Happy New Year, Couplers and Vibers! As the confetti settles and the champagne bubbles fade, many of us are taking a moment to reflect on the year behind us -- especially when it comes to the wild world of dating. Whether you swiped, skipped, or dove deep into the dating pool in 2023, there’s a trove of wisdom to be gleaned from your experiences. Let’s unpack these love lessons together and set some fresh intentions for 2024.

Dating is a journey, not a destination

Remember when we were young’uns and thought finding “the one” was like crossing a finish line? Pssst ... that’s so 2023. If you’re like us, last year served as a good reminder that dating is less about reaching a destination and more about enjoying the ride. Every swipe, speed date, and cringe-worthy ghosting episode are chapters in your personal storybook. Here’s to embracing all the plot twists in the year ahead!

Authenticity is key

Who else spent 2023 learning that pretzeling your personality to suit someone else’s expectations is about as effective as using a flip phone to text? Authenticity is the name of the dating game this year. Let’s ditch the temptation to dress up as “other” on those first few dates and show up as our true selves ... quirks, nerdy hobbies, and all. Spoiler: it’s way more fun that way.

Communication is a “make or break”

Ah, communication – the cornerstone of everything. Last year, many of us learned the hard way that unclear intentions are the fast track to Miseryville. Direct, honest, and respectful communication is the unsung hero of successful dating stories. Remember, it’s not always about what you say ... or even how you say it ... but about saying something at all. In other words: make cryptic communications and ghosting gone this year.

Boundaries are beautiful

Setting boundaries isn’t about building walls; it’s about drawing lines in the sand where your comfort zone ends. In 2023, we saw a surge in Couplers defining and asserting their boundaries, and guess what? It led to healthier, happier dating experiences. Let’s all carry that forward into 2024, and your future self will thank you.

Rejection is not a reflection of your worth

Let’s be honest ... getting turned down and can make you feel like last week’s leftover pizza. But here’s a revolutionary thought: rejection says more about the rejector than the rejected. You are not less worthy because someone failed to see your value. In 2024, let’s agree to take rejection less personally, and stay strong in our belief that we’re worthy of romance and more.

Your own company is priceless

Whether you spent the majority of 2023 single or mingling, the importance of being comfortable in your own company cannot be overstated. Solo movie nights, self-date weekends, or simply enjoying a coffee in your own good company -- these moments of solitude are golden. After all, the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for all others. Be intentional in 2024 about carving out time for the cutest, most precious partner of all: yourself!

Love is not one-size-fits-all

Let’s make 2024 the year we collectively toss out the outdated rulebook on love. Love comes in so many forms, and none is superior to the other. Whether you’re into monogamy, polyamory, or something else entirely, respecting and celebrating the diversity in love is where it’s at.

As we step into the new year, make it a goal to take these lessons in stride. Remember, dating is as much about discovering yourself as it is about discovering others. Here’s to a year of love, laughter, and learning -- however that looks for you. Cheers from Couple!🥂