IRL, NOT URL!

Want a modern-day meet-cute? Here are some people who are making it happen

- Bani Sachar

Being seated next to someone cute on an airplane, making eyes at them across the bar, or even reaching for the same book at a library—it’s what every hopeless romantic’s dreams are made of. But sometimes, fate can get a little lazy, and you need to gently nudge “what’s meant to be” in the right direction. Gen Z is seeking authentic, in-person encounters. From unconventional supermarket signals in Spain to fitness-focused meetups in India, the desire to find love offline is setting some creative dating trends. In an era that’s much too dominated by doomscrolling on the Internet and surface-level virtual connections, a refreshing shift is underway as singles look to rediscover love offline!

But can these trends help escape a confusing dating world where failed talking stages and situationships run rampant? Well, everything begins with an intention, and nothing is sexier than a partner who knows what they want. “Singles are embracing intentionality in their dating lives— being upfront about what they want and refusing to settle,” explains Melissa Hobley, Tinder’s Chief Marketing Officer. Compromising and settling for less than what you deserve is so last year (as are mixed signals, commitment issues, and toxic behaviour). So what kind of relationship is on people’s vision board for the new year? “2025 is going to be a transitional year for dating, and we can see this in how single people are getting very clear about what they want and need. What we’re seeing is a big shift towards real-ness; people are being increasingly transparent and taking the time to find somebody to support their unique interests. They are looking for engaging conversations that lead to authentic, real-life connections,” says Pracheta Mazumdar, Bumble India’s Senior Marketing Manager. Gen Z and millennials are on the prowl for their next squeeze, and they’re ready to get serious. And if the goal is to establish meaningful, in-person connections, why not start IRL?