Isn't it fascinating? Gen Z— yes, the very generation that grew up with Wi-Fi and smart gadgets—is quietly bringing back something surprisingly tender: the art of old-school courtship, just when we thought dating had morphed into an endless cycle of swipes and emojis. We're not talking about awkward arranged meetings or the chivalry of the 1950s.
No, this is about a more thoughtful, intentional kind of romance. Instead of diving headfirst into yet another coffee date set up through an app—where people often just scroll through their phones—there's a shift towards crafting heartfelt letters, curating playlists, or enjoying long chats in a cozy bookstore.
A YouGov poll from last year revealed that 63 per cent of Gen Z participants favoured genuine, meaningful interactions over online dating through screens. Even more striking, 42 per cent expressed a preference for "slow dating", which really flips the script on the instant gratification culture we usually associate with this generation. So, what’s going on here? It seems to be a response to emotional fatigue.
While connecting online is easy, forming real connections can be a challenge. After years of sifting through filtered images and quick matches, many young people are seeking something more substantial. Some even call their preferences "micro-mances"—small, thoughtful gestures like gifting a carefully chosen book or sending a sweet voice note in the morning. Even companies like Papier are noticing this shift.
Sales of romantic note cards among 18 to 25-year-olds have surged by 29 per cent. People are actually picking up pens and writing love letters again. Isn’t that both charming and revolutionary?
But let’s not confuse this with a return to outdated roles or norms. This modern twist on old-fashioned courtship is refreshingly equal, open and intentional. It’s all about being genuine, not just putting on a show to impress. Gen Z might be onto something here.
In a world filled with digital noise, the simple charm of a shared playlist or a handwritten note can feel way more personal than a flurry of heart emojis. After all, love doesn’t have to be loud to last.
Sometimes, it just needs to be genuine. (The writer can be reached at vikrant.webs@gmail.com)