Ah, the New Year—a time for resolutions, reinvention, and yes, the inevitable question: “Am I finally going to meet someone amazing this year?” If you’re nodding along, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned dater or nervously dipping your toes back into the pool, 2025 is the perfect time to embrace a fresh perspective on love. With dating trends constantly evolving and new ways to connect (thank you, FROM), the dating scene is ripe for new beginnings.

Here’s your forward-thinking guide to prepping for the love life you deserve in 2025—complete with tips, tricks, trends, and of course, a sprinkle of cheeky optimism. Grab a glass of Diet Coke ( I’m switching it up for Dry Jan) and lets dive in..

1. Refresh Your Dating Mindset: Intentionality is Key

Gone are the days of swiping mindlessly and settling for “meh” matches. The 2025 dating landscape is all about being intentional. This means knowing what you’re looking for—whether it’s a partner who shares your values, someone who loves dogs as much as you do, or just a person who can appreciate your obscure Netflix recommendations. Being intentional doesn’t mean scripting your dates or planning out the next five years—it’s more about showing up authentically and genuinely engaging. Start with a little self-reflection: What are your non-negotiables? What makes you light up? Write these down and refer back to them when you’re tempted to swipe out of boredom.

Pro Tip: You know what scream intentional? Planning a date. You know who helps you plan those dates? FROM.

2. Embrace the Trends: Realism Over Perfection

Dating apps and social media have spent the last decade convincing us that the “perfect” partner exists. Spoiler alert: they don’t. The good news? In 2025, the focus is shifting toward embracing flaws, quirks, and real connection. People are over the highlight reel—they want authenticity.

This means fewer filters, less posing, and more substance. Don’t stress about crafting the perfect bio or posting the perfect photo. Be yourself—the person who loves midnight snacks, awkward karaoke, and wearing mismatched socks. After all, it’s your quirks that make you lovable.

3. Prioritize IRL Connection

If there’s one thing the past few years have hammered home, it’s the undeniable value of real-life connection. While apps are fantastic for breaking the ice and opening the door to potential matches, the true magic of dating happens when you meet face-to-face. The laughter, the chemistry, the little quirks you can’t capture through a screen—that’s where relationships truly begin to bloom. This year, make a commitment to get off the app and into the world sooner.

Whether it’s grabbing a latte at your favorite coffee shop, enjoying a cocktail at a trendy bar, or joining a fun group event, don’t let digital communication become a crutch. Real life is where the sparks truly fly. And here’s where First Round’s On Me (FROM) comes to your rescue: FROM is designed to help you bridge that gap seamlessly. Unlike traditional dating apps that leave you stuck in an endless loop of messages, FROM eliminates the dreaded "texting forever" trap with our unique 24-hour chat window. No awkward small talk that goes nowhere. No wondering if they’ll ever actually suggest meeting up. FROM keeps the focus on what matters most—real, in-person connections.

4. Practice Vulnerability (But Keep It Light)

Let’s talk vulnerability—the not-so-secret sauce of successful dating. In 2025, being open and honest will set you apart. However, vulnerability doesn’t mean baring your soul on the first date (“Hi, I’m Jamie. I’m still emotionally scarred from middle school dodgeball”) nstead, it’s about letting your guard down little by little. Share your passions, your dreams, even your guilty pleasures (hello, reality TV). People connect through shared humanity, not perfection. Plus, a little cheeky humor never hurts—after all, who doesn’t love someone who can laugh at themselves?

5. Invest in Yourself First

Here’s the truth: the best relationships happen when you’re already happy with yourself. Before diving into the dating scene, spend time nurturing your own passions, friendships, and goals. Start that pottery class, read that book, or finally book that solo trip you’ve been dreaming of. When you’re thriving in your own life, you naturally attract people who are equally fulfilled.

6. Stay Open to Surprises

Let’s be honest—dating rarely goes according to plan. That’s part of the fun! Maybe the person you thought was “just okay” ends up being your perfect match, or maybe the hilarious story of your bad first date becomes the icebreaker for meeting someone even better. In 2025, make a pact with yourself to embrace the unexpected. Say yes to opportunities, even if they’re outside your comfort zone, making it easier to connect in real and meaningful ways.

7. Set Boundaries Like a Boss

While staying open is important, so is knowing your limits. Set boundaries to protect your time, energy, and emotions. If someone doesn’t respect your time or tries to push you into something you’re not comfortable with, they’re not the one.Boundaries aren’t about being harsh—they’re about self-respect. Communicate them with kindness and confidence. The right person will appreciate you for knowing your worth.

As you prepare for a new year of dating adventures, remember this: the journey is just as important as the destination. The awkward moments, the hilarious fails, the unexpected connections—they’re all part of the magic. So, grab your favorite drink, update that dating profile (or better yet, join FROM), and get ready to make 2025 the year of intentional, exciting, and genuine love. Until next time🥂