New year, new opportunities to let love—or at least a few fun dates—find you
The new year brings change. Whether big or small, it’s a time for embracing new things: new resolutions, new hobbies, and new people. While it’s not all about reinventing yourself, it’s a great opportunity to take small, brave steps to put yourself out there—especially for young, single individuals. If you’re ready to dive back into the dating scene, 2025 can also be a chance to focus on growth, love, and exciting new possibilities. Ahead, some ways to help you take that leap with confidence when dipping your toes into the dating pool—and make 2025 the year you stop ghosting your dating potential. New year, new you—or new year, same you…just with a little more courage to say yes to a date.
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Swipe Right—and Follow Through
One of the biggest hurdles in modern dating is getting stuck in the endless chatting phase. It’s easy to connect with someone on a dating app, share a few messages, and then let the conversation fizzle out before ever meeting in person. This year, change that: if you’ve been chatting with someone for a while and there’s a good vibe, make the effort to schedule a date. Whether it’s coffee, a movie, or dinner, follow through on making that in-person connection. Sometimes, the best connections happen when you show up and take the plunge.
Sans Screen and Swiping, Have Dinner with Strangers
For more ways other than just swiping right, consider trying Timeleft. This app allows you to meet strangers over dinner, all matched through a personality algorithm. Think of it like a personalized platforms that match you with likeminded, curious individuals. The goal isn’t just to find love, but to open up to new people without the pressure of expectations. You’ll go out for a casual dinner, spark conversations, and see where the evening takes you. It’s a fun way to meet others who are also interested in meaningful connections, but without the usual stress of traditional dating apps. Maybe take a chance and see who you can be compatible with—a potential friend or lover; either way, you’ll get to meet people who can make you enjoy a night with.
Bond Over What You Love
Outside the digital space, local communities with shared interests are available: a running club, a book group, or a hiking meet-up. Whatever it is, being part of a community not only lets you explore your hobbies but also introduces you to people who share similar passions. These environments can provide natural, relaxed opportunities to meet others without the expectation of dating. Plus, doing activities you enjoy is a great way to connect with people naturally. You might just find someone who shares your love for fitness, reading, or whatever sparks joy for you.
The Rockwell Run Club is a great way to boost your fitness journey while also meeting new people. They offer a variety of runs throughout the week in Makati City, catering to different difficulty levels and distances. On Mondays and Wednesdays, they host night runs at Ayala Triangle. Tuesdays feature a morning run outside Power Plant Mall, while Fridays start with a morning run beginning at the University of Makati. Sundays are reserved for both short and long morning runs around Rockwell and Ayala Triangle. Joining this running community is simple—just sign up and get access to their exclusive group chat.
Book clubs are also a fantastic way to connect with people who share your passion for reading—or if you just want to kickstart a reading habit. The Makati Book Club takes a unique approach by focusing on exchanging recommendations rather than assigning books. The reading club’s meetups, like the upcoming Reading Recommendations event on January 25 at Both Coffee, are all about sharing favorite reads and discovering new ones. Bring along a novel, essay, or hidden gem that you’ve been loving, and share why it’s worth reading. Whether you’re into thrillers, classics, or romance, or modern fiction, this club is a welcoming space to geek out over your favorite stories—and find someone to talk books with.
Another club is Bumi and Ashe, a cozy pottery studio tucked in Cubao, you’ll find a welcoming space to explore your artistic side. Whether you’re interested in crafting a mug, trying your hand at wheel-throwing, or even making your own lamp, the studio has workshops tailored for all levels. For a fun twist, join their Tipsy Pottery Nights held every evening at 7:00 PM from Monday to Sunday. These sessions include wine, snacks, and the chance to make your own mug or wine goblet while unwinding in a relaxed, creative atmosphere. Engaging in art like this isn’t just a way to destress, but also an opportunity to meet like-minded people and spark new connections. Who knows? It might even turn into a unique date night idea.
Ultimately, putting yourself out there starts with a mindset shift: embrace the idea that life is full of new opportunities, and be brave enough to take a chance when they come your way. Every new experience has the potential to be something special—whether you’re starting a conversation with a stranger or saying yes to a date. Be open to new people and new situations—they could change the course of your year.
Photos and Featured Image: NETFLIX, MAKEUSEOF, BUMI AND ASHE (via website)
