Tired of wasting time on aimless flings or relationships that go nowhere? Dating with intention might be the game changer you need. For Afro-Caribbean singles, this approach means getting clear on what you want and making sure your dating life aligns with your core values. Here is how to bring more clarity and purpose into your quest for love:Know What You Want (And What You Do not)Intentional dating starts with self reflection. Take a moment to define your relationship goals. Are you looking for a long term partner or open to something casual? What values are non negotiable for you maybe faith, family orienteers, ambition, or respect for your culture? When you have clarity about these things, you can communicate them to potential partners. In fact, being upfront about your desires is a growing trend; on dating apps, “Looking for…” was Tinder top bio phrase in 2024, signalling a move away from uncertainty and towards clear intentions.Lead with Your Core ValuesYour core values are like your internal compass they guide what you want from life and love. If honesty, for example, is a core value, you will want a partner who can communicate openly (and you will practice open communication too). If career and financial stability are high on your list, you will seek someone with similar drive. The key is to live and date in line with those values. That might mean passing on the guy who looks great on paper but flakes on plans, or the woman who is fun but dismissive of your cultural traditions. And that is okay! Intention means you’re not just drifting; you are steering.(One practical tip: jot down your top 3-5 values and what they mean in a relationship context. Refer to them when deciding to pursue or continue seeing someone. It’s amazingly empowering.)Communicate Your IntentionsIntentional dating is not about issuing ultimatums on date one (“I want marriage in 2 years or I am out!”) it is about honesty in a friendly, natural way. You can express what you are looking for without sounding rigid. For example: “I am at a stage where I am looking for something serious and meaningful, though I am not in a rush.” This signals your mindset. The right person will appreciate the honesty; the wrong person will likely back off and that is exactly what you want to happen early on, before you invest too much.Do not be afraid to ask questions about their intentions too. It is perfectly fine to ask, “What are you looking for?” or “What does a healthy relationship look like to you?” By comparing answers, you will quickly see if you are on the same page or not.In short, intentional dating is about quality over quantity. It is aligning your dating life with the vision you have for your future. When you do that, you stand a much better chance of finding a partner who truly complements you and a relationship that lasts.CTA: Ready to date with purpose and passion? Join our Masterclass we will guide you through identifying your core values, communicating them effectively, and staying empowered every step of your dating journey.Sources: thesouthafrican.com