Practice dates: should you swipe right on people you’re not attracted to?

Practice dates are a 2026 concept. They take place wherever dates happen these days: the pub, a cafe, a walk in the park. But they’re being talked about on social media. The idea grew out of dating apps, high expectations, dating burnout, fatigue and the disappointment that it leads to — and loneliness.

The great thing about practice dating is that it really doesn’t matter, because you’re not necessarily going on these dates thinking they’re going to be the one; it’s more about thinking they’re going to be, well, anyone.

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