How Academic Research Shaped Reflekt Me—and a Human-Centric E-Commerce Model
February 9, 2026
Why Some African Startups Raise Big Checks—and Others Stall: Oui Capital’s Olu Oyinsan Explains
February 11, 2026
Valentine’s Day is approaching, but for many singles, the excitement is overshadowed by dating-app fatigue. Endless swiping, ghosting, and small talk can leave even the most hopeful romantic feeling drained.
BLK, a leading dating app for Black singles, has just dropped a 7-step survival guide to help users protect their energy and make dating intentional again.
According to Amber Cooper, BLK’s Head of Brand, fatigue often stems from trying to juggle dating with other commitments. “We want to give daters permission to slow down,” she explains. “The fatigue often comes when you try to juggle dating alongside work, life, and all your responsibilities without a plan. Our advice is to bring intentionality back. By setting daily windows for engagement, asking the hard questions early, and normalizing pauses, dating can be energizing instead of exhausting.”
Related Post: AfriDate: New Dating App Connects Africans in Diaspora Looking for Love
1. Institute “Dating Office Hours”
Cooper advises treating dating with the same consistency you apply to other goals. Designate a specific daily window – for example, every evening from 7 PM to 9 PM – to log in, reply, and fully engage. By dedicating daily time to being present, you ensure that your conversations are richer and more intentional, rather than trying to multitask connections during a busy workday.
2. Start “Prequalifying” Immediately
Nothing drains energy faster than weeks of investment in a misaligned match. BLK data shows a rise in “Prequalifying” – the practice of screening for non-negotiables (faith, politics, lifestyle) in the first 48 hours. Doing this early isn’t “doing too much”; it’s efficient. It saves emotional bandwidth by ensuring you only invest time in connections that align with your long-term vision.
Related Post: This Bootstrapped Nigerian Startup is Cornering Africa’s Creator Economy
3. Follow the “Rule of 3.
Decision fatigue sets in when managing too many conversations at once. The “Rule of 3” suggests capping your active roster at three potential matches. If a new connection sparks interest but you are already at capacity, place them on a mental waitlist. You cannot give genuine, intentional energy to a new person until you have closed out or paused an old connection.
4. Use “Datelisting” to Pause Without Guilt:
Ghosting often happens due to overwhelm, not malice. Instead of disappearing when life gets busy, use “Datelisting” (similar to waitlisting) – a transparent way to update matches on your capacity. A simple text like “Work is hectic this week, can we pause and reconnect Friday?” relieves the pressure to perform while keeping the door open respectfully.
5. Audit Your “Return on Emotion” (ROE)
The trend of “ROEmancing” involves treating your energy like a budget. If you are feeling drained, do an audit of your active chats. Are they providing a return in the form of consistency, clarity, and joy? Or are they costing you confusion? If the ROE is negative, divest immediately to save space for better connections.
Related Post: Serial founder DIVINE Launches Creator App with Hip-Hop Icon RAKIM
6. The 15-Minute Vibe Check
Texting creates a false sense of intimacy that can lead to disappointment. To avoid the “pen pal” trap, move to a 15-minute audio or video call within a few days of matching. This quickly filters for chemistry and tone, preventing you from building a fantasy around someone you haven’t truly met.
7. Take it Offline (Community Cuffing)
Sometimes, screen fatigue is simply a need for physical presence. Cooper advises mixing app usage with the new trend “Community Cuffing” – using the app to connect, but verifying the vibe in safe, shared spaces like run clubs, church groups, or mixers. This removes the pressure of the one-on-one interview-style date and allows for a more organic connection. BLK is hosting a number of events in Dallas, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Houston to help singles connect.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean burnout or ghosting. With BLK’s tips, singles can prioritize clarity, set boundaries, and actually enjoy dating again.
About BLK
BLK is the largest dating app for Black singles, designed to help users find meaningful connections in a community that reflects their culture and values. The app combines technology with real-life events and a focus on intentional dating to help Black singles navigate love without overwhelm.
