As we ring out the old year and welcome 2024, our thoughts turn to all the opportunities the new year can bring. As a leap year, we already know one thing next year has in store: an extra day! While February 29th may not be the best date for a birthday, years that contain a leap day are often seen as special and can be seen as a time to be bold, especially when it comes to love. So whether you’re making a fresh start or a fresh start when it comes to online dating, you’ve picked the perfect time to make the most of all that Christian Connection has to offer and jump into love!
Get your profile ready and start sending some messages, waves and likes and check out our handy tips to make the leap to love in 2024.
Freshen up your photos
It’s important to choose a photo that makes you feel good about yourself. Studies have repeatedly shown that people who smile in their profile pictures get the best response, and that using a photo of yourself having a good time will help others feel good about you.
Equally important, choose a picture where you look like yourself. It can be tempting to use filters or old images, but you’re more likely to find a real connection with a real photo. Show who you are and you’ll find people who think you’re perfect that way.
If you think you don’t look good in photos, think again and check out our tips from a professional photographer here.
Personalize your profile
Whether you’re creating a profile from scratch or updating an old one, the new year is a new opportunity to think about what you want others to know about you. Remove anything that is outdated and share the quirky or unique parts of your personality. Sometimes it’s your audience that matters and sometimes opposites attract, but our members often share how the little details in their partner’s profiles are what brought them together.
Remember to approach your profile with a positive mindset. Ask a friend to describe to you if you are shy when talking about yourself. Share the qualities you would like to find in a partner, but don’t dwell on the negatives. This is a great time to let go of past bad experiences and focus on the future.
If you’re still not sure what to write, we’ve got a guide to perfecting your profile here.
Overcome skepticism and open your heart
Maybe you’ve never thought that online dating is right for you, or you’ve tried it in the past and didn’t see the results you were hoping for. Maybe you just didn’t see anyone who looked perfect. It might surprise you that we hear this a lot – from couples who met through the site!
Alex, Jane and their children
Several Christian Connection success stories felt skeptical at first. In fact, Jane told us she “would never have thought of dating online” before a friend encouraged her to join. She is now celebrating twenty years of marriage with Alex, whom she met through the site.
Nathan had also ‘sworn off online dating’ and neither he nor his soon-to-be partner Ana were looking for a long-distance relationship, but against all odds, once they started chatting, everything fell into place.
Many of Christian Connection’s couples have found success after opening up to the possibilities of online dating and meeting new people who may not be exactly what they expected.
Make the first move
According to a tradition said to date back to Saint Brigid and Saint Patrick in fifth-century Ireland, leap years are famous for their unexpected proposals, so why not take inspiration from the date and reach out to someone you fancy?
We know that being the first to say hello can make people nervous. Some of our successful couples have told us that they felt too intimidated to text at first! Fortunately, Christian Connection has so many ways to contact you that you’re sure to find one that’s a perfect fit. You can send a like or wave directly from someone’s profile or send one of our new profile reactions. These allow you to show exactly what caught your eye.
However, our feedback shows that messaging is still the most popular way to connect. A short, friendly message saying what you liked about the other person’s profile or asking a question can be a great way to spark conversation. Why not read our guide to creating a great first message, then be brave and send one today!
New year, new ideas!
Coffee together is the traditional “first meeting” for online daters. It’s a busy, safe space and the perfect place to have a friendly chat as a prelude to a date.
After you’ve had your coffee, though, it’s time to start thinking of some fresh ideas for your first dates! Don’t just stick to the old standards. Get to know each other and find an activity that matches your mutual interests. This could be seeing a local museum or going hiking! Choose a place where you and your partner can talk (and not the actors on the big screen) and where there is a lot to talk about.
No matter what mood you’re in, there will be something fun to do. We’ve got some great ideas for dynamic dates and relaxing ones, too.
Other suggestions might include: an artisan market for foodies or craft enthusiasts, classic car shows, tennis or badminton for the sportier couple, or if you live far away, you can choose a city between your locations and spend the day exploring. This is a great opportunity to connect over your shared interests – read about some CC couples who did just that here!
Trust God’s perfect timing
Each new year offers an opportunity to focus on spiritual growth. Here at Christian Connection, we hope to help single Christians find a companion for their journey of faith, knowing that we are always surrounded by God’s abiding love. This leap year, have patience and trust in God’s purpose.
Our blogger Urenna wrote about trusting God to guide you while being proactive about online dating here and you might also be inspired by her suggestions for building a spiritual practice in your new relationship.
As Christians seeking love, let this extra day this year inspire you to leap into the possibilities God has woven into the fabric of this special year. Be bold when it comes to trying something new. Trust His timing, celebrate the special moments and open your heart to the love that may be waiting around the corner: “Look, I’m doing something new! Now it pops up; don’t you get it? I make a way in the wilderness and streams in the wilderness.’ – Isaiah 43:19
Happy New Year from all of us at Christian Connection. Make the most of this busy time and we look forward to seeing what the new year brings.
How do you plan to ‘jump into love’ in 2024?
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