Should You Try 'Contra-Dating' This Year? Here's What The Experts Say.

This dating trend could shake up your love life.

Are you stuck in a dating rut you can’t seem to find your way out of? Then perhaps it’s time you give “contra-dating” a try.

According to the dating site Plenty of Fish, which coined the term, contra-dating is defined as “dating outside of your usual ‘type.’”

Consistently seeking partners with the same physical attributes, personality traits or personal or professional interests can restrict your dating pool. You may be ruling out some quality people you’d really vibe with without realizing it.

A 2023 Plenty of Fish survey of British singles found that 59% have engaged in contra-dating. One-third of respondents say they’re changing things up because they’ve been unsuccessful when sticking to their type in the past.

Eva Gallagher, the resident dating expert at Plenty of Fish, said she recommends contra-dating to “singles who are looking to step outside their comfort zone and shake up their dating experience.” Maybe you always gravitate toward the same kind of person because they feel familiar to you, but time and time again you discover you’re not actually a good match.