'All Or Nothing' Dating Trend Is Now Buzzing - Isn't This What People Wanted All Along?

Dear netizens, it is finally the year when most of us have realised that dating culture and trends are leading us into the abyss. We have now succumbed to the age-old idea of wanting all or nothing, being with someone wholly and forever or not being with them at all. 

'All or Nothing' Dating Is A Phoenix Trend!

Amidst the most bizarre of trends and habits that we have come across like, benching, ghosting, love bombing, cookie jarring, cuffing and others, the most simply understood and one that has been practised for ages is - 'all or nothing' dating trend. This so-called new trend is actually a 'phoenix trend', as I would like to call it since it has always been practised by people but only recently risen from the ashes and been recognised as a 'trend.'

The term 'all or nothing' is as simple as it sounds, a person would be very loyal, honest, caring and give their fullest efforts or do nothing. In simple terms, you are either emotionally and mentally committed to your partner or not with them at all. 

There are certain things with this trend that have brought it to the limelight. First and the most important reason is how many millennials have now transitioned from their once golden age of dating to wanting real commitment. If the statistics are to be believed, Paul C. Brunson, Tinder's Expert in Relationship Insights says that 75% of young people and Gen Z are finding dating challenging and exhausting. Many people have attested to this as well, a student (Anonymous) from Jesus and Mary College explains, "I think people just pour themselves into whatever latest dating trends and waves they see without thinking what they want. I myself would prefer an all-or-nothing trend over any others I have heard of.

For a person like me, who gives people love and affection easily, I think I would want a partner who is as committed as I am. Also, I don't have any room for heartbreaks left (laughs)." A student from IIM Rohtak, Parth Chaurasia thinks, "I like the idea of all or nothing trend because you not only get a partner but also a friend once you share your emotional, mental and physical spaces. You share your thoughts, your ideas, your perspectives and that is intimate. A partner who guides you, helps you, laughs with you and also gets angry at you, you need a relationship to be complete, be real, be whole."

A graduate student, Palak Gupta believes, "If I am with someone, I am with them for the better or worse. I would date someone only if I think I deserve that person and their behaviour and I think I deserve to be treated with as much respect, love and loyalty as I would."

Path To Self-Love and Self-Worth

People have just become tired of every dating trend that emerges and makes one or both partners feel miserable. It is open communication, respect and loyalty that people demand and want to experience in a relationship. This notion of 'all or nothing' has also taken a leap and put self-love on top. This trend has made people realise their emotional needs for a partner and relationship. People now better understand what they want and what they deserve so they will not take or tolerate anything less than that.

Considering how many young Gen Z's are struggling with anxiety and depression, it is safe to say that this trend is helping many realise their self-worth as well. Being in any relationship, it is necessary to first love yourself and honour yourself for who you are only then are you capable of loving someone else. The 'All or Nothing' trend has reinforced the idea of self-love and self-worth, something many of us have yet to learn.

Views expressed are the author's own.