Desperate for a date this Valentine’s Day? You’re not alone — but it could actually destroy your chance of finding lasting love.
Singletons are swiping on dating apps at increased rates in the lead-up to Feb. 14, in a new trend known as “avalanching.”
The practice sees lovelorn people throw out their regular dating non-negotiables — such as age and location — so that they can secure a companion before the most romantic day of the year.
But while trying to get as many matches as possible doesn’t necessarily sound like a bad thing — one expert says “avalanching” means you’re more likely to settle for someone sub-par, and they won’t make a long-term match.
“The spike in January swiping is a natural response to societal expectations and the desire for companionship during a season focused on love,” dating expert Sylvia Linzalone told Indy100 on Friday.
“Being single on Valentine’s Day can be quite a disheartening time for some, especially if you’re surrounded by loved-up friends who are eagerly making plans for fancy dinners and romantic getaways,” she added.
Indeed, a recent poll of 800 singletons found a staggering 79% admit to swiping with more frequency on dating apps during the month of January.
Half of all respondents admitted to being less fussy about the people they subsequently started a chat with on the apps.
Linzalone is also warning singletons against engaging in too many chats on such apps, saying it’s often fruitless in the search for a proper companion.
“These days, dating apps have become just another form of social media, with extensive messaging and comparatively little face-to-face contact,” she explained.
Instead, the expert advises singletons to embrace “intentional dating,” whereby they don’t throw their non-negotiables out the window.
“It’s time to switch these two around and focus on real-life meets instead if you really want to make a change in your love life in 2024,” she declared.