With the first bank holiday of the year fast approaching, Bumble has predicted that the ‘Bank Holi-dating’ trend - which sees people use the long weekend to meet up with love interests - is set to be more popular than ever.
Research from the women-first dating app shows that the extended weekend is tipped to see a new movement of ‘double dating’ - but not in the traditional meaning of the phrase. Instead, the research found that people think the best timeframe to go on both a first and second date is within three days. What’s more, almost a quarter (23%) want to see their date again in person even sooner, within 48 hours of the first date.
Not only is ‘double dating’ the best way to get to know someone, but it could also be the way to a long lasting relationship. Bumble’s research revealed that a third (33%) of people lose interest in a potential partner after just four days, meaning there’s no better time to build on a romantic connection than the extended weekend.
The majority of single people are more likely to date on an upcoming bank holiday compared to any other day, with the top reason being that it’s a ‘free day’ with no commitments. Good Friday is tipped to be the busiest for first dates, with 47% planning to meet up with potential partners and over two fifths (41%) hoping to use Easter Monday for a follow up date.
Poor work/life balance has been blamed as one of the top reasons for not meeting a partner - with some saying they’re simply too busy to date. This is compounded by people prioritising seeing their family over dating and the pandemic scuppering chances of dates. However, optimism is high as many believe 2022 will be the year they find love thanks to the additional bank holidays.
Naomi Walkland, Bumble’s VP for Europe, said: “Redefining ‘double dating’ is an exciting shift as people date without restrictions this Spring. At Bumble, we empower people to date on their own terms, whether that means going on multiple dates over the long weekend, or asking someone for a second date whilst still on the first.
“Our research shows that the majority of single people in the UK are being more mindful and intentional in how, and when, they date. This new definition of ‘double dating’ affirms that approach, as we see people investing more time to really understand if there is a meaningful connection.”
