Here is a full explanation of the 'zip coding' dating trend that is taking the internet by storm in what is an ever-changing dating world.
The dating world can be a tricky place, as you navigate how best to approach meeting new people and setting a good impression.
And now, thanks to the likes of TikTok and other social media platforms, there are plenty of trends out there to help those in need.
While some of these dating trends are actually incredibly helpful, others just make an already messy market even more complicated.
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'Zip coding' is the latest trend taking the dating world by storm, and depending on who you speak to, it can take two different forms.
While the most common form of the trend involves people setting their dating app radius to a small number of miles so they match with people within their zip code, the other version of the trend is certainly a bit more problematic.
Heck, your partner could be taking part in it without you even knowing.
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It involves an individual dating someone exclusively while they are in their region, while considering themselves single when out of their zip code.
Speaking of the trend, dating coach Amy Chan told USA Today: "We expect everything to be tailored, fast and frictionless, as if love should work like food delivery. But that approach can become narcissistic, focused on what’s easiest for us and what appeals to our egos, rather than what fosters real connection."
Chan added: "When you make dating about convenience first and connection second, you’re filtering out people for reasons that don’t actually matter. It’s less about being open to love and more about being ruled by ego."
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Of course, meeting someone nearby to where you currently live is the ideal situation, but that doesn't mean you should limit yourself to dates within your zip code, according to Chan.
She continued: "A client of mine had a strict 'downtown only' rule. Then she matched with a guy who lived in the suburbs. I encouraged her to go on the date and she did.
"After a few dates, she was sharing how it was easy to talk to him, and there appeared to be a lot of alignment in values, but she was still stuck on the location thing. I told her to focus on the green flags instead of his ZIP code. Four years later, they’re still together. Oh and guess what? She now lives in the suburbs with him."
Topics: Social Media, Sex and Relationships, Viral
Callum Jones