It feels like everyone is looking for love. But not in the way we’re used to. Gone are the days of meeting your significant other in the club or through mutual friends. Now, every couple you meet has their own slightly unconventional story of how they met guaranteed to be a series of circumstances you didn’t expect. Move over fate, here are 5 slightly unconventional ways people are finding love:
Dating apps
Following the launch of Match.com in 1995, dating apps and websites have soared in popularity. These days, it’s rare if you don’t know at least three couples who have met online. Using a matchmaking algorithm that relies on artificial intelligence, these apps “rank” the profiles that users see – predicting the top potential singletons they think you might be interested in. Along with classics like Match.com and Tinder, other popular online dating methods include Bumble, Hinge, and newcomer app, Thursday.
TV dating shows
According to research by global retailer Hunkemoller (who specialise in red lingerie), more than half of 25–34-year-olds would consider going on a dating TV show to meet a potential partner. This makes this younger population the most likely age group to explore meeting a significant other this way, with Love Island the most popular programme to go on. Indeed, more than a quarter said they’d happily apply for a place on the show.
Unrelated online communities
While many singletons find romance through mutual connections on social media, a select few are even meeting someone special through online communities that have nothing to do with dating. Facebook groups that connect people around the world with the weird and wonderful (like the large number of groups that encourage people to share their odd second-hand finds from charity shops and thrift stores) also connect strangers who share the same interests and passions – which are two important parts of meeting the one.
Gene-matching
We all know that chemistry is important in any relationship, but some people are even using chemistry on their journey to find their soulmate. Through Singldout.com, single users are sent a DNA test to complete which is then sent to a lab. At the lab, scientists test for levels of serotonin and specific genes found in your immune system – two major factors in the long-term potential of two people. After you receive your results back, you can create your online dating profile to browse potential matches and do your own science experience to see if your genes are compatible with anyone nearby…
Dating business cards
Perhaps one of the most DIY methods to find a partner. Recently, a single woman created “date me” business cards to hand out to men. Complete with information about her and what she was looking for in a man, this singleton put a new modern twist on finding someone in real life…
So if you’re still looking for your perfect other half, don’t give up just yet – just change where you’re looking!
