The tendency is to practice social skills without the pressure of going out with someone you are very attracted to.
A growing number of young adults are adopting a new dating strategy known as “training meetings“, choosing to date people they initially do not find attractive, in an effort to improve your social skillsreduce anxiety, and more effectively navigate the world of modern dating.
The trend, which has gained traction among Gen Z and young millennials, reflects changing attitudes toward romance in a was dominated by dating appssocial media and growing concerns about loneliness. Instead of viewing every first date as a potential path to a serious relationship, many singles are viewing dating as a skill that can be developed with experience.
For followers of the trend, the goal is not necessarily to find an immediate romantic connection, but rather feel more comfortable with conversations and face-to-face interactions. The approach has become particularly appealing as many young people report feeling overwhelmed by the pressures and expectations associated with dating apps.
Christina Psaras, 26, of Chicago, said “practice dates” help lower expectations and reduce the tendency to idealize potential partners before meeting them in person. “Going on a ‘training date’ with someone who isn’t exactly your type helps you get rid of unrealistic expectations for a date,” he told . “It reduces the pressure and is less likely to project fantasies onto the person.”
Advocates argue that dating apps encourage users to place enormous importance on each match, creating pressure that can hinder authentic interactions. In contrast, lower-pressure dating can help people gain confidence and learn more about their preferences without feeling like every date needs to lead to a serious relationship.
The concept has found supporters online, including New York-based relationship influencer Serena Kerrigan. While she acknowledges that the phrase “practice date” may sound insensitive, Kerrigan argues that attraction can’t always be judged by a profile photo alone.
“A photo cannot capture the way someone behaves or their ability to make you laugh,” he said. “A profile is not a person.”
Kerrigan believes that people discard potential partners too quickly and that meeting someone in person can reveal qualities that are impossible to assess through an application.
However, experts warn that this trend has ethical limits. Debra Kissen, founder of Light On Anxiety Treatment Centers, said the practice of dating can be beneficial if approached with respect. “Dating is a social skill, and like any skill, the Confidence usually grows with practice“, these pillows.
At the same time, he warns against treating potential partners merely as tools. “It is important Don’t treat other people like pawns on your own journey of self-improvement”, he emphasizes.
