Plunge into the hilariously raw world of modern dating, where buzzwords like ‘ghosting,’ ‘benching,’ and ‘catfishing’ dictate romantic rendezvous – explore Cosmopolitan India’s Unofficial Dating Dictionary: A Humorous Guide To Navigating Modern Romance
Cosmopolitan India magazine, in their Nov-Dec 2023 edition, explored dating in the digital era presenting a labyrinthine terrain filled with jargon and nuances that sometimes confuse even the savviest singles.
This article, deciphers common terminologies and behaviours encountered in today’s tumultuous realm of courtship, offering valuable insights to navigate the ever-evolving minefield.
Sprinkled with humour and satire, this handy guide lampoons the absurdities plaguing romantic encounters while arming Gen Z and millennials with essential tools to recognize and counteract toxic patterns.
Interesting Facts & Findings
1. Ghosting – Sudden disappearance from communication channels without any explanation or closure. Often indicative of disinterest, cowardice, or a desire to avoid uncomfortable confrontations, ghosting ranks high on the list of universally loathed dating trends.
Excerpt: “Ghostbusters aren’t real; neither are your chances if you pull this vanishing act.”
2. Benching – Keeping multiple prospects on standby mode, awaiting the perfect moment to swoop in and engage them romantically based on convenience or mood swings. Essentially treating others like replaceable options rather than genuine partners, benching reflects a self-centred mentality rampant in today’s hookup culture.
Excerpt: “Benching might seem harmless, but remember, nobody enjoys feeling like second choice material.”
3. Submarining – Similar to ghosting, submarining entails abrupt withdrawal from contact followed by sporadic resurfacing, usually accompanied by half-hearted apologies and lame excuses. Perpetrators typically assume that time gaps would erase memories of past misdeeds, enabling them to recommence interactions seamlessly.
Excerpt: “Submariners expect forgiveness simply because they popped back up on radar. Don’t let them off easy!”
4. Curving – Softening the blow of rejection by employing indirect methods, such as delayed responses, vague replies, or noncommittal language designed to discourage meetups sans explicitly ending things. Analogous to leading someone on, curving masquerades as politeness but actually prolongs unnecessary agony.
Excerpt: “Curved too hard lately? Maybe it’s time for some tough love and directness instead.”
5. Catfish – Someone who creates fake personas using stolen photographs and fabricated details to deceive unsuspecting victims into believing they’re conversing with genuine individuals. Online platforms teem with catfish preying on trusting hearts seeking companionship amidst isolation.
Excerpt: “Always verify identities via video calls before investing emotionally. Who knows, maybe Mr./Ms. Perfect isn’t quite so flawless after all.”
Happy Dating Journey.
