We are almost halfway through the year. We're stuck in 2020 purgatory sometimes. If anything about the current state of the world could be called normal it would be that.

Two years of change has changed everything. The slow-down caused us to connect with others in new ways and take time to reflect. The result is not as bad as you might think. Experts say that this year's dating trends are here.

Choose your priority

We had to reexamine our priorities due to the Pandemic. From coming out to breaking up, COVID made us rethink what we wanted in life.

Michael Kaye said that what was important to them two, three years ago isn't anymore.

Kaye said that we're less concerned about superficial qualities like looks and more concerned about values like where a date stands on climate change because we've been through so much.

"What was important to us two, three years ago simply isn't anymore."

For the first time in our lives, a lot of us had the time to reflect on who we are and what we want. When datememe datememe datememe is used, daters are more honest when datememe is used.

Before COVID, Laurel House's clients had a laundry list of things they wanted in a partner. People are interested in what matters to them.

House encourages her clients to prioritize with potential partners. One House sees a lot of safety, whether physical, emotional, or financial.

An illustration of a woman swiping on her phone, as hearts float from the device.

Prioridating is one of the year's big dating trends. Credit: Vicky Leta / Mashable

The trend is in line with the data. A survey of 5,000 Americans aged 18 to 75 found that 86 percent of singles want a partner of equal or higher income. 70 percent of people wanted the same thing in 2019.

According to a survey, more singles want an emotionally mature partner than a physically attractive one.

Kaye said that many people are looking for someone to inspire them to be their best self. They are proud to date someone like that. It's not only about superficial characteristics but also about deeper, more meaningful ones.

Increased vulnerability and mindfulness

An increase in openness is one of the trends that precedes prioridating. Since 2020 when we had to be honest about our preferences, there has been an increase in communication. During the Pandemic, daters were having deeper conversations. We did not have time for small talk or situationships, we were focused on the task at hand. This is true in the future.

People are having scary conversations. It's not scary anymore because you know me. I know what I need I'm aware of my needs and I'm confident.

According to the director of relationship science at Hinge, being upfront about what you want out of dating is the trend. You can tell your first date that you want kids someday and then ask them what they want.

Prioridating is supported byMindfulness. House says to check in with yourself on dates. When someone makes fun of a vulnerability, check in at that time. The thought process is modeled by House. The thing doesn't. I don't know what to do with that information. She said she would either say thank you, goodbye or make it clear what her priority is.

It's not necessary to dream up your whole life together if you don't know if your date wants kids someday. Knowing you have the same beliefs and goals is useful, but you can focus on this one date.

Virtual dates haven't gone anywhere

The phone and video dates trend was first seen in the Pandemic. If you don't feel safe dating in person, these virtual dates are a good option. Saving time and money is one of the reasons people may do this.

She said that people are more protective now.

If people are comfortable meeting in-person but still want to be close to home, House has noticed people having more dates at a nearby park.

An illustration showing a person in a cap looking at their phone with potential matches in the background.

When meeting IRL isn't an option, try a video date. Credit: Bob Al-Greene/Mashable

Sober (curious) dating on the rise

A concept of limiting drinking but not going completely sober has arisen as a result of the increase in alcohol consumption during the Pandemic. There has been a rise of zero-proof drinks. There has been a rise in sober dating as a result of this.

A survey shows that 74 percent of single daters restricted their alcohol use in the last year. 94 percent of people said they would be interested in someone who doesn't drink.

Some people have decided to be sober due to the fact that alcohol isn't a priority anymore.

House is positive about relationships. Slower, more intentional dating will lead to longer relationships and marriages according to her. The Pandemic may have been good for dating.