Will 2026 be the year to find your one true love? Maybe. Or maybe not. The year-in, year-out cycle of eligible partners can feel unhopeful at times but for the most part we persevere. No matter how many failed second dates, or ghosted texts, we always find the courage to put ourselves out there again. The thought of another year of dating can seem daunting so a dating resolution could be the solution.

What does the New Year entail for your love life? You might feel the need to put yourself first with some good old-fashioned self-love. Sick of dating other people? Why not date yourself this year. You never know, it could heal your January blues. Whether you date new people or old ones, I don’t judge. If you’re searching to find some casual fun, or a long-term relationship, you will always find those blaring red flags. So, if you are braving the dating scene this new year, red flags should be left behind in 2025.

When it comes to relationships, you want to stay clear of any red flags. No matter how subtle or obvious. Red flags ring alarm bells for potential trouble in the future. In most cases, this indicates that the person isn’t someone who is right for you. So, don’t forget to be on the lookout. This New Year, wasting our time is out and prioritising yourself is most definitely in. Now you may be thinking: “What exactly am I looking out for here?” Well, I’ve got you! Red flags can come in all different shapes and sizes, and not everyone agrees, so it’s important to know and trust yourself when it comes down to it.

Some common red flags, or icks, that many of my friends have encountered are…

• Being glued to their phone during evening drinks.
• Being too indecisive to even pull a date together.
• Talking negatively about their ex.

It might seem trivial, but issues in a relationship do not start out big. They hide in the little nit-picks that tell your gut, “This person is not the one!”. From what could start out as checking their phone every five minutes, could evolve into feeling detached, and dismissed on a regular basis.

While you are looking out for red flags, you might start seeing green instead. Green flags are a positive sign that you have found a healthy connection with someone. Some green flags should be expected in someone who seems truly engaged and responsive in conversation. It is important when dating someone that they listen to what you have to say. Because you are worth getting to know, and they should know that. Others have found themselves wondering: “what are we?”, bordering into ‘situationship territory’. That is when actions are sometimes much louder than words. A good example is when you’re on a date, and they already want to plan the next. It shows eagerness and never leaves you questioning their true intentions.

“Green flags are a positive sign that you have found a healthy connection with someone.”

What is a good dating resolution for 2026? There is no ‘one fits all solution’ for everybody. As what you need for the New Year, will not be same for the rest. It is important to remember that dating can be fun, exciting and just a good story to tell at the end of the day. It is crucial to put yourself first, whilst doing what makes you feel your ultimate best! Take yourself out for a solo date and treat yourself how you want to be treated.

Personally, I think something that we need to change in 2026, and leave in 2025, is dating apps! A controversial opinion to some. I don’t think we should forget the apps completely. It’s a brilliant way to meet new people and plenty of us have found love through them. However, an app cleanse is something that could benefit you if you find yourself in a dating rut. Nowadays, meeting someone organically has started to feel completely alien. But maybe it’s not completely out of reach…

2026 could be your year to be that little bit braver. To walk up to that someone you fancy in your lecture, talk to that person at the party, or ask a question to the person sitting next to you. Is this the year to start taking more risks? What’s the worst that could happen?

Words by Ava Venter

Featured image courtesy of Zachary Keimig on Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.