This Sunday is the best day of the entire year to go on a date

So here's how to secure one 

The first week of January is the busiest for dating apps – so here's how to use it to your advantage. 

New years mean new beginnings, and for many Australians, this means a reset on whatever the past 12 months brought when it comes to matters of the heart. 

One survey carried out at the end of 2022 showed 6 per cent of Aussies intended to find love in 2023. But we all know that finding the love of your life doesn’t always come down to the power of manifestation, written on a post-it note in the 11th hour of a year. 

Thus, at the start of a new year, many people set about finding new ways to make their dreams come true, and putting in the work to ensure the year ahead is more fruitful than the one they just saw out. 

And for the single Australians looking to change their relationship status, that means dating. 

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According to data from Tinder, the first Sunday in January is the most popular day for a date of the entire year, and this year, that falls on January 7th – i.e. just a few short days away. 

Regardless of age bracket, dating goals, gender or sexuality, the lead-up to Dating Sunday (or as Tinder calls it, Swipe Sunday), sees a massive spike in engagement on the platform, with people swiping and messaging with fervour. 

On Dating Sunday itself, Tinder’s data shows the number of Likes increases by 18.2 per cent, and the number of DMs sent rises by 22 per cent. Plus, every minute sees 519 bios edited and 2,263 photos added to a profile. 

The pace doesn’t start to slow down until after Valentine’s Day on February 14, where  “1.4 million more messages sent globally compared with the rest of the year, and a stunning 58.7 million more likes sent compared to the rest of the year.”

Talk about starting the year off strong. 

People go big on dating in January. Image: Pexels

Data from Tinder’s 2023 Year in Swipe report showed that 2024 will see people continuing to date ‘for the plot’ and irrespective of outcomes – taking the pressure off, and enjoying dating for the experiences over the final result. 

With that in mind, and knowing the sheer volume of people using the app, you’re more likely to secure a date during this time of the year. But we all know that it takes a bit more than great odds. 

Dating coach Sera Bozza, founder of Sideswiped, says your profile will make or break your experience on a dating app. 

“An uninspired profile can drain you, cost you dates and turn swiping into a chore. But if you set up your profile the right way you can not only get clearer on defining (and closer to finding) your dating goals and attract awesome matches you genuinely vibe with, but also avoid as many of the pitfalls associated with dating apps as possible.” 

So what does that actually involve? Bozza has some suggestions. 

Here's how to maximise your dating app game. Image: Tinder

#1. Mix it up 

“Use each profile feature to express yourself in as many ways (and angles!) as possible,” says Bozza. “It’s the variety that builds trust and piques the interest of potential matches.” 

Choose photos of yourself in a bar, at the beach, playing a sport, with your friends, out for brunch – cover your bases so your matches get an idea of who you are more holistically. 

“The more you share about yourself and state your true intentions, the better your matches can understand you and connect with you,” says Bozza. Sharing reaps rewards, so “spin yarns, not just facts”. 

#2 Refine your ‘list’ 

Think about what it is that you really want, and what ‘criteria’ actually matter to you. “Most of what you think you care about, you would trade, in a heartbeat, for an incredible connection,” says Bozza. So think about whether that six-foot height requirement is that important after all and whether your criteria are helping you or actually setting you back. 

#3 Positivity always wins 

There is no greater bummer than someone being a huge downer on their profile. “The best way to attract who you want is to be the type of person you want,” says Bozza. 

“Swap the ‘Don’t swipe on me if you...” with a more upbeat ‘I value…’,” she says. “We’ve all

been hurt, but dragging that baggage into your bio blocks you from new adventures.

Dating coach Sera Bozza shares her tips for maximising your dating app profiles. Image: Tinder

#4 Match, pace, lead 

“Ever asked a simple question, and bam! you’re hit with an overwhelming essay-length reply?” asks Bozza. We’re sure the answer is yes, and that you never messaged them again. 

“When your messaging rhythm is off, the result is ghosting and missed connections,” she says. “Mirror your match’s messaging style, adapting to their pace, length and tone,” 

“Staying in sync allows for much smoother conversation. And when the time is right, don’t be afraid to take the lead and ask them out.” 

#5 Delay means disinterest 

“A personalised conversation opener and speedy replies signal your interest in connecting,” says Bozza. Whereas generic responses, slow return time and a general lack of zing spell “meh”. 

“Focus your energy on just a few matches at a time and give them your full attention - at least until the connection loses momentum or becomes one you want to invest all your time in,” she says. “It’s all about quality over quantity,” 

#6 Know when to convert (then do it) 

“Hit that sweet spot when you’re curious (enough) to meet up? Great! Meet in person rather than sidestepping to another social media platform,” says Bozza. 

“The more you spread yourself across social media, the slimmer your chances to meet up.” 

So, go out on a limb, ask the question, and reap the rewards.  

How to perfect the art of the dating app. Image: Tinder

Users respond on average 19.4 minutes faster than on other Sundays of the year, so whether you plan to lock in a date this Dating Sunday or not, it’s worth knowing that people are out and about, swiping and ready to mingle. 

So put your best foot forward and take a (healthy) risk. If you want it, there’s a whole world of dates waiting for you, starting right now and just a few swipes away.

Originally published as This Sunday is the best day of the entire year to go on a date