In a slew of dating trends, one of them that is making waves is 'zip coding'. Wondering what it means and if has any connection to zip code? Well, you may be surprised to know but it actually has. Relationship expert Ruchi Ruuh says, "Zip coding refers to the growing tendency of people to date or choose partners based on their geographical area or postal code. It means essentially seeking matches who live nearby or in certain desirable zip/post codes. This trend has been amplified by dating apps that allow users to filter or match other by their location. For some, It can make dating feel more practical due to distance or connecting with people who share similar lifestyles, or live in certain communities."
This dating trend clearly limits options for a person to date. However, the whole rationale behind it is that people don't want to see anybody with whom they can't meet in person on a frequent basis. For some, it may also mean that two people will date each other till the time they are in a certain radius. However, the moment someone has to move out, for studies, job, or any other reason, the two individuals involved may decide to terminate the relationship.
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Ruuh opines this dating trend comes with certain inherent disadvantages. They are listed below.
Potential downsides of the trend:
- You might miss out on meaningful connections with people outside your limited area filter or social bubble.
2. Even if done unintentionally, it still perpetuate class, cultural or economic division by restricting dating pools to similar zip/postal codes.
3. Convenience of proximity may become more important than emotional compatibility for some people.
4. People may prioritize logistical ease (like shorter commutes or similar hangout spots) over long-term depth in a relationship.
Zubain (name changed), 34, shares, "I am in my 30s and I have no desire to be in a long-term relationship. To be honest, where is the fun in that? To stay connected and enjoy a sense of belonging, two people have to be together, meet each other in person and have more shared experiences. Gone are the days when Facetime calls would make the cut. I agree that zip coding trend does limit options for me, but dating someone who lives at a distance also doesn't make much sense to me."
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What is your take on this dating trend? Let us know in the comments.
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