Five, four, three, two…. one. OMG, people, it’s 2018! Time to up your dating game.

“Where did 2017 go? What did I accomplish? What can I improve on this year? No seriously, where did 2017 gooooooo?”

These questions paraded around in my head, as I counted down the last remaining seconds in Mexico City. Parties and celebrations aside, New Year’s is also a time for self-reflection.

For me, 2017 FLEW BY. I’d quit my 9-5 job and travelled around Europe (ok, let’s be honest, most of the time was spent in beautiful SPAIN) and, to top it all off, I also had a pretty epic year in terms of online dating.

As mentioned in MEL #1 post, I am a huge fan of using dating apps while traveling. I found that this has been a great way to meet locals and other travellers.

I started it all by making a pact with myself before I embarked on my new fun-employment lifestyle: to be open-minded. This was an opportunity to travel for an extended amount of time, which I’ve never done before. So, it was important that I made this time really count. I wanted to experience life outside the one I’ve known my entire adult life.

Reflecting back, the most memorable dates were the one where I kept true to my pact of being open- minded. I ended up having the most fun when I encouraged myself to date outside my usual ‘type’; to not just go for coffee for first dates but to hop on a train; to not be afraid of making the first move.

Taking things that I’ve learned from last year, I wanted to share some Ms. MEL dating resolutions to think about for upping your dating game in 2018;

1. Refresh your online profile

New year, new pics. It’s never a more perfect time to give your online profile a refresh.

2. Make time for dating

Sure, we are all busy people but if you don’t make the time for dating, who will?

3. Go out with someone that’s not your ‘type’

We all tend to get stuck in a routine, why not be open-minded and go out with someone you “normally” wouldn’t? Try it, you might like it 😉

4. Don’t be afraid to make the first move

It’s a new year and a new you. Take charge and message first!

5. Go on a crazy date

Going to grab coffee is a neutral and easy first date option, but why not try out a new ‘outside the box’ first date option? Even if your version of “crazy” is simply venturing out of your ‘hood’… do it.

6. Clean out your phone list

Start the new year fresh. It’s a perfect time to delete Craig/Tom/Jax or whoever that has ghosted you, oh so long ago. (Good riddance!)

7. Don’t be a flake

It’s all about sending good karma into the universe. No one likes flaky people. If you both agreed to meet up, do it or let them know well in advance if you can’t make it/change your mind.

8. Set your relationship goals

What are you looking for? A serious vs. a non-serious relationship? It’s important to set these down so that you can work towards the goals that you want and so that everyone is on the same page.

9. Set your boundaries

If you were bingeing on dates last year, perhaps it’s time to dial it back and pick quality over quantity. If you barely said yes to any dates last year, now it’s a good time to put yourself out there!

10. Establish your standards and stick to them

You are an amazing human being and you deserve to have great things! Knowing what you want and what are deal breakers will help you figure out what’s right for you.

So, there it is folks. Whether you are newly single, or have been single for a while, these dating resolutions can benefit everyone. Let’s make it YOUR year in the game of love. This year will be a great year because we are all #olderandwiser.

Happy dating!

Ms. Mel