Dating in the New Year: why it's the best time to start

Despite the fireworks and festivities of New Year's Eve, it is a night that usually brings anti-climactic celebrations and early onset hangovers rather than the fresh new year that we expect. There's less sun, more work and all the fun holidays are behind us. Pessimistic perhaps, but let's be realistic: January is pretty bleak overall...

This is part of the reason why January is the most popular time for online dating. Other factors include that one nagging aunt who will forget your birthday year after year but somehow remembers to ask why you're still single at every family gathering.

One study shows that from December 26th to February 14th there is up to a 30% increase in new member registrations on dating sites, with the biggest peak occurring on January 2nd. 

Another study indicates that the first Sunday in January is the main day for new sign ups online. Considering the inevitable two day hangover following New Year's Eve, this seems like a pretty accurate representation of when the resolutions actually kick in.

And yes, that's another reason for the increase in online dating: on New Year's many people resolve to find a partner in the coming 365 days. Psychologist Dr. Wiebke Neberich explains that, 

"during the holiday, singles get a chance to truly consider their private lives. This motivation is reinforced by Christmas, which, in celebrating love and the family, rekindles people's interest in finding a solid partnership."

And that's a fair point: for some, the holiday season can be a never-ending relationship status reminder. 

But why else do we start dating in the New Year?

For one, the onset of 2016 doesn't just bring resolutions: it brings a sharp reminder that time passes quickly. Thinking back over the years and sharing memories with family and friends can make us acutely aware of having no one to kiss at midnight; especially if that's been the case for a few years in a row. It can be tough to notice time passing while your singledom remains intact. This can inspire many people to take the plunge and look for love online.

Moreover, as January brings ever more biting wind and rain, people are more inclined to stay indoors. When you're snuggled at home by the fire, it's certainly more appealing to try and find a partner online than it is to venture out to where there may well not even be any potential suitors.

So with all the facts stacking up in your online-dating-success favour, what are you waiting for? We can't all be Keira Knightly, with surplus and unsolicited love interests knocking on our doors. Get online, eliminate any unwanted and creepy advances, and find the future Mr/Mrs YOU today. Everyone else is doing it at this time of year. Think of it as the one time it's worth succumbing to peer pressure.
Good luck, and Happy New Year!

Sources:
http://www.today.com/money/looking-love-new-year-online-dating-peaks-january-1B7827269
http://magazine.foxnews.com/love/why-new-years-best-time-start-online-dating
http://www.datingadviceguy.com/2011/12/26/new-years-resolutions-and-online-dating/