By Logal Love Powers
So… it’s 2025. Fresh calendar. A fresh chance to find that person who makes your heart do cartwheels. Whether you’re new to swiping or have been digital-dating since flip phones, this isn’t just a checklist – it’s your sparkly guide to love with a side of charm.
1. Attract Like a Magnet (But, You Know, the Classy Kind)
Let’s start with you. Yes, you.
What are you looking for? A long-term partner? A short-term fling? Someone who’ll split garlic bread and dreams with you?
Be honest with yourself first. It saves everyone time and heartache.
Jot down what really matters to you. Use a notebook, your notes app, the back of a receipt – whatever works for you. Just get those deal-breakers and must-haves out of your head and onto something real.
Clarity is the secret sauce here.
2. Your Profile – Like a Dating CV, But Cooler
Okay, your dating profile? It’s prime real estate.
You wouldn’t show up to a first date in pajama pants (unless they were really cool pajama pants). Same goes for your profile.
Post recent photos. Real ones. Not from 2015. Pick pics where you look like you.
Then talk about yourself. Not just “I like long walks and pizza.” Go deeper. Say what lights you up. What makes you laugh until you snort.
Be real. People can smell “fake” from 800 pixels and 3 swipes away.
3. Don’t Wait. Initiate!
Found someone interesting? Great. Now say something.
A simple “hey” is the blandest of opening lines. Your opening needs colour!
Mention something from their profile. Ask a fun question.
And don’t ghost unless you’re, like, a literal ghost. It’s polite to reply – even with a quick, “Thanks, but I don’t think we vibe.” Ghosts don’t make good partners anyway.
4. Why Not Be Open Minded?
Sometimes, love looks different than what you expected. It’s taller. Or shorter. Or listens to jazz.
Give people a chance. Challenge your checklist. Be curious. You might stumble into the magic you’re looking for.
5. Talk Like a Human (Not a Robot)
Want to stand out? Be a good listener. Like, actually listen.
Ask questions that matter. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk about your dog. (Okay, you can talk about your dog. But, also listen about their dog.)
Be warm. Be honest. Be someone who others want to talk to again. Bonus: People are 84% more attracted to kindness. (Okay, maybe not scientifically proven, but you get the idea.)
6. Patience Is a Wonderful Thing
You’re not ordering a soulmate on next-day delivery.
Finding someone takes time. And texts. And sometimes a mildly awkward coffee date with someone who loves reptiles way too much.
Enjoy the journey. Laugh at the misfires. Celebrate small wins – like a meeting that didn’t make you want to fake a Wi-Fi outage.
7. Safety First. Like Seatbelts, But for Your Heart
This one’s serious, so let’s talk straight.
First dates? Public places. Always, always, always!
Tell a friend where you’re going. Share your location. Work out an escape plan if things go too awkward so that you can exit the date immediately.
If it feels off, leave. No explanations needed. Your gut knows stuff.
8. Fun is Your Secret Weapon
Don’t take dating too seriously.
It’s a playground for your heart. Laugh. Flirt. Mess up your words and laugh again.
Treat each chat like an adventure. Each date like a story. Even the weird ones can be funny later (sometimes much later).
And remember: You’re not “failing” at dating if you haven’t met The One by Tuesday. You’re learning. Growing. Collecting stories.
So, here’s to you. The hopeful. The brave souls in search of true love!
May this year bring real connections and that one person who texts you just to say: “Hey, I was thinking about you.”