Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Why Romance Persists After Meet-Cutes And Dating Apps
A meet-cute is when two people unexpectedly meet and begin liking each other, like in a romantic movie.
The article says these moments may be happening less often because people are focused on their phones.
Dating apps were once a popular way to meet, but many young people are becoming less interested in using them.
Some people now use dating apps mainly for entertainment or curiosity.
People also worry about ghosting, rejection and having too many choices.
These problems can make it hard for a relationship to get past the first few dates.
Writer Kiran B Nambiar discussed these issues in her book, which is based on real-life dating experiences.
Even with all these difficulties, people still hope to be chosen, loved and understood.
The article suggests that people may be waiting for someone else to make the first move.
It ends by encouraging people to take a chance on romance.
Spontaneous romantic encounters, or “meet-cutes,” appear less common as people retreat to their phones and digital routines.
Younger people are increasingly reported to be abandoning dating apps or using them for curiosity, research and entertainment rather than dating.
These changes were discussed at debut author Kiran B Nambiar’s event for her book, “From Left Swipes to Lonely Nights.”
The discussion covered dating anxieties including ghosting, rejection, first-date expectations and difficulty progressing beyond early dates.
Despite modern dating frustrations, people still want romance, connection and someone willing to make the first move.
- Who
- Kiran B Nambiar, event attendees and people navigating contemporary dating.
- What
- A discussion examined the decline of spontaneous meet-cutes, dissatisfaction with dating apps and continuing hopes for romance.
- When
- At a recent book event; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Gallery Café, at an event in Hyderabad.
- Why
- To discuss Nambiar’s book, “From Left Swipes to Lonely Nights,” and changing relationship and dating experiences.
- Author
- Kiran B Nambiar
- Book
- “From Left Swipes to Lonely Nights”
- Event venue
- Gallery Café
- Organizers
- Author’s Banter Club in association with Hyderabad Reads
- Main concerns
- Ghosting, rejection, loneliness and difficulty moving beyond early dates
- Dating-app use
- The article says some younger people use apps for research, curiosity or entertainment rather than dating
- Central tension
- People want romance but may avoid making the first move