If you’re single or know someone who is, you may be interested to know about the trends in dating for 2022. According to Mashable, there are significant shifts in our preferences for partners and how we start new relationships.

What I found most exciting about the changes is this: more singles want a lifetime partner who is emotionally mature (83 percent) more than physically attractive (78 percent).  Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist says, “I’ve never before used the word ‘historic,’ and [this] is a historic change in dating. What people are really looking for now is emotional maturity.” Along with that, they are becoming more comfortable with having deeper discussions upfront about what each other is looking for in a relationship.

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL MATURITY?

Emotional maturity involves being able to go within yourself to uncover your deep beliefs and attitudes. An emotionally mature person is committed to personal insight and awareness. They approach situations that might otherwise be challenging or confusing from a mindset of authenticity and understanding. It’s often easy to spot an emotionally mature person as people are naturally drawn to them due to their ability to listen without judgment and show empathy to others.

Emotional maturity is important because it allows people to make an honest connection with each other which gives rise to authentic, happy, and fulfilling relationships. Having emotional maturity means that you can focus on your own thoughts and attitudes as the relationship unfolds rather than on what the other person does or doesn’t do. What most of us have prioritized in the past is judging our partner rather than looking within ourselves to see why we have attracted this person into our life.

THERAPY IS SEEN AS A POSITIVE

Moreover, 91 percent of Hinge users said that would prefer to date someone who goes to therapy. I couldn’t help but let out a big “yes!” because as a Dating and Relationship Coach, I know that the strongest building blocks to great a relationship are emotional maturity and self-love. When we have a clear idea of what a happy relationship looks like, the better all our relationships will be. Having the benefit of a professional helps you see your unconscious behavior patterns and understand what is holding you back.