Festival dating on the rise: Navigating loneliness during festive season

So, what exactly is festival dating?

As the name implies, festival dating is all about seeking a romantic connection during the festive season. It’s a time when many individuals yearn to share the celebrations with someone special by their side. The nature and pace of these romantic connections, however, can vary greatly from person to person.

This trend has emerged as the sight of other couples enjoying the festivities and sharing their moments on social media can sometimes make singles feel a twinge of loneliness or self-consciousness. Festivals also bring along certain societal and familial expectations, which can influence a person’s dating life.

The survey revealed that 30 percent of Indians admitted to experiencing moments of self-consciousness about their single status during this season, while 32 percent confessed to feeling a sense of lonesomeness without a date or partner to share the festivals with.

Interestingly, this sentiment resonates more with millennials, with 32 percent acknowledging these feelings, compared to GenZers at 28 percent. The study also delved into the festive rituals that Indians love to share with their significant others, including shopping together, festival gifting, attending parties, and performing puja together. These shared traditions often serve as avenues for building stronger and deeper connections.

Navigating the festive season alone

Here’s how you can cope with loneliness during festive season. (Source: Freepik)

For those who find themselves single during the festive season, Ruchi Ruuh, Bumble’s relationship expert, offers some valuable tips:

*Acknowledge Your Emotions: Loneliness can sometimes creep in during the holidays, particularly if you’re far from home. It’s crucial to recognise that others may be feeling the same way. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to decide when, how, and with whom you want to date.

*Don’t Let FOMO Take Over: Avoid falling into the trap of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) triggered by seeing friends happily celebrating with their partners on social media. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on dating on your own terms, guided by genuine interest.

*Prioritise Your Well-being: Make self-love your focal point during the festive season. Whether you’re with a partner or not, you can still relish the festivities and celebrate the season to the fullest.

*Enjoy the Dating Journey: Amidst the festive fervour, remember that dating should be enjoyable. When you’ve just started dating someone, it might be tempting to introduce them to your social circle right away. Take your time to assess your comfort level with such a move. Prioritise getting to know each other through romantic dates before diving into family gatherings and friend meetups.

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