BLK Shares 7 Ways to Beat Dating Apps This Valentine’s Season
BLK Shares 7 Ways to Beat Dating App Burnout This Valentine’s Season
- Creating 'dating office hours' to manage conversations without feeling overwhelmed
- Discussing non-negotiables early to focus on compatible matches
- Limiting active conversations to 3 matches at a time to reduce decision fatigue
BLK Shares 7 Ways to Beat Dating App Burnout This Valentine’s Season
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many singles are feeling more burned out than excited about dating, especially when it comes to endless swiping, small talk, and conversations that go nowhere.
That growing sense of overwhelm, often called “dating app fatigue,” has become a major topic of conversation across social media and relationship spaces.
To help singles protect their peace this season, BLK, the largest dating app created specifically for Black singles, has released a new 7-step survival guide focused on bringing intention, balance, and clarity back into dating.
The tips are based on BLK’s newly released 2026 Dating Trends, which highlight a shift among Black Gen Z daters away from confusing “situationships” and toward more purposeful connections.
According to Amber Cooper, Head of Brand at BLK, burnout often happens when dating is squeezed into already packed schedules without structure.
She explains that many people feel drained because they’re trying to juggle dating alongside work, school, family, and everyday responsibilities without a clear plan.
By slowing down, setting boundaries, and being intentional about connections, dating can become something that adds value rather than stress.
To help singles beat the burnout, BLK shared several practical strategies designed to make dating feel healthier and more manageable.
One suggestion is creating “dating office hours,” where users set aside a specific daily window to respond to messages and engage fully, instead of multitasking throughout the day. This helps keep conversations meaningful without becoming overwhelming.
Another tip encourages “prequalifying” early by discussing non-negotiables like lifestyle, faith, or long-term goals within the first couple of days. BLK’s data shows this trend is growing, as it saves emotional energy by focusing only on connections that truly align.
To reduce decision fatigue, BLK also recommends following the “Rule of 3”. This means limiting active conversations to just three matches at a time. If someone new sparks interest while you’re already at capacity, they can be mentally waitlisted until you’re able to engage intentionally.
Rather than ghosting when life gets busy, BLK introduces the idea of “datelisting,” which involves being upfront about needing a pause. A quick message explaining limited availability keeps communication respectful while relieving pressure.
Another concept, called “ROEmancing” or Return on Emotion, encourages singles to treat their energy like a budget. If conversations are causing confusion, inconsistency, or stress instead of joy and clarity, it may be time to step back and refocus.
BLK also advises moving beyond endless texting with a quick 15-minute audio or video call early on. This helps gauge chemistry faster and prevents building unrealistic expectations from messages alone.
Finally, the guide encourages taking connections offline through what they call “Community Cuffing”. This means meeting in shared spaces like mixers, social groups, or community events rather than relying solely on one-on-one dates.
To support this, BLK is hosting Valentine’s season mixers in cities including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Washington, D.C., giving singles the chance to connect in real life.
As dating continues to evolve, BLK’s message is clear: slowing down, being intentional, and protecting emotional energy can transform the dating experience from draining to meaningful just in time for Valentine’s Day.
For singles feeling swipe fatigue, this season might be less about finding “the one” instantly and more about creating healthier, more genuine connections along the way.
