What Generation Z expects from a relationship
Key Takeaways
- Generation Z seeks equality in a relationship
- Support for self-fulfillment is expected
- The desire for a clear definition of the relationship
- Romance and humor are back
- Appearance is no longer the deciding factor
- Sex is an issue, but not as important as inner values - High expectations due to wide range of dating platforms
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Constantly online, willing to share their lives with the public, and incapable of making decisions. All attributes attributed to Generation Z.
People born between 1995 and 2010 are part of the generation that has to deal with many prejudices. Polyamory, inability to commit to a relationship and living in the digital world. These traits are attributed to this generation as well as the previous generation, Generation Y. But are these prejudices true, or has Generation Z perhaps realized that true love is worth more than likes and followers?
If Gen Z is said to have forgotten how to make decisions, it's because they approach everything in a much more casual way. These digital natives spend most of their time on social media, where they can find everything they need. Whether it's shopping, planning a vacation or finding a partner. One glance at their smartphones and half the world is at their feet. While Millennials, born between 1980 and 1995, were the first to take the plunge into online dating, this way of meeting people has become a way of life for the next generation. The problem: With so many choices on dating apps and sites, the willingness to make a decision is diminishing. Why commit when the next swipe might be even more promising?
But what are Gen Zers really looking for in a relationship, and what values do they focus on? Have they become completely superficial, looking for a crush based on looks alone?
In this article, we want to find out if these prejudices are true or if they are just humbug. While our generation grew up with fairy tales and the idea that "if they haven't died, they're still alive...", Generation Z has a greater desire to write their own story. But what does this mean in terms of relationships and expectations of a potential partner?
In a nutshell:
What is Gen Z looking for in a relationship?
Security or freedom? Closeness or distance? Are looks important or is it all about inner values when looking for a partner?
Questions after questions and a whole generation that is pigeonholed as "incapable of committing". However, a look at numerous dating profiles on various platforms shows that this generation has no desire to play games, but is looking for the real partner in crime.
These are the things Generation Z wants in a relationship:
- An eye-to-eye meeting - with all the trimmings.
- Self-actualization
- The child needs a name
- Romance is cool again
- Looks are nice, but they're not everything.
It all sounds doable, but there are a lot of singles in Generation Z.
One possible reason is the choice that online dating offers us today. Finding a partner is like shopping online, and the choice is huge.
And yet, in a relationship, Generation Z only wants
An eye-to-eye meeting - with all the bells and whistles
Gender equality has been one of the issues of the last few years, and it should not be absent from a relationship. However, emancipation does not only mean that women are given stronger roles. It also means that men can be vulnerable. For Gen Z women, it is important that their partner opens up. The days of being the bad boy are definitely a thing of the past.
Respect, emotion, open and honest communication - these are the cornerstones on which a Gen Z relationship is built.
But how does this relate to the next point?
Self-actualization
An equal relationship on the one hand and self-actualization on the other. No one wants to step back, do their own thing, or sacrifice their goals for the sake of their partner. Nowadays, it has become much easier to put yourself out there and get attention. Influencers are emerging and taking over the world. The bottom line is that putting yourself out there is just a matter of commitment.
Freedom and your own space to express yourself - if you don't understand that, you've got a bad hand.
And.
The child needs a name
No, not the child, but the relationship. If it is not defined as such and openly expressed, it remains a "something". Only when one of the two finally dares to take the step and say it out loud will Generation Z define a relationship as such. Everything else is just dating and having a good time together.
Romance is cool again
Be a rock that doesn't crack a little? Not needed for Generation Z, because romance is more in demand than ever. And it doesn't have to be a bedroom decorated with 1000 rose petals. Those who can write poetry and show their vulnerable side are the Romeo's of the 21st century.
Looks are nice, but they are not everything
He's a 10/10, but has absolutely no sense of humor - bang, he's only a 5/10. TikTok trends like these are going viral right now, showing that looks aren't everything. Making someone laugh is one of the most important qualities in a relationship, and Gen Z knows it. Inner values are becoming more important, and it's okay to get a 6/10 if you have the right character.
How important is sex to Generation Z?
If we look at social networks, we are inundated with erotic content. Elevator boys in elevators with hot looks at the ladies and women who spend a millisecond in their videos showing them in their underwear.
Welcome to the world of digital creators....
You'd think that sex would be an important topic for Generation Z, but a study published in 2021 by the University of Albany and Rutgers University shows otherwise. They looked at 18- to 23-year-old American women. If anything, it showed a 14 percent decline when it came to dating with sexual intentions.
In summary
So, what exactly are Gen Z looking for in a relationship, and why are so many of them single when the choices are so many? And that's where the problem lies, because thanks to countless dating platforms and social media, enough is just not good enough anymore. Even among Generation Y, there is a real mania for optimization when it comes to finding a partner.
Increasing demands and a wide range of choices are a mixture that an entire generation has to deal with when looking for a partner. And in the end, Generation Z also wants the real shit in a relationship.