Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – As 2024 draws to a close, relationship therapist Vanessa Muyldermans has reflected on the year’s significant trends in relationships, sexuality, and family dynamics. She has welcomed societal progress made in openness and diversity, while also raising misinterpretations and the misuse of certain terms in public discourse, notably the overuse of the word “narcissist.”.
2024: The Year of Relationship Revolution
More so, society has been more open to relationships and sexuality this year. Influencers and podcasters have been playing a significant role in making discussions that were once taboo more normal. “2024 was a year of broad discussions on relationships and sexuality. Influencers and creators have made these topics more accessible, but personal opinions are often mistaken for professional advice,” Muyldermans said.
She also mentioned that this gap between those who would talk about such issues brazenly and those who wouldn’t had only been increasing: “The divide between people who feel comfortable speaking openly and those who don’t has only grown larger.
Alternative relationship models have grown in popularity, with traditional monogamy no longer the default and many moving on to polyamory and open relationships. “Younger generations are making choices other than traditional options and are doing so as informed, empowered decision-makers,” Muyldermans said.
Sexuality also became a lot more diverse. Interest in BDSM and other non-traditional forms increased in interest and acceptance, showcasing the heightened sensitivity of society to different sexual identities and orientations.
Looking Ahead to 2025
For 2025, Muyldermans expects further developments in family configurations, but at a more gradual rate than those involving relationships and sexuality. There is also a growing interest in alternative family configurations, including co-parenting arrangements with no romantic involvement.
“These ideas come up more often in the therapy sessions. While interest levels are higher, such societal and administrative barriers remain an obstacle for these set-ups,” she said. She hopes 2025 will be a year when diverse forms of families gain wider social and institutional acceptance.
One Trend to Leave Behind
Muyldermans also criticized the term “narcissist,” which she referred to as the “new n-word” of 2024, overused and very often misapplied onto ex-partners to produce unnecessary blame and confusion.
Narcissism is a rare personality disorder, affecting only 0.1% to 3.9% of people. Yet in 2024, it felt like half the population was labeled a narcissist,” she said. She further referred to a proposal to remove the term from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which underlined the necessity of being more informed and restrained when it comes to such diagnoses.
2024: The Larger Relationship Landscape in Belgium
As 2024 draws to a close, various tendencies denote a shift in the relationship dynamics in Belgium due to:
General Relationship Trends
Average marriage age was 33.7 for men and 31.4 for women in 2018, thus constituting the established trend that people get married later, taking more time for commitment.
Stability of the marriage rate: The country of Belgium has secured a steady state of the marriage rate at 37,000–45,000 per year from 2007–2018.
Same-Sex Marriages: Although same-sex marriage became legal in 2003, by 2017, such marriages made for 2.5 % of the total marriages.
Divorce Rate: The divorce rate of 50% is normal for most European nations.
Polyamory and Alternative Relationships
Acceptance of Polyamory: With growing recognition, polyamorous relationships are being accepted more as an alternative to traditional monogamy.
Decline in Traditional Marriage: Over the last 60 years, Europe witnessed a decline in marriage rates of 60%, while divorce increased twice as much.
Discussions over Non-Monogamy: Polyamory and alternative relationships have become recent hot topics among Belgians.
Casual Dating Market
Revenue Growth: Revenue for Belgium’s casual dating market will reach $4.15 million in 2024, growing annually by 1.04% through 2028.
Shifting Preferences: Smaller generations are into casual dating because it allows flexibility and is compatible with busy lifestyles. Trends in Online Dating Popular Websites: fine10.com and vijftigplusdating.be were some of the trending websites related to dating in October 2024. They cater to diverse demographics.
The landscape of relationships, sexuality, and family dynamics is fast-changing in Belgium, with increased acceptance of diversity in structures and approaches. As 2025 approaches, there is hope for inclusiveness and understanding, leaving behind misconceptions and misuses of terms that hinder meaningful progress.
