There's a new dating trend sweeping through Gen Z, and it sounds pretty alarming!
As if dating wasn't hard enough, new trends appear to emerge all the time that just make things even tougher.
Modern dating is so tough because everything seems to hinge on technology, which acts as the tinder for a new flame - did you see what I did there?
Gone are the days of having a meet-cute where you accidentally bump into somebody at the coffee shop and it's love at first sight - if movies are to be believed.
Well, a new trend has emerged that is making things even tougher, and it's called "roaching".
First highlighted in 2021, roaching refers to the practice of a partner hiding the fact that they are seeing multiple other people alongside you.
The term is derived from the idea that spotting one cockroach often means there are many more hidden in the background.
According to Exclusive Matchmaking CEO Susan Trombetti who spoke to the New York Post, roaching is “inspired by the ickiness of seeing one of these nasty little bugs—but knowing when you turn the lights on, there are lots of them."
While roaching isn’t technically cheating, it is considered deceitful due to the lack of transparency about one's romantic life.
OkCupid dating coach Damona Hoffman told The New York Post that you might be dealing with roaching if “the person is not really available or present for you, and very private about certain details.”
Senior therapist Sally Baker shared with Metro that body language can be a significant giveaway.
“Most people are uncomfortable telling lies, so they will subconsciously give clues either verbally or physically that they’re not being transparent or completely honest,” she explained. “Be observant. Listen to what’s said and how they say it.”
Baker added that over-explaining situations can be as much a sign of roaching as stumbling over words or speaking quickly to hide the truth.
Other indicators include keeping you at arm’s length, being secretive about evening plans, and avoiding discussions about the future.
If this trend isn't worrying enough for you, how about being "zombied"?
Singer-songwriter Mariel Darling brought attention to this trend on TikTok, saying: "Girl, you're being ghosted? I'm out here being zombied."
She explained further: “It’s like ghosting, but he comes back from the dead after a couple of months and hits you up.”
The concept of “zombied” has resonated widely, with Mariel’s video gaining 1.5 million views and widespread agreement from viewers.
In a follow-up video, she likened the New York City dating scene to an apocalyptic movie mixed with Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ music video, saying: "all these boys are tap dancing around commitment."
Life is hard.
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