Name: phoenix-ing

Meaning: to put it simply, phoenix-ing is the process of returning to dating with renewed focus or excitement after experiencing burnout (kind of like rising from the ashes of your old dating self, *wink wink*). Modern dating can be a lot to deal with, but phoenix-ing is all about diving back in with a new approach, with the intention of making things more fun.

Origin: phoenix-ing is a term we coined here at Stylist Extra after noticing the number of people determined to make dating work for them in 2023. It’s no secret that modern dating can be overwhelming – last year, a US-based study found that almost four in five adults aged 18-54 experienced emotional fatigue or burnout from online dating. But thanks to a combination of new dating trends (including the return of IRL dating) and innovative dating app features that make the process feel more fun, there’s a sense of change in the air.

Phoenix-ing: want to make dating fun again in 2023? This new trend is here to help