Retromancing: perhaps the most romantic dating trend so far

Have you ever heard your parents say: everything was better back then? Often you think: sure. But when it comes to dating, they might actually have a point. Pre-Tinder, the dating world felt a lot more romantic. Don't worry, our chance isn't over yet. The viral TikTok trend ‘retromancing’ takes us back to that time of yore. And to be honest: this could very well be the most romantic dating trend so far. One that you definitely want to try.

What is retromancing?

With retromancing, we metaphorically step into a time machine and go back to everything before the 90s. We revisit the dating habits of that time. No reservation at an expensive restaurant, but a homemade meal. Not a quick text, but long phone calls. And, a personal favorite, the handwritten love letter. Retromancing encourages taking it slow, taking the time, and truly enjoying each other, instead of getting swept away by the hustle and bustle of the modern dating market, especially the online part of it.

Interestingly, it's Gen Z that embraces this dating trend. According to dating expert Michael Kaye, they are increasingly inspired by the love stories of their parents and grandparents. They want to experience that romance from the past themselves. And it turns out to be more appealing to many young people than endless swiping.

Is retromancing really that romantic?

According to Michael Kaye, retromancing can give your relationship a significant positive boost, especially on an emotional level. “Retromancing slows things down in a culture that often seeks hurried contact,” he explains. Those supposedly old-fashioned dating habits show that someone is making an effort for you, and that's exactly what you need for a strong, lasting relationship. Knowing that someone takes the time to write a letter for you instead of sending a quick text gives you those extra butterflies. You feel seen and appreciated. But with one important caveat: it must be sincere and not forced. Only then can it create a deeper emotional bond.

And it doesn't stop at a romantic moment. According to relationship expert Jaime Bronstein, retromancing also works in the long term. “Thoughtful gestures create shared memories and moments of nostalgia, which can deepen the connection over time.” The result? More appreciation for each other and just a bit more time spent reflecting on what you have together.

What retromancing does and does NOT mean

Exchanging a luxury dinner for a home-cooked meal can be very romantic, but it can also quickly come across as cheap. As if it shouldn't cost too much, and that sounds anything but like pure romance. So let's get that disclaimer out of the way: retromancing is NOT an excuse to keep your wallet closed. It invites you to think about the role that money plays in dating. The price tag is not the most important thing, the effort you put in is.

So you don't have to be afraid that the other person won't show commitment. That effort just manifests in a different way. Think of putting together a playlist of someone's favorite songs or cooking that one favorite dish. Not a random romantic gesture, but something that truly fits the other person. Retromancing is about consistency and that personal touch. Doing your best for someone, even when it takes a bit more effort. Getting to know each other, understanding each other, and creating memories together.

Do you feel the effort and love that your partner puts into those romantic gestures? Then you know for sure: this is retromancing. And then you can just step into that time machine. We all secretly dreamed of that, right?

Source: Huffpost