Is the Lack of Third Spaces Making Singles Thirsty for Love?
A psychologist dives into why dating can be so daunting.
In 2024, the concept of third spaces grew in popularity, primarily on TikTok. As the year comes to an end, Dr. Mark Travers unpacks why the lack of third spaces can be harmful for singles.
“Third spaces are social environments outside of the home and work where people can connect with one another,” Dr. Travers wrote. Think coffee shops, Friday night house parties and run clubs. Research shows that these spaces foster a sense of community and “provide an important buffer to people’s mental health.”
But, with the increase of online safe spaces, people are growing their online presence with detriment to their real life. Because of this, singles are placing unhealthy importance on their lovers and love life, “viewing them as the primary — or only — source of emotional support and fulfillment,” Dr. Travers continued.
This mindset results in “unhealthy attachments, burnout” or that familiar feeling of dread when a first date doesn’t work out. Third spaces aren’t just about the barista remembering your name and order, its about a sense of belonging. So when you don’t have that sense of belonging, you yearn deeply for it — whether that yearning is healthy or not.
To avoid this unhealthy pattern, check out these third space ideas.
In other news, is the Three-Month Rule cap?
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