Month: March 2025

There’s something magical about the spring. The days are getting longer, the flowers are in bloom, and there’s a strong sense of rejuvenation in the air. 

This renewed sense of energy and positivity makes spring the perfect time to build new connections and embark on new journeys. 

So, if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to dive back into the dating world, here’s why spring is the ideal season to let romance blossom.

It’s the season of new beginnings 

Spring is often associated with new beginnings. Just as nature awakens after the cold winter, so do our emotions and desires. 

The fresh energy that it brings can inspire a renewed sense of optimism and excitement, making it easier to approach new people with an open mind and heart. 

If you’ve been hesitant about dating, hiding away through the tougher winter months, now is the time to shed those doubts and embrace the possibilities ahead.

It’s a mood boost for everyone

What’s more, the longer daylight hours and increased exposure to sunlight give our serotonin levels a much-needed boost after the winter.

This naturally makes us and those around us feel happier and more optimistic. This positive shift in mood makes it easier to engage with others and increases the likelihood of forming meaningful relationships. 

Because let’s face it, when everyone is feeling good, connections happen more naturally and you are more likely to find that spark. 

The weather is perfect for romantic outdoor dates

Not only are the days getting longer, but the weather is getting warmer, too. It’s time to shake off those heavy winter coats and get outside! 

Spring offers the perfect weather for lots of lovely, romantic outdoor dates. Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a nature walk, a stroll along your nearest beach or an adventurous hiking trip, there are countless ways to get outside and enjoy the change in weather. 

The warmth of the sun on your face and the cool spring breeze create an inviting atmosphere for meaningful conversations and deeper connections. Plus, with daylight extending into the evening, there’s more time to go on these dates and enjoy quality moments together.

There are more opportunities to be social 

As well as providing more opportunities for outdoor dates, the arrival of spring means people are naturally more inclined to go out and socialise or organise group activities. 

There are often more events taking place in your local area, from festivals and farmers’ markets to outdoor concerts and sports activities. This provides plenty of opportunities to socialise and meet new people. 

Spring fashion can be a real confidence boost

Spring fashion is all about bright colours, light, breezy fabrics and stylish outfits that make you feel good about yourself. 

After months of layering up in jumpers, coats, scarves and boots, stepping into a fresh, vibrant spring wardrobe can really boost your confidence and make you more open to new experiences. 

Not only that, but confidence is attractive and makes you feel stronger, and when you feel good about yourself, it becomes much easier to connect with others.

Nature is the best romantic backdrop

There’s a reason why so many love stories take place in the spring, as this season sets the stage for romance in the most beautiful way. 

Nature itself seems to encourage connection and affection. The flowers are in bloom, the birds are singing birds, and the lush greenery creates the ideal backdrop for romance. 

In spring, even a simple stroll through a botanical garden or an ice cream in the park can feel like you’re living a moment straight out of your favourite rom-com. 

Get ready to turn your spring fling into a lasting love

Many people who start dating in the spring find that the excitement and new connections carry on effortlessly into summer and beyond. 

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start looking for love, let spring be your inspiration. With its fresh energy, outdoor date ideas and endless opportunities for connection, this season creates the perfect conditions to meet someone special. 

And if you need a little help getting started, get in touch with our talented team of matchmakers today. Offering expert advice and matchmaking services, they can support you on your dating journey this spring.

Falling in love is a universal human experience, yet its timing, process and emotional response vary hugely for every person. 

Despite this, as a society, we are obsessed with the notion of love at first sight and what relationship milestones we should be hitting each decade. 

So, while there is no definitive answer to the question ‘how long it takes to fall in love’, plenty of research has been conducted on the subject. 

At Ignite Dating, we firmly believe that love isn’t confined by time but this doesn’t mean it can’t be helpful to understand the science-backed insights on how long it takes to form a bond with someone new. 

This is especially true when you’re dating, enabling you to recognise if you’re going too fast or perhaps if your partner is going too slow and may not be ready to commit. 

So, how long does it actually take to fall in love?

There is no one right answer to how long it takes to fall in love. Everyone is different, and there are many factors that can impact how quickly you make that connection with someone and how soon you’re ready to express those feelings. 

However, lots of studies have been conducted over the years, and a particularly in-depth study from 2013 found that the average couple will confess their love between 88 days (for men) and 134 days (for women). 

That’s right, these findings also show that there is a distinct difference between men and women and how quickly each sex falls in love. 

Who typically says ‘I love you’ first? 

Multiple studies indicate that men typically fall in love more quickly than women. In fact, a recent study from 2025 found that men fall in love almost twice as fast as women. 

Based on the findings published in Biology of Sex Differences, the mean love progression score for females was 1.92 months, compared to 0.98 months in males, indicating that men fall in love almost twice as quickly. 

The study also found that despite the outdated stereotypes of women being emotional partners and men having a tough exterior, males are also likely to fall in love slightly more often than females do.

Does love at first sight exist? 

The notion of love at first sight is romantic but contentious, though an impressive 70% of people say that they believe in this phenomenon. 

However, over the years, psychology and medical professionals have suggested that what is often perceived as love at first is more likely to be immediate physical attraction rather than a real, deep emotional connection. 

Therefore, while people might feel a strong, immediate connection, developing true love typically requires time and deeper understanding, even if it is just a couple of months.

This is also backed by science, which found there are three key stages to falling in love: lust, attraction and attachment. Each stage is driven by different brain chemicals and hormones. These stages can vary in duration and may overlap based on the unique nature of every relationship.

Just remember, time doesn’t (and shouldn’t) limit love

While scientific studies can provide general guidelines, it’s so important to remember that love doesn’t adhere to a strict schedule. 

Some people may fall in love quickly, while others may take their time developing deep, meaningful connections. 

Factors such as personal experience, emotional readiness and individual differences will play a significant role in how and when love develops. So don’t rush yourself (or your partner) and don’t worry about checking off those invisible boxes on your relationship timeline. It’s better to let these connections develop naturally. 

And if you’re still looking for love right now, then why not let the Ignite Dating team help? Our services are backed by science too (MBTI and FIRO) and accredited Science Based Coaches along with an expert team and years of industry experience. So, get in touch today to find out how we can help you on your dating journey.

Have you ever found yourself thinking why your relationships always seem to follow a familiar pattern? 

You continuously fall for the wrong person, become attached and ignore every red flag along the way. Perhaps you keep dating the same type of person, facing the same arguments and feeling the same emotional letdown each time it doesn’t work out. 

It sounds like you’ve got dating déjà vu.   

This phenomenon reflects the subconscious patterns you have formed based on your past dating experiences and relationships. 

Understanding these patterns is the key to breaking those unhealthy cycles and building healthier, more fulfilling relationships in the future. 

Recognising relationship patterns

Patterns in relationships can often be subtle, but they reveal themselves through consistent behaviours, emotional responses or even the types of people we’re drawn to. 

Identifying these patterns is the first step toward understanding how they shape our romantic lives and how to avoid more unsuccessful relationships in the future. Some of the most common and destructive dating patterns include:

• Emotional unavailability: Repeatedly attracting or being drawn to partners who struggle to communicate their feelings or commit to you emotionally
• Conflict cycles: Finding yourself locked into the same old arguments across different relationships
• Rescue syndrome: Habitually taking on a caretaker role in your relationships and attempting to “fix” or support partners at the cost of your own well-being
• Idealising (or ignoring) their flaws: Falling for the same red flags, such as dismissive behaviour or constant unreliability, yet rationalising these behaviours as quirks or parts of their personality

It feels crazy believing that anyone would willingly keep putting up with these problems – and it is. The reality is that these patterns often arise from past experiences, whether from previous relationships or early family dynamics.

How these past experiences influence our dating patterns

Our early attachments and relationships shape our expectations, behaviours and emotional triggers. This conditioning, whether from partners, friends or family can unconsciously dictate how we approach intimacy, trust and vulnerability in our adult life. 

Attachment styles 

Attachment styles are developed during childhood and influence how we connect with others. For example, someone who grew up in an unstable household and has an anxious attachment may unknowingly gravitate toward avoidant partners, leading to cycles of emotional instability.

Emotional baggage

This one can feel a bit of a cliche, but it’s a real problem. Unresolved pain or issues from past breakups, betrayals or disappointments can create defensive behaviours or self-sabotage in future relationships.

Unrealistic expectations

Similarly, past relationships may shape your beliefs about what love and relationships should look like. This can go one of two ways, sometimes leading to overly romanticised ideas of love that are often unattainable. 

On the other hand, you may have deeper-rooted issues that leave you with low self-esteem or the belief that you should not be treated as an equal within the relationship. 

How to break these unhealthy patterns

You might already recognise that you follow some of these patterns, but identifying them is only half the battle. Breaking them requires conscious effort, self-reflection and healthy decision-making. To do this, you can:

Increase your self-awareness and reflection

It can be helpful to keep a diary or take part in therapy or mindfulness practices that enable you to identify recurring themes in your dating history. Reflecting on your emotional triggers and relationship outcomes can reveal underlying patterns and how to avoid them in the future. 

Challenge familiarity

People often mistake familiarity for comfort, which can lead to repeating the same relationship dynamics.

So, before you become emotionally attached to someone new, actively question what draws you to that person – is it a genuine connection or a subconscious repetition of past experiences?

Set clear boundaries

Establishing healthy boundaries can prevent you from falling back into toxic cycles. Learn to say no to behaviours that have caused you pain in previous relationships, and don’t be afraid to speak up. 

Therapy and support

Professional guidance can help you to uncover the deeper issues that are driving your relationship patterns. Accredited Date Coaches can then introduce strategies for developing healthier attachment styles and communication skills.

Re-evaluate your core beliefs

Sometimes, we carry limiting beliefs such as “I don’t deserve better” or “Relationships are always hard and at least I have someone”. By challenging these mindsets, you can open the door to healthier dynamics and better relationships. 

Work with dating professionals 

You don’t have to go on this journey alone. Choosing to work with expert matchmakers can help you to recognise and avoid these damaging patterns and they will guide you and help you manage them in a safe and healthy way. They will get to know you on a deeper level to help you find someone better suited to your wants and needs.

Embracing positive change in future relationships

Does breaking these old patterns mean your dating life will be flawless?

Of course, not. But it does empower you to make better choices and respond to challenges with greater emotional resilience. It also empowers you to walk away from detrimental relationships before they go too far. 

By embracing personal growth and challenging your comfort zone, you create space for healthier relationships built on genuine connections, trust and emotional security.

And don’t be ashamed if this all sounds familiar; experiencing dating déjà vu is common, and it doesn’t have to dictate your romantic future. If you’re ready to break free of old patterns and find the right match, get in touch today with our talented team of matchmakers today.

Dating can be fun and exciting; getting to know new people and feeling those butterflies with each message and each meeting.

But for most people, the end goal is a healthy, long-term relationship built on mutual goals and genuine connections. 

The only way to find long-lasting love like this is to distinguish between your wants and needs in a relationship and take this on board when dating. 

Understanding the difference between the two can help you to build healthier, more fulfilling connections while avoiding unnecessary heartache.

But how do you make sure you get this right? 

Understanding what you need from a relationship

Your needs are the fundamental aspects required for a healthy, happy and long-lasting relationship. They are non-negotiable and essential for your well-being. 

If these needs are not met, the likelihood is that your relationship will be unfulfilling, and it could even be damaging. Some of the most common relationship needs include:

• Emotional support
• Trust and honesty
• Compatibility in core values for major life choices and ambitions
• Mutual effort, communication and commitment 
• Respect 
• Physical and emotional safety

Without these elements, a relationship is less likely to stand the test of time, and you’re more likely to be dissatisfied with your partner and relationship. 

Understanding what you want from a relationship 

Unlike your needs, the things you want from a partner are preferences that may enhance your relationship, but they are not essential for its success. 

Sure, they can contribute to attraction and enjoyment, but they should not override your core needs. Some examples of what you might want include:

• Physical traits and a specific appearance that is attractive to you 
• Similar hobbies and interests
• Financial status
• Social status or popularity

These aspects might be nice to have and can contribute towards a better relationship; however, they do not equal a safe, mutually respectful and successful partnership. They only enhance it if and when your basic needs are being met. 

How to differentiate between the two 

Recognising the difference between your wants and needs can help you make more intentional choices when dating. But, in case you’re unsure how to differentiate between the two, you should:

Reflect on your past relationships

Think about what made you feel truly happy and secure in past relationships and what it was that led to its eventual downfall. For example, were they fit and athletic and shared your love for TV, but there wasn’t healthy communication, and they never listened to you?

If that’s the case, then you need to focus on finding someone who is emotionally available to fulfil your needs. And if they share your love of crime series and playing tennis, well, that’s a bonus! 

Make a list

Take some time to write down what you believe are your absolute needs in a partner versus your ideal preferences. Those you could take or leave, as long as the core needs were being met. 

This list should include your deal breakers. These traits or values would genuinely affect your long-term happiness and well-being. 

Consider growth and adaptability 

Your wants may evolve over time, while your core needs are likely to stay the same. So don’t be afraid to re-evaluate your wants and consider how you’ve grown and changed since your last relationship. 

Seek balance

Finally, while it’s okay to have wants and desires, you should never compromise on your fundamental needs for the sake of fulfilling a want. So, try to get the balance just right. 

Look for someone who is ticking those fundamental boxes first before looking at those more superficial aspects. Of course, we’re not saying that attraction and personal traits aren’t important, but these need to be balanced with your core needs. 

By prioritising what truly matters in this way, you can attract a partner who aligns with your values and leads to a fulfilling, lasting relationship. 

At Ignite Dating, we understand that differentiating between the two can be tricky, which is why we work closely with our clients to understand what they need before matching this with what they want.  

By getting to know you on a deeper level, we can help you to get the balance just right and find the perfect match. So, if you’re ready to get your dating journey off to the best possible start, get in touch with our talented team today.