Easy like Sunday swiping
How to get through Dating Sunday without losing your mind.
Ah, Dating Sunday. The first Sunday of the new year, affectionately dubbed the Super Bowl of swiping. It’s the one day when everyone—yes, even the commitment-phobes—is firing up their dating apps.
Why the sudden surge? Timing is everything. The holidays are over, New Year’s resolutions are fresh (“This is my year for love,” etc.), and the existential dread of spending another year single hits hard. Last year, Hinge reported a 27% spike in likes and a 29% boost in messages on Dating Sunday. But while the numbers don’t lie, this digital dating frenzy can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of endless swiping, thinking the more you match, the closer you’ll be to finding the one. But here’s the thing: Dating Sunday can set the tone for your love life in 2025.
The goal? Swipe smarter, not harder.
Let’s talk strategy
Ok, so you’ve decided to log in on Dating Sunday. Before you start swiping, let’s talk about how to use this day to your advantage.
Go in with a game plan
Before you open the app, reflect on what you actually want. Are you swiping for fun? Curious about what’s out there? Ready to invest in a relationship? Knowing your intentions keeps you grounded and saves you from wasting time on dead-end chats.
Also, give your profile a glow-up. Show what you’re looking for in a relationship—whether it’s a Sunday brunch buddy or someone to share hiking adventures with (not for me, but you do you). Clear photos and a bio that reflects your vibe will save time and attract matches who align with your goals.
Quality over quantity
The temptation to match with everyone is real, especially on a high-traffic day like this. But remember: more matches don’t mean better matches. Be intentional. If a profile doesn’t spark genuine interest, swipe left.
Don’t swipe out of loneliness
Let’s be honest: Sundays can feel isolating, and swiping is an easy way to distract yourself. But swiping when you’re emotionally drained often leads to bad decisions (hello, 11 p.m. swipe-right spree).
If you’re not in the mood, skip the apps and focus on yourself. Call a friend, binge-watch some reality TV, or go for a HGW.
Set boundaries (with the apps and yourself)
Dating Sunday doesn’t have to consume your day. Set a timer—30 minutes in the morning and another 30 in the evening. Stick to it.
Also, set emotional boundaries. If someone ghosts mid-convo or your matches don’t vibe, don’t let it wreck your confidence. Their actions say more about them than about you.
When the Sunday blues hit hard
We’ve all been there: the Sunday scaries hit, and suddenly, you’re rethinking every decision you’ve ever made. It’s brutal.
But Sundays—even Dating Sunday—don’t have to be an emotional low point. Besides, who says Sunday has to be all about dating? Make it your day to romanticise being single. Pour yourself a coffee (or champagne—no judgment), play your favourite playlist, and indulge in your own rituals. Treat yourself to a solo brunch, a new book, or even an hour (or two) of guilt-free TikTok scrolling.
The more you love your single life, the less pressure you’ll feel to fill a void—because there won’t be a void to fill.
Shift your perspective
Dating apps aren’t a chore—they’re just one tool to meet someone. Treat Dating Sunday like window shopping. Browse, explore, and see what catches your eye. Not every swipe needs to lead to a match, and not every match needs to lead to a date.
A note from me ❤️
This is the final so unhinged of 2024, and I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who subscribes and reads every week. I’m taking a two-week break over the holiday period—paid subscribers, don’t worry, a brand-new so unhinged Exposed will still land in your inbox next week—and then I’ll be back in the new year with fresh, unhinged content to kick off 2025.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season!
Soph x