The dating scene can be a treacherous terrain to navigate, and some experts suggest that individuals might be unwittingly trapping themselves in a cycle of anxiety.
There’s an abundance of advice out there claiming dating is a breeze.
While this may be true for some, others find it more challenging.
Whether due to poor decisions or sheer misfortune, dating is anything but simple.
Now, a new dating term has emerged, and many may already be engaging in it unknowingly.
Known as ‘carouselling’, this concept requires some clarification, as it has no connection to actual carousels.
Experts in dating have linked this trend to increased anxiety levels in singles, regardless of whether they connect through social media, dating platforms, or the real world.
The term refers to a cycle where individuals endlessly exchange messages, intensifying nervousness when they eventually meet face-to-face.
A Mirror report cites research from the dating app FindingTheOne.com, which emphasizes real-life encounters, indicating that 77 percent of daters experience increased anxiety the longer they engage in online conversation before meeting in person for the first time.
It’s possible that many of us are guilty of this; attempting to learn more about someone through our phones rather than in person, building up expectations, or forming incorrect perceptions before meeting, setting ourselves up for disappointment.
Sylvia Linzalone, a dating expert for the app, elaborates on this phenomenon.
She stated: “The longer they stay on the messaging carousel, the more daunting the idea of the meeting becomes, and it’s fueling unnecessary anxiety.”
“Meeting sooner means less pressure and less anxiety. It lets you see if there’s a real connection in the real world, where it actually matters,”
According to a study by Finding The One, 83 percent of 1,500 participants expressed a preference to meet in person within a week of matching, yet often ‘feel pressured to continue messaging’.
On the other hand, many participants hesitate to propose an early meeting for fear of appearing ‘too eager’ or ‘pushy’.
Ultimately, it’s best to find a dating approach that minimizes anxiety and suits your personal style.