AGE GAP RELATIONSHIPS

8 Ways to Bridge the Age Gap in Your Relationship

Are you entering a new relationship? With a large age gap difference? As people say, ‘it’s just a number’, but being in an age gap relationship does come with a few difficulties compared to other couples. However, if it’s true love, nothing will get in your way. Some studies relationship satisfaction reported by age-gap couples is higher! 

Does Age difference in relationships matter?

Romantic couples with a large age gap often raise eyebrows. Studies have found partners with more than a ten-year gap in age experience social disapproval. But when it comes to our own relationships, both men and women prefer someone their own age but are open to an age gap of 10-15 years.

There is a variation across cultures in the size of the difference in age-gap couples. all cultures demonstrate the age-gap couple phenomenon. In some non-Western countries, the average age gap is much larger than in Western countries. 

Things to consider in an age difference relationship.

When you’re in an age gap relationship, your insecurities, and even flaws, can bring a whole host of issues to the table. Things that you wouldn’t usually think twice about, may start taking over your thoughts. Did you act too immature? Or are you going too fast?

The most important opinions on your relationship are your own. Both of you must be careful not to let outsiders influence how you may feel about or treat each other. However, for your relationship to work, it does mean that you both need to find a happy medium with your friends and family. 

A factor that does impact the outcomes of age-gap couples is their perceptions of social disapproval. If one partner believes their family, friends and wider community disapprove of their union, then relationship commitment decreases and the risk of break-up increases. Unfortunately. 

Your social lives may not merge as easily as you think but give it time and don’t expect that either one of you should give up your friends and family for the relationship to work. This will eventually make one or both of you feel resentful.

It’s hard. We like to believe that we don’t care what others think but it’s usually not true. 

You need to be united though for the relationship to thrive!

If you’re older, don’t assume you know best or patronise your partner, and if you’re younger, don’t forget that you have a voice, they don’t know best, but don’t turn to childish characteristics. It is key that the relationship strikes a balance and that you don’t slip into a parent/child relationship. 

The power dynamic.

With age-gap relationships, a common mistake is to assume the age difference is the only power dynamic at play or that it’s the most important one and associated with either a desire to control or a need for security. 

Even if relationships are ostensibly equal, there’s always a power dynamic to consider. They may be almost imperceptible, but imbalances exist, whether it’s the ability to stay rational amid chaos or big ones such as class, wealth, life experiences, education, or emotional maturity. 

Relationships work best when they are mutually beneficial… 

Don’t force your relationship on them.

Let them see how well your relationship is working and involve them in your life. Only those who don’t truly care for your happiness will struggle to support you and your relationship. Be careful of being paranoid and making assumptions about your friends and family’s opinions that aren’t real!

Age Preferences Are Embedded Into Our Mating Psychology.

Evolutionary psychology is based on the premise that the human mind has evolved adaptive strategies to support reproduction and survival (Buss, 2016). 

Ancestrally, women benefited by seeking men who have the status and resources to support their child-rearing and the willingness to do so. These traits are tied to older men. 

Men, meanwhile, have evolved a preference for younger women because their youth is a signal for fertility, and over eons and eons, men have better reproductive success when they partner with women who can bear children. Therefore, larger age gap relationships tend to be this way round.

But, age is just a number, right? If you’re happy, go for it!

SHOULD YOU RELOCATE FOR A RELATIONSHIP?

18 Signs You're Ready to Move In Together | Glamour

Should you move to a new town, county or even a new country, for the sake of a relationship? Keep reading to find out whether you should relocate for a relationship!

While long distance relationships are possible, most people would prefer to live close to one another. Or together!

However, relocating somewhere new is a big decision and you need to consider what you’re moving for and what you’ll be giving up. Below are Unified Dating’s suggestions to help you further decide whether relocating is a good idea! 

How far will you be moving?

There’s a massive difference between moving to a new town a few miles away and moving half-way across the world!

 Moving further away means moving further away from home – which could make keeping contact with friends and relatives harder. There will also be greater cultural changes the further you move away. 

Generally, you shouldn’t move too far away unless you really know a person, which leads to the next point…

How well do you know each other?

You should never relocate far away to be someone you barely know. If you’ve only talked online, go take the step to meet in person first. Ideally for over a month so that you can really get to know them. Wait to get to know your partner better before deciding whether you should relocate for a relationship!

If you’re already in a long and steady relationship and you’re currently living together, relocating together is not so much of a leap. And won’t feel as scary either.

If you know your partner inside-out and feel that this is causing things to get stale, moving away together could in fact be just what is needed to spice things up! It could even be a way of learning more about each other so that you can keep building on your relationship. 

Are there any deal breakers in the relationship?

If you’re making any huge life decision together, you should be at the point in your relationship that there are no deal breakers.

This means that no amount of dirty towels on the floor, messy dishes in the sink, or future fights would be enough to break you up. You’ve seen each other at your worst, yet you still feel fully committed to each other! 

This is why we would recommend living with your partner for a while before relocating with them.

Is it a temporary or permanent move?

You should consider whether it’s likely to be a temporary move or a permanent move. 

If your partner wants to move away for a few months for a work project or to look after a sick relative, you may have the option to stay at home and maintain a long-distance relationship. Alternatively, it could be exciting to move away for a few months without the worry of a permanent move (of course only if you work from home or your boss is okay with it!). 

Are you both in a good financial situation?

This is one of the most important aspects of the topic. Unfortunately money is always a main issue so whether you should relocate for a relationship or not, really does depend if you can afford it.

Strategize your own financial situation, and since moving is expensive, figure out if you can comfortably afford it on your own. You should then have a discussion with your partner about their finances. What if you don’t find a job for six months or even a year, can they cover the whole rent? And what about groceries and so on… 

Would you enjoy living in the city you’re moving to?

Can you see your new town or city as your home?

You should think of all the factors that go into the new place you’ll be living. It’s likely you will be far away from your family and friends. 

Yes, a relationship requires sacrifice at times, but if you are never going to feel completely happy and at home in your new place, then you and your partner should make a compromise to find a city you both can live in.

If things don’t work out, what’s your backup plan?

And finally… the question that you don’t want to think about. What happens if you break up? 

Even if there are no more deal breakers and your relationship is serious, the logical thinker knows there is always the chance it might not work out.

You should always have a backup plan, or at least think about what you would do if you and your partner broke up.

Would you keep the job you get and continue pursuing your career in the city you moved to, or would you quit and move back home? Make sure you have a plan you feel comfortable with before you make the move.

And it’s perfectly okay to change your mind/ back up plan at a later date!

Whether you should relocate for a relationship or not, if completely up to you and whether you feel comfortable doing so. Just make sure to think through our suggestions before taking a massive leap!

HARNESSING NEW HABITS FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

Kalpvriksh Guru on Twitter: "Let us leave our unending desires for  materialistic gains and selfish prayers and focus towards progress in life  by helping others with love and care. #MondayMotivaton…  https://t.co/KHbdRp3vWv"

Habit. We all know the word, but what does it really mean and why are habits important? Habits are one of the fundamental components of living your best life. Good habits can foster a positive mindset and can be the key to understanding how to change something in your life, both physically and mentally. Harnessing new habits fro positive change is completely possible! Continue reading this article for top tips for harnessing new habits. 

Every day, habit drives us to do what we do. Whether it’s a pattern of thoughts or behaviour. But how can you harness the power of your habits for the better? 

When you have a foundation of good habits, you’re setting yourself up for a full, healthy, and successful life.

Here are Unified Dating’s steps to changing your habits that really can change your life.

Identify your Key Habit and focus on it.

The key habit is different for everyone, and it may take a few sessions of deep thinking to pinpoint exactly what that habit is. Whichever habit you’re working on, pick one at a time. More than one at a time will be overwhelming and will increase your likelihood of failing to improve any habits. Identify your current routine and the reward you get from it.

Take time to identify you’re your routine – the good parts, and bad. It’s important to understand what you are currently doing wrong. But it’s equally important to reward yourself for the good habits you have adopted in your daily routine.

Consider the challenges.

Challenges are often cues that push you to fall back into old habits. These challenges will not magically disappear, so you need to take them into account. Before you start your new habit so that you are 100% prepared beforehand

Don’t let the presence of challenges or worry that new challenges will come up in the future. This may stop you from establishing your new habits.

Plan your new routine and pinpoint the reward.

Old habits never disappear; they are simply replaced with new habits. In the example of getting to the office earlier, the new routine involves leaving the house a half hour earlier. 

Set up a 30-day challenge.

Many studies show that habits, when performed daily, can become part of your routine in as  little as 21 days. So set a start date and launch your plan of action for a trial 30-day period. You can plan your reward for each 30 days until it becomes second nature.

Power through any setbacks.

Sometimes life can just get in the way of new goals. If something sways you from your challenge, the best course of action is to evaluate the situation and see how you can get around, over, or through that obstacle. 

Hold yourself publicly accountable.

Your support network is the most valuable tool you will ever have access to.

Make sure the people around you are aware of your challenge. As well as a great support system, it will make you more likely to achieve your habit. 

Why not ask a friend to act as your personal mentor?! They can check you are executing the habit, especially during the critical first 30 days!

Harnessing new habits for positive change will help you become a better person and can even help your relationships!

Summer Date Ideas in London

London's top rooftop spaces for summer events

It doesn’t matter if you’re meeting someone for the first time or have been married for years, we should all go on more dates, right?! Dating allows you to spend precious time with your other half and get to know someone And while a cosy night on the sofa is perfectly fine some evenings, sometimes we have to get out and try new things. Keep reading for Unified Dating’s top summer date ideas in London!

We all want to show our dates our best side: spontaneous, fun to be with and creative! So why not be the one to come up with a great date idea?

In crazy and hectic city like London, picking the right activity for your date can be daunting. Which is why we have complied out favourite things to do on a date in London. Some are unusual and quirky, and others just romantic classics. Impress your date with your dance moves at the roller disco or escape to fantastic worlds with a VR experience, it’s time to sort the next date night. 

Coronavirus and the lockdown might have kept us inside for longer than some have hoped, but the urge to do things has only gotten stronger. And now with the restrictions all lifted (hopefully permanently!), plus the amazing weather, we all need to make the most out of it and get back in the swing of date nights!

Kayak to CRATE Brewery.

Paddle through London’s oldest canal from Limehouse to Crate Brewery’s bar on the water’s edge in Hackney Wick. A true urban adventure.

Although remember to bring some waterproof clothes for this adventure in case you get splashed along the way!

Go on a Picnic.

Stock a Picnic Basket at one of London’s food markets and then go on a picnic! This is a great opportunity to learn about each other’s food preferences and tastes. And it also offers many of conversation starters when you are strolling around your chosen food market!

Chat over a world-class coffee.

If there’s one thing London knows how to do, it’s a delicious cup of coffee. And having a chilled chat over a latte is a great relaxed option for a first date. Pus, it doesn’t have to be too long. Some of our favourites include Monmouth Coffee Company  and Ozone Coffee.

Soak In Atmospheric, Candlelit Baths.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to bathe the outside of your body in red wine, then we’ve got good news for you.

Because AIRE Ancient Baths has come to London.

Next-Level Gaming Bar.

Platform in Shoreditch is London’s first dedicated video game and e-sports bar and restaurant. It is the perfect spot for a quirky date! Even if you are not a gamer! Promising fun activities, great pizza and a bar loaded with drinks, it’s a sure winner.

Try your hands at a Pottery Class

Now for something completely different. There’s something of a pottery craze sweeping the capital this summer. Perhaps as a push to be more sustainable means we want more handmade, unique, less mass-produced items in our homes. 

But be ready to get a little messy!

Retro Arcading.

Mix up your date night with Queens. Not only can you have a romantic meal of MEATliquor food and coctials, but you can also challenge your date to a game of bowling or an arcade game!

Head to a rooftop venue for the great views.

Nothing says ‘romantic date’ like a rooftop bar or restaurant with sprawling views over the city. Take your pick from the hundreds, probably thousands of rooftop bars in London.

Have some laughs at comedy night.

Laughter is key for a good first date, so why not book in to one of the capital’s excellent comedy nights? 

For example, Comedy Fridays at Boulevard Theatre alternate between female-led improv ‘The Yes Queens’ and ‘unruly mixed bill comedy’ in the Late Night Scene.

Have an unusual film experience at Backyard Cinema.

Backyard Cinema specialises in experiential film screenings in quirky settings. We’re talking about sitting down to watch Romeo and Juliet (1996) in Highbury’s Union Chapel, decorated with neon crucifixes, enjoying its soundtrack backed by a live choir. Perfect, right?!

There are plenty of Summer Date Ideas in London to choose from! Comment below if you have any other recommendations!

Surprising Online Dating Statistics

How to Use Online Dating Apps Safely

When the first dating site launched, back in the 1990’s, single people didn’t really know what a dating site was or if it could actually work. So signing up was truly pioneering the unknown! Thankfully, we’ve now learned a lot since then and now there is much more information and research into the trends and success rates of online dating. We guarantee that there are there are many surprising online dating statistics and that will shock you!

The numbers show that online dating can work! And it’s rapidly becoming the new normal for singles, both young and old. But you don’t have to take our word for it. We’ve collected stats from the top researchers, polling institutes, and dating services to give you all an idea of what online dating is all about.

The following online dating stats are must-know information for anyone considering creating an online dating profile and seeking romance online. 

Millennials Swipe for 10 Hours a Week on Average

It’s no secret that consumers tend to log a lot of screen time throughout the day, and younger people tend to spend more time on their phones than average screen time. As millennials enter their 30s, they have increasingly turned to online dating for entertainment as much as self-improvement.

A Badoo study of online dating users under 30 found a high level of engagement and return visits. People in this age group spent about 10 hours per week swiping on the dating app. The average dating app session lasted 9.7 minutes for single men and 7.6 minutes for single women.

LGBTQ+ Singles are More Likely to Meet a Partner Online

The Pew Research Centre followed up with daters to see how successful their online dating experience is, and the results are fairly encouraging, especially for a single person in the LGBTQ+ community.

The most recent survey reported that among those surveyed 11% of straight singles and 21% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual singles have met a long-term partner on a dating website or app.

Average Hours Spent

Did you know that the average tinder user spends about 90 minutes on the app per day? On average women spend 8.5 minutes per session, while men spend 7.2!

The Lies that come with Online Dating

Did you know that 81% of people lie about their ehight, weight or age in their online dating profiles?!

This phenomenon was observed in a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The researchers weighed and measured subjects in addition to checking their driver’s licenses for their actual ages, then looked at their subjects’ online dating profiles. Height is also often exaggerated by at least two inches!

Women tended to claim that they were 8.5 pounds lighter than they actually were. Men lied by less, only two pounds, but rounded up their height by a half inch more often. People lied the least when it came to age.

People who have the word ‘Love’ in their profiles are more likely to find Love!

In 2014, dating site, PlentyofFish, conducted a study in which scientists examined word choice in all 1.2 million dating profiles on the site. Researchers also discovered that men benefited from using the words “heart,” “children,” “romantic,” and “relationship” on their profiles.

Today, people are time-poor, and we rely on our digital devices to help us manage our schedules, our busy lives, and how we interact with others. Digital devices act as a window to the rest of the world, including our relationships. Despite these surprising online dating statistics, if you take precautions and keep your expectations within limits, there is no reason why you can’t find the love of your life the next time you swipe right!

THE EVOLUTION OF DATING

The history of dating- and secrets to find The One | Express.co.uk

Online dating is now a billion dollar industry, but how did the online dating world actually come about? Let’s have a look at the evolution of dating.

Online dating has transformed from a last-ditch effort for the desperate to a serious contender in the search for love. I think we can all name a couple who met on a website or app.

In this blog we look through the evolution of dating through to the digital era…

1600s

Personal advertisements began to appear in newspapers in the 17th century, melding matchmaking with media for the first time. These ads were often for single men who were of the appropriate years for bachelorhood.

1700s

Matrimonial agencies and ads remained big business in Britain into the 18th century. Newspaper’s were also one of the only ways for gay men and women to meet discreetly and safely when homosexuality was illegal.

1800s

Personal ads got their first taste of mainstream success in the 1800s, when Europe’s aristocrats used them to engage in scandalous romantic entanglements. The rest of the public caught on by the mid-1800s. By the end of the century, con artists realised they had perfect victims in vulnerable singles searching for love. The dating scam was born.

1900s

In the fall of 1965,  2 Harvard students used an IBM 1401 computer to create the very first computer-based matchmaking service in the United States.

Inspired by the paltry dating scene of post-war academia, the men built a 75 question survey for love-hungry applicants to fill out. Singles would mail in their questionnaires and receive a list of computer-generated matches in return.

By 1966, Operation Match claimed to have 90,000 people using their services!

Dating sites were officially invented in 1995 by Andrew Conru. He enabled people to find and introduce themselves to prospective links over the internet. The site allowed you to become a member by creating a profile and uploading personal information such as age, gender, location, and sex.

2000s

We have now got to the point of having niche dating sites, such as farmers only sites. It caters to rural dwellers, particularly farmers. The majority of people using this app tend to marry within their professions as from its name, such as oagricultural owners, livestock owners, and ranchers.

In 2013, Tinder revolutionised the online dating industry with a simple system, swipe right if interested, left if not. Instead of having a matchmaker rifle through thousands of profiles to find someone unique, users could decide whether they liked someone based off a few photos. 

In comparison to the services which had come before, Tinder made dating simple, but it also, as studies have found, made it less about lasting connections and relationships and more about casual hook-ups and cheesy openers. 

What does the future have in store for tech-savvy singles? Revenue in the Online Dating segment is projected to reach US$3,241m in 2021.

Experts predict it could be video, or virtual reality, or artificial intelligence, or DNA matching. Whatever it is, two things are certain: it’s bound to be big business, and there’s no tool humans won’t try if it means finding the connection we crave deeply!

Try out Unified Dating’s dating events today!

The Future of Dating Post Pandemic

Spring is here, vaccines are making their way into people’s immune systems, and singles are beginning to go out on dates! However, what will the future of dating post pandemic look like?

While the prospect of dating like “normal” is exciting, it can also result in FODA, or fear of dating again.

One of the biggest shifts, we’ve seen over the last year is how we work. We’ve gone completely remote, meetings have moved online and we are now used to working from our home office’s… or bed!

Socialising and, more specifically, dating have also gone though quite a transformation over the last year. The way we have been able to connect has completely changed. I mean, how can you meaningfully date when you’re stuck indoors during a pandemic?

Back in March 2020, when lockdown first hit and we found ourselves inhabiting a strange, new way of existing, we might have assumed that the pandemic would put dating on hold. That was not the case.

With an increase in use of dating apps and dating event companies like Unified Dating, people have still made the effort to connect with other like-minded singles. In April 2020, messaging on Tinder increased globally by 52% since the start of March. UK Hinge also reported that almost half of their users had been on a video date since the new function launched last summer.

Even people that did not consider themselves to be ‘tech-savvy’, increasing become more active online and interested in online dating. Those who adopted digital-first mindsets throughout the pandemic were eager to find love in new ways.

Dating during the pandemic has soared!

So what, does the future of online dating look like now?

While the use of online dating has endured, the real growth is yet to come. As dating hotspots open their doors once more, meetups will be the first priority, giving opportunity for brands to promote businesses and activities for couples.

It seems likely that many people will continue to choose online dating, rather than face to face. In particular, young people that have not yet had the vaccine. 

But for those who will choose to meet up in person, being able to trust your date now underpins everything.

When you’re dating, it’s always important to work out your boundaries and dealbreakers and let your date know what these are, as you need to. It has been very important to set boundaries for your dates since the first. 

These boundaries may have rolled back or pushed forward depending on infection rates, Tier systems etc. but they should always be there.

Here are some boundaries you may want to talk to your date about before meeting up:

taking regular Covid-tests (especially before meeting)

  • agreeing to be physically exclusive with your date after a certain period of time
  • a period of quarantining before forming a ‘social bubble’
  • choosing to social distance on dates or to spend all of your time outdoors.
  • wearing a mask at times… yes you can still date whilst wearing a mask!

Researchers found that those who had indicated they felt more vulnerable to disease consistently displayed much lower levels of interest in their prospective dates, but it is still possible to date in the post-pandemic world! 

Unified Dating offer online and offline events so you can choose whichever makes you feel more comfortable. 

Signs He’s Boyfriend Material

Date eligible erotics via renowned RedHot Dateline chat line

Whether you’re on date 1, 5, or 20 these tell-tale signs prove he’s worthy of something more serious! Here are Unified Dating’s top signs he’s boyfriend material:

He’s A Nice Guy

I think deep down you can always tell if someone is a nice person or not. If you’re constantly hoping that he is going to change or do something for you… he probably isn’t the one for you. A nice guy will care about your feelings, be interested in spending time with you, and be courteous. 

His Values Are Similar To Yours

There probably aren’t two people anywhere on earth with all the same values. You can’t expect to agree on what’s most important every time. And, you can often work out a compromise if your values conflict in small ways. However, if your values are too far apart, you’ll always be at odds with each other. He isn’t boyfriend material for you if you can’t agree on the basics, right?!

Being Reliable And On-Time

When he says he’ll meet you at 7 p.m. he’s there on time. And, after your third date when you left your keys in the cab, he comes over to sit with you outside your apartment until the locksmith comes.

He Knows How To Make You Laugh

Every woman wants a boyfriend with a good sense of humour. A hilarious guy brings a special kind of joy into your life. Maybe he tells humorous stories or jokes. Perhaps he has a way of helping you see the silly side of life. 

When you’re with someone like that, being in a good mood really does come naturally.

When You Share Good News, He’s Just As Excited About It As You Are

When something wonderful happens to you, you want to tell everyone you see. Unfortunately, not everyone will care that you aced your finals, got a promotion at work, or just brought home the most adorable puppy. But, when you find a man who cares for you so much that your every joy excites him, you’ve found a real prize.

You Can Imagine A Future With Him

While it’s beautiful to live your life in the present moment, it also makes sense to consider what’s coming next. Take a moment to imagine what your life will be like a few years from now. If you see a future where you can be happy with him, he might just be the guy for you.

You Feel Comfortable Introducing Him To Your Friend’s and Family

Knowing that your other half will get along with your loved ones can be such a relief. No more awkwardness or excuses for getting out of family reunions and pub nights

You Feel Comfortable Around Him 

This is one of the most important signs. You don’t have pretend to be more or less of what you actually are. You will feel like you can tell him anything and he won’t judge or make you feel bad about yourself. 

You also need to ensure you feel comfortable with being in his presence. You feel safe and know that he will protect you, even when you first meet!

Whether you’re on date 1, 5, or 20 these tell-tale signs prove he’s worthy of something more serious!

He’s A Nice Guy

I think deep down you can always tell if someone is a nice person or not. If you’re constantly hoping that he is going to change or do something for you… he probably isn’t the one for you. A nice guy will care about your feelings, be interested in spending time with you, and be courteous. 

His Values Are Similar To Yours

There probably aren’t two people anywhere on earth with all the same values. You can’t expect to agree on what’s most important every time. And, you can often work out a compromise if your values conflict in small ways. However, if your values are too far apart, you’ll always be at odds with each other. He isn’t boyfriend material for you if you can’t agree on the basics, right?!

Being Reliable And On-Time

When he says he’ll meet you at 7 p.m. he’s there on time. And, after your third date when you left your keys in the cab, he comes over to sit with you outside your apartment until the locksmith comes.

He Knows How To Make You Laugh

Every woman wants a boyfriend with a good sense of humour. A hilarious guy brings a special kind of joy into your life. Maybe he tells humorous stories or jokes. Perhaps he has a way of helping you see the silly side of life. 

When you’re with someone like that, being in a good mood really does come naturally.

When You Share Good News, He’s Just As Excited About It As You Are

When something wonderful happens to you, you want to tell everyone you see. Unfortunately, not everyone will care that you aced your finals, got a promotion at work, or just brought home the most adorable puppy. But, when you find a man who cares for you so much that your every joy excites him, you’ve found a real prize.

You Can Imagine A Future With Him

While it’s beautiful to live your life in the present moment, it also makes sense to consider what’s coming next. Take a moment to imagine what your life will be like a few years from now. If you see a future where you can be happy with him, he might just be the guy for you.

You Feel Comfortable Introducing Him To Your Friend’s and Family

Knowing that your other half will get along with your loved ones can be such a relief. No more awkwardness or excuses for getting out of family reunions and pub nights

You Feel Comfortable Around Him. 

This is one of the most important signs the guy you’re seeing is boyfriend material. You don’t have pretend to be more or less of what you actually are. You will feel like you can tell him anything and he won’t judge or make you feel bad about yourself. 

You also need to ensure you feel comfortable with being in his presence. You feel safe and know that he will protect you, even when you first meet!

Make sure to look out for these Signs He’s Boyfriend Material and stay safe!