My Post-Dating Wish for You: Intentional Vulnerability in 2025

Dating in 2025… whoa, right? Honestly, part of me feels like I'm peeking in from the outside because my own dating adventures wrapped up when I stumbled upon the wonderful Ian back in 2023. But as a young woman who very recently navigated that whole dating scene, I can't help but breathe a little sigh of relief on behalf of my single sisters (and brothers!). Because it feels like in 2025, a really cool shift is happening: the rise of intentional vulnerability.

Think about those moments – the endless scroll through dating app profiles, the initial spark of connection, only to land on a first date that feels like a total dead end, leaving you wondering where all that time went. Or maybe you've experienced those early dating stages where you feel like you're both just reading from a script, barely scratching the surface of who you truly are. It's in those moments that you might find yourself wishing for something more, a way to connect authentically on a level that actually feels real. And that's where this idea of intentional vulnerability comes in. Imagine a first date where, instead of the standard 'So, what do you do?', you find yourself asking, 'What's a belief that really anchors you?' or 'What's a dream you're actively chasing right now?' It's not about spilling all your deepest, darkest secrets over coffee, but more about taking a brave step towards being genuinely open, truly honest, and deeply curious about the real person sitting across from you.

And you know me! As I was just rambling about in my last piece (you can catch it right here!), I've always been that classic hopeless romantic. My heart tends to lead the way, which means I'm wired to trust people and see the best in them. Now, while that's a lovely quality in theory, let's be real – it's also paved the way for a few bumps and bruises in my own love life. And I know, I know so many of you have been there too, navigating the complexities of modern dating.

It feels like the dating world can sometimes feel like two completely different planets. On one side, you've got these amazing souls who are genuinely ready for something real, someone to build a committed relationship with, that beautiful commitment. And on the other side? Well, let's just say there's a whole other group who are living their best single lives, swiping with gusto, and the idea of settling down is about as appealing as a root canal.

That's precisely why I'm so excited to dive into this idea of intentional vulnerability – a concept that truly beats at the heart of what The Skin Deep is all about, fostering raw and honest conversations. And honestly, what I really want to do with this article is extend an invitation to you. What if we dared to welcome this intentional vulnerability right into the very early stages of dating? Like, even that nerve-wracking first date!

I can totally vouch for this because it’s the exact path Ian and I stumbled upon. Just a couple of days into knowing each other, we were already having those 'big picture' conversations, discussing our ideal personal plans for the future. We talked about how we envisioned our careers unfolding, the possibility of little humans running around someday (or not!), where we could see ourselves putting down roots – all those incredibly important things that sometimes get swept under the rug in the early, more 'casual' phase of getting to know someone.

And honestly? It was a game-changer in our relationship journey. It meant we weren't wasting precious time dancing around the edges. We were both clear on what we were hoping for and where we were headed individually. And you know what happens when you have that clarity in dating? If your paths don't quite align, you can offer a genuine, loving 'thank you, next!' and move forward with grace and without that lingering feeling of 'what if?'

Now I am happier than I ever thought I could ever be, sitting on the couch writing this article by the side of my husband and best friend playing “Jedi: Survivor” on Xbox and listening to our two baby guinea pigs squeaking with joy while munching on a snack. Might sound boring for some people, but for me it’s freaking PARADISE! This deep connection and authentic relationship is everything.

Maybe it’s time to be more daring in the early stages of dating, {THE AND} can help you navigate these complicated topics without making it feel like you have an agenda or like you’re being “too much” or going “too fast” (I don’t believe in these things clearly lol). The Dating Edition is perfect for those who have already known each other for a bit and are interested in taking their relationship deeper and to a more intimate and future planning level. Strangers Edition is ideal for meeting new people and leaving behind the awkward and boring initial conversation starters! Couples Edition and Long Term Couples were made for those who are already in a committed relationship but still want to explore their relationship with their significant other and dive into unknown depths of their love. And maybe one last suggestion, sometimes friendships turn into romance, so maybe exploring the Friends Edition will make you (or them ;)) realize that you’re perfect for each other, potentially leading to a beautiful love story.

So, as we look ahead to dating in 2025, maybe the most exciting trend isn't some newfangled app or a fleeting dating hack, but rather this conscious embrace of intentional vulnerability. It's about daring to skip the surface-level scripts and inviting genuine connection right from the start. By choosing to be a little more open, a little more honest, and a lot more curious about the person in front of you – whether it's on that first date or somewhere down the relationship road – you're not just saving time; you're opening the door to the kind of deep and authentic connections that truly matter. Just like stumbling into my own unexpected paradise with Ian, embracing intentional vulnerability might just be the key to unlocking your own version of happily ever after in the evolving landscape of modern dating. So, let's be brave, let's be real, and let's make intentional vulnerability the heart of how we connect in 2025 and beyond.

With love, Regina Zuniga
The Skin Deep Digital Content Specialist