how oversaturated the dating scene has become, and how easily it has filtered its way into society’s everyday habits.

If you look at Bumble for example, it is a clear depiction of how many people are currently online swiping for love.

As statistics have found, Bumble has over 12.3 million daily users , which are generating over 80 million daily swipes, clearly reflecting the platform's high user engagement.

Therefore with so much online traffic when it comes to online dating, what safety measures are in place to keep singles safe.

The Wave Programme

So you may be wondering what is the wave programme and why is it important when it comes to dating safety ?

Well this programme which has been put together by the Safe Business Network, sees this institution collaborate with the Police Services, Councils, Mayors, and businesses nationally to help people who may be vulnerable.

Ultimately meaning that those working in customer facing positions/roles are getting the relevant training needed to protect vulnerable people.

Whether they have a disability or find themselves in a vulnerable situation, these staff members will have the necessary training to deal with these situations accordingly.

Ask Angela

Ask Angela is the second campaign which has been implemented by the Safe Business Network.

It is a consumer facing campaign which allows people who feel like they are in an unsafe situation to ask for help using the “Angela” code word, informing a staff member of their need, and allowing them to access discreet help.

I believe this is a very effective method, as it allows for singles in vulnerable situations to easily slip this phrase into a sentence and receive the help that they need.

How does this lend itself to dating ?

Both of these programmes lend themselves nicely to singles dating in London, as the scheme is educating people in how to notice vulnerable people and protect them.

This is very important especially within the dating scene here in London as 33 percent of dating app users have experienced either harassment or abuse by someone they met via a dating app.

Illustrating how important it is to keep singles safe whilst dating.

Why dating apps need to do better

Despite there being schemes in place like ‘ The Wave Programme ’ and ‘ Ask Angela ’ to help drive dating safety, more steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of dating both online and in person.

Yes, even though when you search online you are able to come across articles and blogs advising daters on the do’s and don'ts when going out on the town, as if you look at a post from Northamptonshire police, they have a whole campaign on their page dedicated to ‘ online dating safety advice ’ where they suggest when meeting up daters should:

Meet somewhere neutral and public.
Let a family member or friend know when and where you’re going, when you expect to be back, and who you’re meeting up with.
Never leave your drink unattended, and if it doesn't taste right don't finish it.
Read more about spiked drinks and date-rape drugs .
Don’t be afraid to leave early if the date isn’t going well or you feel uncomfortable.
If you need help on a night out, the Safer Nights Out (SNO) van, a customised minibus staffed by vetted volunteers, is in the centre of Northampton between 10pm and 5am every Friday and Saturday.

More needs to be done and newer features need to be implemented online to tackle this.

As with statistics stating that more than 55% of people that date online have experienced some form of threat or problem, it shows more measures need to be taken to bring these numbers down. Non profit organisations like Chayn , help with online abuse, which you may encounter on dating apps. They provide resources and support for survivors of technology-facilitated abuse, which includes various forms of online harassment and abuse.

The app that could change it all

This is why upcoming dating app Evntful may be the thing daters have been missing when trying to search for love safely online.

As this dating app is designed to make dating Evntful again, in a safe and fun way.

The app collaborates with popular bars, restaurants, and experiences to encourage daters to meet in real-world settings. These venues align with Evntful’s commitment to safety, with many participating in initiatives like Ask for Angela or being attentive to Evntful dates.

By booking through the app, users can share their location with emergency contacts, informing them of their whereabouts and company, enhancing their sense of security.

As Evntful partners with safety organizations, the app will soon introduce features designed to enhance user safety both online and in real life. These forthcoming updates aim to provide a secure dating experience, ensuring that daters can feel protected and confident during their interactions and meetings.

So what do you think, is this what you think the online dating scene has been missing ?

Feel free to leave comments on how you would feel safer meeting someone from a dating app or head to our Instagram to share our thoughts.

Credits:

Standard - https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/dating/these-are-the-areas-with-the-most-singles-in-london-a3800341.html#:~:text=Yet%2C%20according%20to%20recent%20data,with%20the%20most%20single%20people .
Enterprise apps today - https://www.enterpriseappstoday.com/stats/bumble-statistics.html
BBC- https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/proginfo/2022/08/datings-dangerous-secrets
Northamptonshire Police -
https://www.northants.police.uk/police-forces/northamptonshire-police/areas/northamptonshire-force-content/c/campaigns/2023/online-dating-safety-advice/
Ask Angela - https://askforangela.co.uk
Kaspersky - https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/online-dating-report/#:~:text=Overall%2C%2055%25%20of%20people%20that,at%20risk%20more%20than%20women .

Is there a right way to get over your ex?

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:30:00 GMT

Is there a right way to get over your ex?

By Sanchia Saunders

Breaking Up in London: Navigating Heartbreak

Many people will experience a breakup in their lifetime, whether that’s due to infidelity, growing apart, boredom, or the unfortunate case of the ‘wandering eye’. However, the way in which people deal with heartbreak varies from person to person, with factors like age, status, and experiences playing a large role.

The Role of Age in Heartbreak

Age, in particular, is one of the biggest factors, as studies suggest. Over 66% of women find dating more difficult with age. In fact, 1 in 10 women call dating impossible, and 1 in 4 have declined social invitations because of their age. This suggests that older women are struggling to get back onto the dating scene and find love after heartbreak, due to letting their age hold them back.

Graphics by: Elli e Hamilton Miller

Learning from Gen Z: Getting Over an Ex

However, maybe getting over an ex could be easier than we make it out to be. A group that seems to be highly skilled in getting over their exes is Gen Z. This could arguably be down to all the girl power anthems released by artists in the past few years, encouraging singles to move on from their ex. Examples include SZA - "Kill Bill," Ariana Grande - "Thank U, Next," Little Mix - "Shout Out to My Ex," GlorRilla - "F.N.F," and Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," just to name a few. So, if you’re currently going through a breakup and these songs aren’t on your playlist, get adding them.

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

Methods to Move On

However, music isn’t the only factor that helps singles get over heartbreak. One of the more obvious ways people deal with heartbreak, Gen Z in particular, is by following the famous phrase, ‘To get over someone, you need to get under someone’. Studies have shown that this is one of Gen Z’s preferred methods. According to reports, “Out of 170 undergrads surveyed, 35% had sex with someone other than their ex-partner—that is, engaged in rebound sex within a month of their breakup.” Unfortunately, this is a quick fix and not a long-term one, due to the bond and connection many singles still share knowingly and unknowingly with their exes. As a result, this often means some singles struggle with letting go. Reports state that “53% of us continue to sleep with our ex after a breakup due to sexual compatibility.”

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

Finding Your Own Path to Healing

Despite this, there is no right way to get over someone you once loved or shared an intimate connection with, as everyone is different and processes things in different ways. However, good things to do include taking it easy and listening to your heart. There is no handbook or time frame needed to get over someone, but what is needed is to find the fun in life again and put yourself first. Whether that’s going out on dates, picking up a hobby, or even dating again. Even though the rose-tinted glasses of love may be off, it doesn't mean that once you get back on the dating scene you get the ick with any guy that comes your way, as this will set you up for failure. Instead, keep an open mind and an open heart.

Share Your Experiences

If you do feel like offloading some of your biggest icks, head to our Instagram and share them with us in the comments.

Conclusion

Heartbreak is a personal journey, and while there's no right or wrong way to move on, it's crucial to find what works best for you. Embrace the healing process, surround yourself with positivity, and remember that love and happiness can be found again.

Credits:

Fortune. (2024, April 5). *Aging women decline social invitations*. Retrieved from https://fortune.com/well/2024/04/05/aging-women-decline-social-invitations/
Fortune. (2024, April 5). *Aging women decline social invitations*. Retrieved from https://fortune.com/well/2024/04/05/aging-women-decline-social-invitations/Her Campus. (n.d.). *The truth about rebound sex*. Retrieved from https://www.hercampus.com/wellness/truth-about-rebound-sex/

Dating as an expat in London: Is it possible for ‘expat’ singles to find love abroad ?

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:30:00 GMT

Dating as an expat in London

By Sanchia Saunders

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

Dating in London is like shopping in Selfridges, Harrods or any large multi story department store that you can think of, as there is so much selection, diversity and personality in this small little city, that you are bound to fall in love.

Whether that's with the city itself or the people within it, that is totally up to you. However London, especially London in Summer is the city you need to be in if you are on the hunt for love.

As you just see everything through rose tinted glasses; everyone is happy, people are smiling, Hyde park is packed to the brim, the flowers are blooming, it is almost and yes there is a lot of emphasis on the ‘almost’, perfect.

So much so that it makes me question is London giving Paris a run for its money by being the new city of love ?

Let me know your thoughts.

But all jokes aside, the possibilities of finding love in London during the season of summer is very high, and one of the biggest reasons for this is due to expats living right here in the city.

What is an expat and how are they aiding the London dating scene ?

Unfortunately an expat is not a MI5 agent working in the secret service, as the name is very much giving that.

Instead an expat which according to the BBC, ‘Carries many connotations, preconceptions and assumptions’, in simple terms is a person who resides outside of their home/ birth country. Example being that i was born and raised in London, however if i then packed up my things and moved to Dubai, i would then be considered an expat.

However how does this relate to the London dating scene ?

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

According to statistics, Around 8.8 million people live in London, of which 46% are Black and Minority Ethnic and 41% are not born in the UK, which immediately highlights how nearly half of the UK population are from overseas.

Meaning that singles aren't just exposed to British natives but also singles from around the world, who have come to London for love/work/ find love or even a holiday romance.

With women being more susceptible to finding love abroad, as among women, 14% cite love as the primary motivation for moving, compared to 11% of men, it highlights how normal it has become to move countries for love.

When you look at these statistics in dating terms it also shows that when singles are searching for love they won't just be faced with one race, gender, demographic or ethnicity, but a multitude of them, as London is like a melting pot/ cultural hub of people from different walks of life.

What is it like being an expat in London?

Despite not being an expat myself, I do believe that it would be an experience to remember searching for love in London, the main reason being the culture shock that expats would experience upon arrival.

Examples being:

The London Charm: This charm which more simply is the London accent is number one on the list when it comes to causing expats to fall in love in London. This is due to it being voted one of the most attractive accents worldwide according to the Standard.

The Lingo: The way in which Londoners talk and interact is actually quite different to the rest of the world, as we use our own words and slang, which you can find in the urban dictionary if you wish to explore this further. However this lingo which you see artists like Dave and Central Cee use within their music, is another popular aspect which tugs as the expats' heart strings.

Diversity: With a 2021 consensus finding that London was the most ethnically diverse region in England and Wales, it is no surprise that so many travel to this city. As it is home to minority groups, the LGBTQ+ community and many other demographics, allowing them to express themselves as well as their romantic preferences freely.

The Royals: Last but not least the royal family is a very large focal point for many tourists and expats, especially when the late queen was alive. This is because the accent, the charm and the status is something that is very enticing to expats

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

The surge since covid

As we all know 2020 was the year that the world locked down due to Covid, and during this time many people switched to online to find love. Reason being as people couldn't travel, meet up or even be outside. Meaning that online dating apps like tinder, Grindr and bumble were dominating the dating world.

However since the lift of Covid’s restrictions uk singles have very much been outside, in the hunt for love and meaningful connection.

As well as this we have also seen the return of expats travelling to London in search for love also.

However has it made it easier now, for expats to search for love or is there still a stigma behind being an expat London.

As despite London being a melting point for all the beautiful and wonderful cultures of the world, I still belive that for expats there is still some disconnect and segregatio.

This is because I feel when it comes to dating, singles look for people who come from similar walks of life and have similar interests.

Therefore due to expats coming from a different environment, they may still struggles to connect with London culture and slang and ultimately find love in the UK.

However upcoming dating app Evntful, may be the missing piece in the puzzle to help bridge this gap.

As with people looking for love within people who obtain similar interests in them, some of the features within this app could help narrow this down.

This is because with singles being able to swipe for people who may like the same music or live within the same area, may help expats to finally have the tools to connect with like minded people, or people who are looking for something new.

So this presents the question of, would you take dating offline and date an expat living in London, or are stuck on online dating ?

Credits:

Queer London: How London continues to paint the rainbow of love for our queer friends.

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:14:02 GMT

Queer London

By Sanchia Saunders

London is a very large melting pot consisting of so much culture, diversity, and personality, that it is almost impossible for it not to be on your bucket list.

Whether it's to enjoy the sights, the people, the food, or the culture, London will welcome you with open arms and allow you to be uniquely yourself, without the fear of judgment.

This is very clearly reflected through the individuals that live here, as well as the individuals who continue to visit this beautiful city time and time again.

As whilst walking the sometimes gray and rainy, but also beautiful and wonderful streets of London you are bound to see a multitude of people from different backgrounds and walks of life.

Example being queer individuals, people from the corporate world, ethnic minorities and expats just to name a few.

With a 2021 consensus deeming London the most ethnically diverse region due to 46.2% of residents identifying with Asian, black, mixed or ‘other’ ethnic groups, it is no surprise that London is also the so cial hub and party scene for the queer community.

Even though this has been publicised in more recent years thanks to movements like pride, same sex marriage been accepted in the UK on the 17th of July 2013, and a sprinkle of social media to help broadcast these events, London has been advocating for the LGBTQ+ scene for longer than you may think.

The History Of Soho.

If you look back to London in the 18th century it was h ome to a flourishing gay subculture with Molly Houses at the center of the social scene.

With this development of new sexuality on the rise, society began to see late night venues found in places like Soho and Piccadilly, where people from the LGBTQ+ began to challenge the conventional views of sexuality within society.

This then leads us on to today, where the challenging of these views have enabled for queer p eople not only to be accepted within society, but also to find love, start a family and actually live, without being fearful of the repercussions.

Queer and proud.

With London being home to many queer individuals it is no surprise that they are now utilising this new found freedom across platforms like instagram and TikTok, to show the world what they are working with.

If you look here in London, influencers like Jack Remingoton who is one half of an iconic duo with his bestie Ash Holme, have been bringing the entertainment across all social media platforms, just being himself and making the world smile.

If you haven't seen his iconic Duolingo video, do give it a watch as it will definitely brighten up your day.

[TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jackremmington/video/7239374592416976154?lang=en]

Stemming a little further to our neighbours across the pond to more known personalities like Bretmanrock and Patrick Starrr, who continuously take the beauty world by storm and keep the girlies in a chokehold, it just shows how far the world has come, and how much we are yet to see from this large international community.

Finding love.

Despite London moving with the times and hosting more venues and locations for the LGBTQ+ community, how easy is it for them to truly find love.

As even though popular online dating apps like Tinder now have features to help make dating easier for this community, as according to their page :

“While editing your profile, you have the flexibility to manage the visibility of your gender and sexual orientation. You can choose to display this information just below your name, hide it completely, or only show certain aspects that you're comfortable with. Your gender and sexual orientation preferences will also be suppressed in locations where your identity may be penalised for your safety.”

It doesn't always mean that they feel that they are getting the support or representation that they need.

As if I look into my own circle and the queer friends that I do have, a lot of them feel like Grindr is the only platform that has truly been made for the LGBTQ+ community.

However, what do you think, are there enough features out there to aid this community, or could more be done ?

The importance of Safety when dating.

Safety is always important when it comes to dating, however for the LGBTQ+ community I do think more measures are needed to keep them safe.

As despite London coming a long way when it comes to finally being more accepting of our queer brothers and sisters, more work still needs to be done.

As if you look at the statistics back in 2020 “The rate of violent victimisation of lesbian or gay persons was more than two times the rate for straight persons” , highlighting the increased risk for queer individuals looking for love.

Therefore especially when looking for love whether online or in the real world, more campaigns like ask Angela should be implemented.

Maybe more helplines and awareness around the topic will hopefully encourage people to get back out there and date without being in fear.

Why representation matters.

As someone who falls into the ethnic minority group myself, I believe that representation for all demographics is essential to help people feel comfortable and accepted in the country that they are residing in.

Even though London is very multicultural, unfortunately minorities still experience scrutiny and racism on a daily basis for just being themselves.

Whether that is due to the colour of their skin, or their gender preference or because of the person they fall in love with, sometimes it can feel impossible to live up to outdated societal expectations.

Which is why representation is so important.

As if you look to the future generations to come it would be very unfortunate if they also have to experience such scrutiny for living their truth and being themselves.

This is why it is so special and refreshing to witness events like pride and carnival, both which take place right here in London, as it brings communities together.

It's vibrant, it is beautiful and it makes people feel connected, and I think that's all people long for.

Meaningful connection.

As when connected and accepted, that is when people can truly flourish, both as an individual but also within a relationship.

Credits:

Speed dating surge - why UK Singles are racing for love

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:42:05 GMT

Speed dating in the UK

By Sanchia Saunders

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

The Race for Love in the UK

People are always racing against time, whether that’s to get married, or to have kids, or to even get that promotion they’ve been working towards for the past 10 years. However, one thing in particular that people are racing towards is love, in all of its forms. Whether that’s platonic, romantic, friendship you name it. Just know that love is what the people, especially in the UK, are racing towards these days, and maybe a splash of financial stability, but that’s a story for another day.

The Rise of Speed Dating in the UK

With Glasgow being labeled the UK’s most Tinder-addicted city, followed by Birmingham, Liverpool, London, and Leicester, it is very apparent that the race is on. This is why with all this need for speed when it comes to searching for love, it is not a surprise that #speeddating is on the rise here in the UK. Even though it could be argued that speed dating was once an outdated concept, new reports have found that there has been a dramatic increase and demand for this form of dating in recent years.

Spotlight on London: The Hub of Speed Dating

With events app Shoobs stating, “Expect to meet around 20 people at the most popular speed dating event in London on Friday night”. It highlights how speed dating is making love more accessible for singles here in the UK. The Evening Standard reinforced this newfound appeal that speed dating is having, due to an article they released titled, “The rise of speed dating - and how to do it right”. This is because within this article they mention popular speed dating site, ‘True Dating’, where its founder Lucy states, “When I first started we were getting 30 people if we were lucky. Now we’re having to do two a week because we have so many people interested. We’ve even had a marriage and a baby in the space of just two years!”

Understanding Speed Dating: A Quick Guide

The definition of speed dating is very much all in its name, you’re dating but at a high speed and also with multiple people. It’s dating, but accelerated, allowing you to meet multiple potential partners face-to-face in a short period. This format is gaining preference over online dating in the UK due to its directness and lower risk of deceit.This may appear daunting and arguably unsafe. However, here in the UK, this form of dating is very much preferred, as it is face to face without the element of potentially being catfished. You can suss out all the potential green, red, and beige flags all within the space of 5 minutes, and just have an old school stripped back date with no interference from the digital world.

Why Speed Dating Over Dating Apps?

Speed dating has popularised in recent years as singles are becoming bored of traditional dating methods. According to reports, 28-year-old executive assistant Kelly Carlson downloaded a popular dating app to put herself out there again. However, unfortunately, she found the experience disappointing, as she felt a lack of romance with the app. This could explain why singles are turning to speed dating to find love, as they are looking for that excitement and thrill again when it comes to searching for love. I personally feel like the pandemic has also played a large part in this surge of speed daters as we were locked down, unable to be outside and socialize in person with friends, family, and romantic partners. This is why I feel like singles are grabbing the reins and heading outside when it comes to looking for love.

Combating Loneliness with Speed Dating

However, it looks like there is a new epidemic on the rise, as according to Dr. Jeremy Nobel, “The world is becoming lonelier and there’s some very, very worrisome consequences,” and this is why speed dating is helping to combat loneliness especially among Gen Z and Millennials. As it's an experience which can be carried out alone or with friends and can be made into a fun experience and a way of getting yourself out there with other like-minded people who are in the same boat.

The Future of Dating: Speed Dating vs. Online Apps

With the rise of dating fatigue, is online dating becoming obsolete, or will the trend of swiping continue? Speed dating offers a compelling alternative, merging the thrill of real-life interactions with the efficiency of modern dating practices. Therefore with the rise of dating fatigue, does this mean that online dating is a thing of the past, or will you be sticking to swiping for love?

Credits:

CyberCrew. (n.d.). * Dating statistics UK *.
Evening Standard. (n.d.). * Speed dating in London: Where to go *.
True Dating . (n.d.).
Shoobs. (n.d.). * Friday night speed dating in London ages 30-45 *.
USA Today. (2024, April 3). * Speed dating is making a comeback: Is Gen Z done with dating apps? *.
USA Today . (2023, December 24). *Loneliness epidemic: U.S. Surgeon General’s solution*.

The 2024 dating diaries, thus far...

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 15:24:35 GMT

The 2024 Dating Diaries: Thus far...

By Sanchia Saunders

Introduction: The Dating Puzzle

Dating can often make you feel a little bit like a pet goldfish, swimming around aimlessly each and every day, in hopes of finally finding a companion, or a way out. If you look at things more visually, however, dating could be compared to completing a 1000 piece puzzle and losing the last part. Annoying right? This is because looking for your perfect match can often leave you questioning whether you will ever find the/your missing piece, but I guess the real question is how long will it take you to find it?

The Unpredictable Nature of Dating

So that's how dating can be summed up, and ultimately the end of this week's blog post. Or not, as that would mean you would miss out on the multitude of dating stories that have been kindly shared with us below.

When Food Choices End Relationships

As a date can end or someone could be ghosted simply down to their food or lifestyle choices, as according to an anonymous Instagram-er who shared one of their dating stories, “I once broke up with a woman for eating a tuna sandwich and smoking a cigarette.” So what I’ve taken from this is that if you're planning to pick up a tuna sandwich with your boots meal deal, put it down, as it could cost you finding your perfect match, and the love of your life.

Romance Isn't Dead: The Serenading Success Story

However, don't worry as all is not lost, and romance is definitely not dead. As at the end of someone else's first date, and yes you read that right on the first date, “she whipped out a recorder from her handbag and serenaded me”. This shows that people can find love by indulging in the simpler things in life and not always the finer things, as if singing is your strong point and you believe in your sauce pack that recorder, trumpet or even violin, and serenade until you can't serenade no more.

Miscommunications and Misunderstandings in Dating

Despite this, first dates can be quite confusing, as even if you have put down the tuna sandwich and whipped out your recorder, one person could leave the date feeling hopeful, while the other is eager to get away by any means necessary. Another story which was shared with us highlights how daters could be missing the signals or jumping the gun when it comes to the success of their dates. As according to one of the dating fishes out there swimming around in their bowl looking for love, “A girl and guy had a date and the guy said he had a great time - let's do this again. He then proceeded to run, so the girl ran too assuming they were going to another bar. He hid around the corner, so she hid next to him and asked what they were doing. He then said he was trying to leave the date. So then she realised he was running from her.”

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

Conclusion: Navigating the Complex World of Dating

Side note: She thought the date went well. So the question is what would you do in this situation? As while the poor lady was running after love, her lover was running away. Head to our Instagram to share your dating do’s and don'ts, and any advice you would give in regards to leaving a date, without having to literally run away.

How Modern Lifestyles Impact Relationships: Understanding the Rise of Singledom in the 20s and 30s

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:30:00 GMT

How Modern Lifestyles Impact Relationships: Understanding the Rise of Singledom in the 20s and 30s

By Sanchia Saunders

Introduction: Traditional Paths Redefined by Modern Values

Love, House, Marriage, Babies was once the blueprint that people followed when it came to ‘making it’ and ‘succeeding’ in life. With young people almost being praised and encouraged when they followed these ideals, it found many men and women, in the past, living out the rest of their days conforming to the rigid stereotypes set by society, of being the traditional housewife or working husband.

The Shift in Cultural Norms Influenced by Generational Changes

Despite social media personality Nara Smith clutching onto this blueprint with both hands and a firm grip, these ideals are beginning to diminish. As no more are women singing, ‘yes I do the cooking yes I do the cooking’, or men singing working 9 till 5 what a way to make a living, young people particularly who are in their 20’s and 30’s are now creating their own identities and reshaping the ideals that will make up their future one day.

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

Career vs. Love: A Modern Dilemma

However, by the looks of things, this isn't being done by young people following their hearts or relying on a relationship to carry themselves through life, as reports from Zety state that 75% of people would sacrifice their romantic relationship/marriage for a successful career. This sums up why so many young people are still single, as statistics from The Hill state that nearly half of all young adults are single: 34 percent of women, and a whopping 63 percent of men, which suggests that career progression, stability, and personal progression are what's fuelling young people and their happiness instead of the uncertainties of love.

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

The Evolution of Independence in Dating

Two of the main reasons for this is down to stability and control. This is because if you look back to more traditional traits and values men were once the breadwinners and women stayed at home, however now in many industries this role has now reversed. This highlights the increased singledom between the ages of 20 - 30 as women no longer have to rely on men to provide, as they are now able to do it themselves, therefore having more control on their present and future/ enabling security.

The Rich Aunty Effect: Choosing Independence Over Conformity

With women financially now being in their prime, with some of them having multiple sources of income, they are now focused on their independence as opposed to being tied down. This has meant that instead of seeking love, marriage, and a baby in the carriage they are opting to be the rich aunty instead.

Social Media and the Celebration of Singlehood

The rich aunt, which is a phrase that we have seen blown up on social medias like TikTok where a video by creator adorable_caro titled ‘Me as the single rich aunt’ sums up the life of a rich aunt. This basically consists of independence, wealth, traveling, partying, and choosing you over love. The video which generated over 23k likes gave the poignant message of, ‘Don't get married, f*** till you drop and then just buy a house’, and this is exactly what many women are choosing to do today.

The Darker Side of Love: The Emotional Cost of Independence

Despite more and more young people choosing themselves over love, it has shed light on the darker, more lonely sides of singledom. This is because some singles have been scared from past experiences such as failed relationships, heartbreak, and divorce that it puts people off from looking for love, and giving up altogether. A tweet from Heidi N. Moore, who received a lot of love on X states that, ‘I keep seeing women say they've stopped dating and they're staying single, and it's because they've been traumatised by men in the past and have no desire to face the demoralising trauma of The Apps’.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Single Life in Modern Society

Therefore, with some women being afraid to find love again or be reintroduced to the idea of love, what can be done to help. As nobody deserves to be lonely out of fear, or rejection, or heartbreak. This is because everyone is beautiful and special in their own way. However, what do you think about being single in your 20’s? Head to our Instagram to give your opinion.

Credits:

Zety: Unveiling the Dynamics of A-Players vs. B-Players
The Hill: Insights into the Singlehood: A Gender Perspective
Washington Post: Money Matters in Love: The Role of Finances in Modern Relationships
Glamour: The Rise of Solo Living: Why Women Are Opting Out of the Dating Scene

Offline Dating

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:30:00 GMT

Offline Dating

By Sanchia Saunders

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

Introduction: The Limitations of Online Dating

Online dating is like flicking through the Argos catalog at Christmas, as you are spoiled for choice, like a kid in a candy store. However, that does not and definitely did not always mean that you would get what you want. As with so many options, it was often hard to narrow down your list, as some things you needed, some things you wanted, and some things were just on the list for the fun of it.

The Overwhelm of Choice in Digital Dating

This lends itself nicely to online dating, as even though there is so much choice, which once upon a time would have enticed singles, it may now be having the opposite effect. According to reports, "People say they're deleting their dating apps, citing terrible experiences and 'oversaturation' on platforms like Hinge and Raya," which suggests that singles are becoming overwhelmed by the influx of potential candidates that the online dating world has to offer.

The Appeal of Offline Dating: Back to Basics

This is why instead of wading through candidates online, singles are now changing their ways and beginning to opt for an offline approach when it comes to love. Definitely making Gen Z live up to the famous ‘We outside’ TikTok which has amassed over 200,000 likes; as it is a testament of where singles are heading. Outside. As outside is where it's at when looking for your perfect match.

https://www.tiktok.com/@sidetalknyc/video/6958205513205107973?lang=en

The Growing Disillusionment with Online Platforms

Online dating was once leading the race when it came to helping singles find love, as reports state that back in 2023, ‘1 in 10 adults were using online dating services’. Tinder led the way, as it was the top reaching dating service in the UK with 2.49m adults using it. However, it looks like things may be shifting, as in more recent news it appears that singles, Gen Z in particular, are beginning to get the ick when it comes to online dating.

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

How Singles are Finding New Ways to Connect

This is because they are struggling with dating app fatigue, as reports from Savanta state that 21% of young people who are single and actively looking for a partner, no longer use dating sites they’re registered with. Suggesting the buzz and excitement around finding love online is depleting. Instead, singles are seeking meaningful connections and are ultimately prioritizing real-life interactions to obtain this.

Group Dating and Social Experiences

Group dating is another dating trend we have seen and it is definitely on the rise, as it almost acts like a safety net when finding love outside, as it is a safe, low-pressure, fun alternative to single dating. It provides singles with more confidence when looking for love as well as a strong support system when it comes to tackling the current dating scene.

The Future of Dating: Hybrid Approaches

I’d definitely recommend double dating, especially with one of your friends, as you have a built-in wing woman/man who will have your back and give you the boost to put your best foot forward and go get your lover. Therefore, by ditching the boring first-date dinners and stepping outside, singles are starting to level up and regain the love and adventure of meeting new people and establishing long-lasting relationships.

Conclusion: The Renaissance of Offline Dating

So yes, there is still love in the air, however, this is the air found outside of your house and not inside on your phone. The importance of memorable experiences. With singles now changing up the scenery and heading outside to find love, it reaffirms the importance of compatibility over just physical attraction. As by partaking in activities such as concerts and festivals or tennis and golf it allows for deeper connections to be formed.

Well it looks like dating is going to get a lot more Evntful, as a new, fun, unique dating app is set to launch very soon. So keep your eyes peeled to find out how you can find love online again in a safe environment with people with similar interests who are best suited for you.

Head to our instagram to find out more.

Credits:

The Gen Z Dating Dictionary

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:26:08 GMT

The Gen Z Dating Dictionary

By Sanchia Saunders

The Shift in Romantic Ideals

How Generation-Z has made old school dating become old cool dating. Love is something that presents itself in many forms, and once upon a time, it would have been displayed through the almost nostalgic idea of tying the knot in an elaborate white wedding.

Gen Z's Approach to Traditional Relationships

However, instead of saying ‘I do’, many Gen Z’s are now opting to say ‘I do not’ when it comes to the traditional formalities of love and dating. According to a 2023 blog by Thriving Centre of Psychology, ‘Wedding bells aren’t ringing as much nowadays’. As reports state that a staggering 85% of Gen Z and Millennials do not think marriage is necessary to have a fulfilled and committed relationship.

Rapid Cohabitation Among Young Couples

With a further 60% of people moving in after dating a year or less, which suggests that the younger generation is having a very large revamp when it comes to love, and the way in which people are finding it. This is making headlines and causing quite the stir, as an article by The Atlantic states that a huge ideological rift is opening up between young men and women—if attitudes don’t shift, a political dating mismatch will threaten marriage.

Who is Generation Z?

So who really is Gen Z? And why do they have such an acquired approach when it comes to dating? Generation Z, who the Oxford Dictionary describes as, ‘The group of people who were born in the late 1990s and early 2000s’, are arguably the new kids on the block. And there is no doubt about it when it comes to them leaving their mark on the world, as we once knew it.

Redefining Dating Norms

However, when it comes to love, it looks like Gen Z is taking the reins, and coming in like a wrecking ball, all guns blazing. As the traditional more rigid dating structures which were once in place when it came to: monogamy, race, ethics, and sexual orientation are now all out the window, and instead a more fluid approach has been taken. Allowing this generation's daters to be spoiled for choice, when it comes to finding their match.

The Decline of Digital Dating Among Gen Z

According to an article by Mail Online, Bumble may have to lay off 30% of its workforce after failing to entice Gen Z users - as studies show eight in ten college students NEVER use apps and prefer to meet partners the traditional way. Therefore, with dating apps arguably on the decline amongst this generation however being the leading dating medium going forward, it could mean that Gen Z is having challenges with digital intimacy.

Overcoming the Challenges of Digital Dating

Statistics from Hinge have begun to touch on these challenges as, In Hinge’s 2024 D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) report, many Gen Z daters cite fear of rejection and being cringe amongst their top concerns, when it comes to dating.

The Resurgence of Experience-Based Dating

However, the challenges that are cropping up with digital intimacy may be turning the younger generations' heads. This is why a more traditional approach to dating could be what Gen Z is opting for, as it could finally give them the whole package of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Instead of meaningless hookups, experience and connection could be trumping the old dating traits Gen Z once had, and this could all be down to the pandemic.

The Future of Dating Apps: Adapting to Gen Z's Needs

Fortunately for me, I was able to find love online and this is why I feel dating apps could definitely get behind this and use this shift to their advantage. By adding new features to their apps that allow people to connect on a more in-depth level, could see a rise in Gen Z users in the online dating world.

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

Conclusion: The Next Steps for Dating Apps

However, what do you think, do you think dating apps need to implement new trendy features to keep Gen Z engaged, or can you find your type on paper in the current dating scene? Can dating apps get Gen Z to swipe right once more?

Credits:

The Self Love Era

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 13:00:02 GMT

The Self Love Era

Why singles need to throw themselves out there when it comes to self love.

By Sanchia Saunders

“I am free to do what I want, without having to think about other people's feelings’, are the wise words my 25 year old sister provided me on Tuesday night, when I asked her how she felt about being single.

I won't digress into the profanities that followed, but if you listen to the chorus of Beyonces ‘Cuff it’ I think you may begin to get the jist.

However, could this mean that Gen Z daters are choosing to hold onto their independence over seeking love?

As reports have found that the main reason why 31% of young people date, is to learn more about themselves and what they like in a potential partner, instead of actually seeking a romantic connection. This could mean that the infamous phrase, there's more fish in the sea, may now be dead in the water, as singles are hanging up their rods, as they are tired of fishing for love.

Instead of hitting the clubs and hitting the booze which usually results in the infamous TikTok song ‘Give me one Margarita’ being sung one too many times, singles are striving to overcome loneliness after love by levelling up and seeking love within.

Reports from the Tinder Newsroom have found that ‘1 in 3 millennials associate being single with happiness’, which comes as no surprise, as the #selfloveera has been going heavy on social medias like TikTok and Instagram.

TikTok creator Daniel visuals who uses her account as a visual diary, is a great example of how Gen Z are reinventing themselves online.

As her ‘Self Love’ video which has amassed over 200k likes see’s a compilation of videos featuring her indulging in self care where she lights a candle, makes an iced matcha and puts on a face mask, to show herself love.

Even though this may seem like your usual daily tasks, taking time out for you and spending quality time with yourself, reaffirms the idea that self love is just as, or if not more important than romantic love.

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

The rise of self discovery

After a relationship many singles often suffer an identity crisis, as once the hot girl/boy summer is over and screaming ‘We outside’ with their friends has died down, they have to start over and find out what makes them them again.

This can often be difficult due to people having to enter into unknown territories and Reddit alluded to this in their article as they suggest, ‘Romantic breakups can shake our sense of identity - as after the dissolution of a relationship people can feel as if part of themselves have gone missing’.

This often plants seeds of self doubt and turmoil when trying to navigate life alone, and in the past many would have got under someone to get over someone. However there has been a shift, as singles are now looking inwards for love. This is due to people having more time for themselves where they are able to revisit past passions, whether that's hobbies like starting the gym or taking up a swimming class, which allows for energy to be put into something more positive.

Instagrammer Eleanor Forsure who has started a series named, ‘Heartbroken and running a marathon’ shows how investing in yourself and your passions can turn your life around. As she went from being heartbroken and running a marathon to, ‘No longer heartbroken and still running a marathon’.

Healthy Relationships

Despite self care and hobbies promoting self love, reconnecting with friends is one of the most effective ways to enjoy shared experiences and get yourself back out there. Its ability to enhance the value of companionship and connection, as well as filling the void of loneliness, encourages the rise of event based experiences, and also provides hope that a romantic connection can be fostered once again.

Unsurprisingly a 2020 Oxford study reinforced the power of healthy platonic relationships as it showed that both men and women report higher levels of intimacy with their best friend than with their romantic partner.

Institutions like Bumble have encouraged and aided these forms of relationships by adding features to their app which allows people to connect not just romantically but if they are seeking friendship too, and I believe these are the type of features that the people want.

Instead of swiping aimlessly for the perfect match, apps could incorporate more features that encourage event based dating, which allows for singles to foster more intimate and deep rooted connections.

As the continuous flow of matches and notifications can become overwhelming for singles especially when they don't know what they want.

Therefore creating safe spaces with like minded people in a social setting could help ease and encourage people to date again.

But what do you think, is self love important and the key to finding love again or should people hop back on the horse and get themselves out there.

Credits:

The Ghost of Love

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:37:18 GMT

The Ghost Of Love

How the oversaturated dating app scene has left singles spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic love, but in denial when it comes to self-love

By Sanchia Saunders

Graphics by: Ellie Hamilton Miller

In the world that we live in today, online dating has emerged as the predominant method for dating. Whether that's on apps like Tinder and Bumble, or the alternative method that many people opt for which is sliding into DMs. This is the most popular way that singles find love.

According to an OFCOM report, a staggering 1 in 10 UK adults has ventured into the world of online dating, transforming the dating scene into a revolving door. A whopping 74% of millennials and GenZers are active participants in this modern matchmaking.

If someone doesn't quite tickle your fancy or match your pie, then it is immediately out with old and in with the new, and online dating has definitely made this much easier in recent years.

With the internet serving as a colossal platform for people sharing their lives through pictures and videos, the dating landscape has undergone a radical transformation. But has this digital evolution done more harm than good?

While some internet relationships, like Central Cee and Madeline or the more publicised Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, seem to blossom, not all stories are sunshine and roses. Some relationships haven’t even had the chance to bloom, thanks to the new rise in ghosting.

So what is ghosting?

So, what's this ghosting phenomenon all about? It's the abrupt and often brutal end to a potential or even established relationship without any prior warning. The aftermath? Tears, bruised egos, and some people swearing off dating altogether, bidding farewell with a resounding "boy bye."

This pervasive ghosting trend has left a sour taste in the mouths of many daters, and the statistics speak volumes.

According to a study from the Journal Of Social And Personal Relationships, a quarter of the 1,300 people surveyed had experienced ghosting. Ditch before you hitch seems to be the new mantra, and it's not just unusual; it's starting to take a toll on mental health.

More and more individuals are opting for a disappearing act, like a thief in the night, contributing to a decline in mental health and a diminishing appeal of dating apps for the younger audience. According to MailOnline, '8 in 10 college students never use apps and prefer to meet partners the traditional way,' mainly due to the self-doubt induced by the current outbreak of ghosting.

This is because according to an article by Medical News Today , ‘A person may encounter dating anxiety when they start dating again after a long-term relationship, especially if they have experienced rejection or emotional pain ’. This ripple effect even extends into the bedroom, with statistics from Mashable revealing that "59% of women bailed on sex due to insecurities."

So what can be done to win over GenZ ?

With the current dating apps on a decline with Bumble having to lay off 30% of their work force after failing to entice GenZ users. 90% of GenZ say they are frustrated with dating apps. The most popular reason being ghosting.It looks like the youth no longer want to be singing 2012 banger ‘We found love in a hopeless place’ and instead something more fresh and current like Muni Longs ‘Twin where have you been’.

Ghosting has become an all-too-common experience in the realm of dating apps. The challenging statistics reveal that, on average, a mere 1 in 500 swipes leads to the exchange of phone numbers, and it takes a staggering 56 matches to orchestrate a meet-up with just one person. With endless stagnant chats. It's no surprise that Generation Z finds dating apps frustrating, as they seem to fall short of fulfilling their intended purpose.

Addressing the rising concerns of mental health

In addressing the rising concerns of mental health associated with dating apps, it's crucial to explore proactive measures that platforms can adopt. The prevalent issues like ghosting and the superficial nature of swipe-based interactions contribute to heightened anxiety and depression. Here are ways dating apps can evolve to foster a more positive and supportive environment.

Examples being:

Rematching
Matching on similar interests
Prompts/ Decision Making
Security/ Verification

Ensuring users' success in their endeavors and minimising time wastage by transparently communicating the removal of chat functionality can improve users' experience with these platforms.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of online dating, the future remains uncertain. The current frustrations with ghosting, catfishing, and oversaturation call for innovative measures. Matching on shared interests, decision-making prompts, enhanced security, and reward systems are potential avenues for improvement. Safety measures, verification enhancements, and support functions during dates can address risks, especially concerning sexual assault, which affects 33% of women who report meeting someone on a dating app.

The future of dating is up for debate. Head to our Instagram to voice your opinion in our poll of the week. What changes would you like to see in the dating landscape? Let your voice be heard!

Credits:

evntful

A Safer Way to Date: Inside the Evntful x Chayn Collab

Dating in 2025: Why Gen Z is So Over Scary First Dates (And What We’re Doing About It)

Halloween date ideas - on a budget

Pro Queer London: Finding Love in the UK vs. the Rest of the World

The Future is Queer (and IRL)

The State of Dating in 2025: Ghosting, AI, and Getting Real Again

The launch that somehow actually worked

The King of hearts: why men are starting to get more in touch with their softer side in 2025

Living in your Pilates Era: The rise of event based dating

Getting into the swing of love: Rocket Padel

Running into the arms of love: The Run Club which is changing the dating scene one lap at a time.

Think like a man vol. 1 : How are men dating today

Hungry for LOVE: Evntful x BOHA - The Supper Club Event

Alcotraz x Evntful: The event that’s got everyone talking about offline dating

Why dating is more than finding a match

Clingy Love: The different attachment styles singles face when dating

Filter Free Dating: How Gen Z are finally understanding that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Digital Body Language: The top 5 things that can turn any Gen Z dater off when online dating in London

EVNTFUL X MERAKI STUDIOS: Events that are good for the soul

The top 5 ways to make your date feel safe

How to design the best dating profile: The do’s and don'ts of finding love online

Why Gen Z singles are racing to love in London: The rise in running clubs has reignited singles' goals of racing to love.

SOCIAL: If you’ve moved to a new area and want to meet like-minded people or you just want to be social, Run Clubs are a one of the best ways to do it. With time to chat along the route you might even end up enjoying a post run drink with your fellow runners.

SUPPORT: If you’re struggling with your training or you’re looking for a pat on the back after a good one, running with a Run Club will give you all the support and encouragement you need.

SAFETY: Running on your own can feel a little uneasy, especially if it’s in the dark or through poorly lit streets; running with a Run Club will give you that extra security.

COMPETITIVE (IF YOU WANT THAT): Not everyone who runs in a Run Club is looking for competition but if you thrive with a little rivalry then you could find your

MOTIVATION: Running is a great way to get a little solitude but sometimes it helps having someone to chat to and cheer you on when you’re finding it difficult.

The Birth of ‘Micro-Mance’: How Gen Z are tapping into consistency when it comes to small gestures

The rise of activity based dating: Will you find your boo offline?

The top 3 safety issues when it comes to dating: And how dating apps can help prevent these through in app bookings

Has your Instagram become your dating profile?

The Work Husband vs The Real Husband

The Work Husband vs The Real Husband

Valentines VS Galentines: Are men missing out on the annual holiday?

Valentines VS G alentine s : Are men missing out on the annual holiday?

2025’s Best Dating Advice: By Male Experts

2025’s Best Dating Advice: By Male Experts

Winter Date Ideas: 7 of the best winter date ideas

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland: How London’s #1 Winter Dating Hotspot Has Reshaped Cuffing Season

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland By Sanchia Saunders

Advice for male dating :The top 3 female dating coaches in 2024: And how their opinions can reshape the future of dating for men

Advice for male dating

Dating in London: How Dating Trends Have Changed Over Time

Dating in London

By Sanchia Saunders

Feeling Frosty? Spice Up Your Winter with These Hot London Date Ideas!

Hot London Date Ideas

By Sanchia Saunders

The ick: What is it and why do singles get the stick about having the ick ?

The ick.

By Sanchia Saunders

Why do Gen Z turn to the internet to find love ?

What is the ick ?

How social media is fuelling the 2024 ick epidemic.

How to date safely in London

How to date safely in London

The Wave Programme

Ask Angela

How does this lend itself to dating ?

Why dating apps need to do better

The app that could change it all

Is there a right way to get over your ex?

Is there a right way to get over your ex?

Breaking Up in London: Navigating Heartbreak

The Role of Age in Heartbreak

Methods to Move On

Finding Your Own Path to Healing

Share Your Experiences

Conclusion

Dating as an expat in London: Is it possible for ‘expat’ singles to find love abroad ?

Dating as an expat in London

By Sanchia Saunders

﻿

What is an expat and how are they aiding the London dating scene ?

However how does this relate to the London dating scene ?

What is it like being an expat in London?

The surge since covid

Queer London: How London continues to paint the rainbow of love for our queer friends.

Queer London

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
By Sanchia Saunders