Would it be possible to ring in the New Year with a new love interest? Someone who is on the same page as you, who understands what your desires are, needs and wants. Hoping that 2017 ends what dawned upon me as the year of “Fake Love," yes I have listened to Drake’s lyrics plenty of times before attempting to write a piece on my love life.

Each year we set a New Year’s resolution and try our best to follow the steps to become successful in reaching the goals we’ve set. This year I plan to work out more, eat healthily and allow myself to move on from the toxic relationships that 2016 decided to throw my way. Now, I’m not saying I regret the guys I dated or talked to this year, but I must admit a handful of them were quite awful… I know I can’t be the only one who is excited to see what the New Year has in store when it comes to relationships and love.

Over the course of 2016, I had more than one curve ball thrown my way, in fact, I had multiple and I may even place partial blame on my use of the app Tinder. I created a profile and spoke to many new people, some that made me cringe and others who made me realize the app may not be so terrible. Today, I have deleted the app and will revert to the old-fashioned way of meeting new individuals, such as going out around town and speaking to my peers in class. I must say this year has proven to me that I’m outgoing and funny—I like to go on simple dates and be in the presence of someone with a bubbly personality. I expect whoever I show interest in to have similar expectations, goals, and interests. I’ve found myself trying many new things such as video games, rock climbing and hitting the gym this year and will continue to try new things when meeting someone new—I like to be spontaneous.

I have learned a valuable lesson about dating: whether you meet online or in person, you must truly feel comfortable with the person prior to going on the date. I say this because I’ve been on dates where the guy has left me feeling weird or awkward at the end of night. Many of the times the date would end with an awkward goodnight or kiss, in which I wasn’t pleased with myself or the evening period. It wasn’t the guy specifically, but rather not having anything in common. This year definitely taught me to respect my significant other (when I do meet someone) for their personality and their ability to make me laugh, rather than their looks or “bod." I will definitely ask plenty of questions before the first date—getting to know someone better is on my checklist from now on.

Dating today has become more of a friends-with-benefits opportunity, but during the 2017 year, I plan to revert back to traditional dates. No, I don’t expect the guy to pay for our date, but I rather go dutch and get to know them on a more intimate level. This past year has taught me to keep my guard up around new people, especially the guys I’ve chosen to date. Men and women today should evaluate themselves and what they expect to gain from dating. Being open with one another is what I have lacked while on dates—we were on different pages and didn’t have the same outlook on what the outcome of the date would be. If hooking up is all you want, admit it. It’s a new year and I, for one, know I am not interested in being lead on any longer. If you’ve kept up with Drake recently, you would know he’s moved on from Rhianna and is now apparently participating in a new fling with JLo! I couldn’t be any happier after all, Drake declared his love for Rhianna on television and yet they still weren’t dating… crazy.

So as this year comes to a close, I plan to look forward to gaining even more knowledge about the guy prior to going on the first date. I won’t let their words influence me so heavily, but instead their actions. If a date is awkward, I will think of questions or change the subject. I’m sure I’ll get a hang of the dating thing eventually, but I’ve always been a little shy around new people. To everyone out there using Tinder or another online dating site, make sure you ask questions and get to know them before making plans for a date night. I highly encourage everyone to speak of their intentions… what do you expect to gain from the date? Ultimately, I find myself giving a lot of advice, 2017 will be the year I start to take my own advice and listen to what my gut instinct says.

I’m definitely prepared for this year to roll in, ready for the old to roll out. Dating is meant to be fun, spontaneous and exciting. I can’t wait to see how not only I will take on this year, but rather my friends too! Hoping for plenty of new memories and a lot of love.