#LoveIRL: Meet-cutes are making a comeback and we’re here for it

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?

Grocery stores and farmer’s markets

Who knew a pineapple could bring you your soulmate? Halfway across the world, a playful trend recently emerged in Spain when singles began to use grocery items to indicate their romantic intentions. Placing an upside-down pineapple in one’s shopping cart and strolling across the alcohol aisle signified openness to new connections. Replacing this with lentils suggested a search for a long-term relationship, and lettuce indicated interest in a short-term fling. Popularised on TikTok and Instagram, this process has transformed daily chores into an opportunity for spontaneous encounters. Meet-cute supreme!

“I’d been seeing this pineapple theory a lot all over my social media, but I was finally convinced when a friend of mine forced me into giving it a shot. I figured it might just leave me with a funny story to share”, says Daniella (22). “After two failed attempts, I finally spotted Eduardo with an upside-down pineapple in his cart! We’ve been dating for three months now, and I’m excited to see where it goes. As a hopeless romantic, I couldn’t have wished for a sweeter meet-cute”, she adds.

Take this as a sign to ditch Zepto and BlinkIt every once in a while and head to your nearest grocery store in search of that someone special! 

Run clubs

Fitness-meets-romance as run clubs continue to multiply across Indian cities—from Pudhe Chala Run Club in Mumbai and Bhag Club in Delhi NCR, to Indiranagar Run Club in Bengaluru. Delhi-based Bhag Club co-founders, Krishbir Singh Sidana (22) and Jyotiraditya Thakur (21) say, “At Bhag, we ask participants to fill out a form before every run, and it’s clear that most people join for two main reasons: fitness and socialising. In fact, nearly 50 per cent of participants come to connect with others, making it not just a run club but a social hub.” Run clubs offer a wholesome and healthier alternative for those seeking authentic connections beyond the digital realm. “Over time, we’ve seen incredible friendships blossom through Bhag. It’s amazing to watch people connect so naturally—many of them now hang out beyond the runs, sharing meals, going to nightclubs, or simply spending time together,” says Sidana. With turnouts as high as 1,100 people for a single run, and over 50,000 followers on Instagram, Bhag is one of India’s largest run clubs. “There’s something special about waking up early on a Sunday morning (an unusual feat for Gen Z!) to meet people in such an authentic setting. Ultimately, Bhag creates connections that go beyond what any dating app can offer. These relationships are truly valuable and long-lasting,” adds Thakur.

What adds to the allure of this? You never know who you might meet! Sidana notes, “The diversity of people who’ve joined is phenomenal. We’ve run alongside pilots, doctors, young entrepreneurs, businesspeople, lawyers, journalists, authors, Instagram influencers, and even notable public figures.” The element of surprise and slight spontaneity makes the process even more exciting. And you needn’t spend every weekend running a 10K. “Even those who come occasionally— whether once a month or just a couple of times—find meaningful interactions. These connections have led to new friendships, love interests, business partnerships, and even professional opportunities,” says Thakur. While the anonymity of city life and the vast void of the Internet can make it seem difficult to meet new people, clubs like this offer a simple, accessible solution.

As the intersection of sports and romance gains momentum, Bumble got in on the action by partnering with PUMA to host a singles-only running event in Bengaluru, combining physical activity with social interaction. According to Bumble’s recent survey, nearly three in four Indians (72 per cent) would be open to going on a sports-themed first date. And it’s not surprising. From mini golf to running a 5K, athletic activities are the perfect solution to eliminate the initial stages of awkward silences when a first date is just not going the way you’d imagined it to. These initiatives reflect a broader trend where individuals prefer immersive, activity-based dating experiences over traditional set-ups.

Members-only clubs 

The allure of exclusivity and a want for belonging is drawing singles to members-only clubs that often host curated events and mixers. These venues provide a “sophisticated” backdrop for individuals to mingle, network, and potentially find romantic partners. While colonial-era institutions (read: Bombay Gymkhana and Delhi Golf Club) primarily cater to an older, generational crowd, the emergence of new-age private clubs like Soho House and Jolie’s in Mumbai, The Quorum Club and Discover Collection in Delhi-NCR, and The BLVD Club in Bengaluru offer avenues for a younger set of creatives and entrepreneurs that facilitate social interactions in a safe, refined environment. “After swiping left on men with commitment issues, toxic expectations, and so much worse, I decided to do away with the apps for good. That’s when my friend convinced me to attend a singles mixer at Soho House,” says Anushka (31). “I was just there for the vibes, a drink or two, willing to see where things go. As luck would have it, that was the night I met my (now) boyfriend—Arnav! We’ve been together for almost a year now,” she adds.

There’s potential for love at clubs with a more focused niche as well— try dropping by your local book club, joining a film society, or even a supper club next time! You might just meet your someone special.

Padel, pickle, and sports 

Padel and pickleball are the new kids on the fitness block, and, apparently, they’re paving the way for sports and romance to amalgamate, becoming a hotspot for singles to meet and mingle. Its social nature and convenient doubles format encourage interaction, making it an ideal setting for forming new connections. They’re also not as rigorous (or difficult) as tennis, which leaves less room for sweaty and unattractive first impressions and more for chic outfits, so you serve looks (pun intended). Local clubs and recreational centers are recognising this and organising tournaments and mixers aimed at bringing singles together in a fun, active environment.

“I started playing Padel last year just to get some exercise, and that’s how I bumped into Alex. We somehow always ended up playing at the same time, and it became a running joke how often our stray balls would interrupt each other’s games. One day he asked me to join him for coffee afterwards,” says Mira (24). “I never imagined finding someone while I’m sans makeup and out of breath. It’s not exactly my idea of making a great first impression. But it’s kind of perfect when you think about it. If someone’s into you when you’re at your messiest, that’s a pretty solid foundation. It shows they like you for you, not just for how you look all cleaned up. So, in a weird way, meeting someone this way feels surprisingly right,” she adds.

Playing a sport is one of the most seamless ways to meet new people. You can skip all the generic niceties and uncomfortable silences of a first date, and burn some calories while you’re at it. As someone who was very much a part of the Internet’s obsessions with Challengers (2024), this is definitely a trend I can get behind (minus the cheating and ménage à trois).

These trends highlight a collective yearning to move beyond the phone screen, ditch the monotony of apps (read: download, swipe, cringe, delete), and find love through real-world interactions. It’s not too late to manifest your own meet-cute. It probably won’t be as cinematic as Graham and Amanda (The Holiday, 2006), or even Rocky and Rani (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, 2023), but it might be just what you need! Be it through a shared workout, a coded piece of produce, or “exclusive” social events, singles are embracing innovative ways to find connections offline, and it’s time we all got on board.

All images: IMDb

This article originally appeared in the January-February 2025 print edition of Cosmopolitan India 

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