Gaslighting To Fizzling, 4 Popular Dating Terms That Made Headlines In 2023

With the advent of social media and Gen Z taking charge, dating trends have seen a dramatic evolution over the last few years. With numerous options and dating apps, it has become comparably easy for today’s generation to meet new people and indulge in romantic relationships. Since every coin has two sides, there are many negatives involved in today’s dating trends as well. One of the setbacks of today’s dating trend is toxicity and complications, which has made it difficult for people to recognise what is healthy for them. As 2023 is nearing its end, let’s take a look at different dating trends that were the highlights of this year:

1. Fizzling: Fizzling simply means gradually disengaging from a relationship without any confrontation. There is no direct breakdown. Instead, one of the two reduces their attention and affection over time, leaving the other person to analyse the dwindling connection until it completely fizzles out. Unlike a formal breakup, there is no closure, which leaves the other person wondering if they did something wrong.
2. Gaslighting: The term that has been frequently used this year by the Gen Z generation stands for a manipulation technique that is used to create a picture of a particular situation in such a way that people start believing that the version of their reality is wrong. This can lead to frustration and anger, leaving one of them disheartened.
3. Ghosting: It is important to communicate clearly when you are disinterested in someone. It is important to give them clarity instead of ghosting them. This specific term refers to the pattern where one of the people starts to ghost—that is, completely stop contacting—the other person, making them feel that they are no longer needed. It may affect the person’s mental and emotional health.
4. Stonewalling: This is an extremely toxic behavioural pattern. This trait means going silent instead of fixing the situation, especially during conflicts or chaos. While the behaviour could be due to several reasons, the motive behind it is to punish their partners and teach them a lesson.