Is stack dating your key to finding the one?

There's no denying that dating in 2024 can be exhausting, and the time investment required before actually going on a date can be taxing. After spending what feels like an eternity at work, I barely have the energy for cohesive thoughts, let alone real conversations. And that's not even the most tiring part. From planning romantic outings to coordinating schedules and choosing the right outfit, the prelude to a date seems like an endless chore. Imagine putting in all that effort for a date and it (often) doesn’t even go well!

Now I'm not one to discourage the concept of a nice evening out with a potential romantic interest. But the new trend called stack dating offers a more practical alternative, requiring less time investment while expanding the opportunity to meet numerous people or go on dates. Sounds like a dream? Let me break it down for you.

So what is stack dating? It basically involves going on multiple dates on the same day with different people, rather than committing to a lengthy meeting with just one person. The trend has gained widespread popularity thanks to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which influenced many people to try it.

Many people on the internet are happy about the fact that they can use a free day to meet so many people, and thus, save time in the long run. However, many also contend that stack dating jeopardises the essence of romance. It can be a fun thing to try out, tbh. But if you're really looking to make something out of stack dating, it's best to weigh the pros and cons because there are both! 

I pulled a Ross (Friends) and listed down the pros and cons below. You can thank me later!

Pros

You will save time

The most obvious pro is that you'll save time. You can use all that time to meet your loved ones, pursue your hobbies, or more realistically speaking, lie on your bed binge-watching the latest season of Bridgerton.

Higher chances of meeting your ideal partner 

The faster you cut through the options, the sooner you end up meeting someone you truly connect with. It's about going Marie Kondo on a caffeine high at the dating pool! 

You will save a few ‘what to wear’ spirals 

We all love getting ready for a date (or pretty much any event, tbh!), but the number of times we can do that without feeling like we’d rather embrace the homeless chic look is limited. So, what do we do? We line up multiple dates on a single day: dinner with one, drinks with another, all wrapped up with one outfit and a single make-up session. Just the thought of this is making our collective libidos spike!

Takes pressure off

You're not committing your entire evening to one person and neither are they. This takes the pressure off because even if the date is like watching grass grow, you know it will end soon. With the pressure off, you are more likely to be yourself. It also makes sure you take time to invest emotionally, and not keep all your eggs in the same basket. 

Helps you become a pro dater 

Engaging in multiple dates exposes you to various communication styles and personalities, ultimately boosting your confidence in navigating future dates with different individuals. Soon, you'll be a pro at dating. The best part is discovering more about your likes, dislikes, and dealbreakers, making dating more meaningful!

Cons

Makes it difficult to form a genuine connection 

If your goal is to establish a genuine and serious connection, then stack dating might not be for you as it poses the challenge of getting to know someone deeply within a constrained timeframe. While it gives you an opportunity to meet multiple people, forming a substantial bond with each or any of them can be difficult. 

It can burn you out 

Stack dating requires a lot of social energy because of how many people you're meeting in a short span of time. This can be overwhelming and lead to dating burnout. And if you go on a bunch of bad dates in a row, you may end up feeling a loss of interest! So, before giving it a shot, take a moment to check in with your mental health. Introverts and empaths may especially find this especially tiring!

It's not everyone's cup of tea 

Not everyone might favour the concept of stack dating. While some might find it practical, others may have their reservations. For them, the idea of spending less time together and meeting multiple people in one day might convey a sense of undervaluation. Therefore, if you decide to try it out, it's important to communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings.

At the end of the day, the choice to stack dates or not should be a conscious one, based on a deep understanding of yourself and what you truly desire. Instead of just following trends or societal norms, take the time to evaluate your current priorities and make a decision that aligns with your values and experiences.

Lead image credit: Pexels

Also read: Everything you need to know about the "Who is Your Chicago?" trend

Also read: How not to let your first date turn into an interview