Love in the Time of Dating Apps: Gen Z Couples Share How They  Found Love From a Right Swipe

“He didn’t try to fix me. He just sat with me in my chaos. That meant everything.”

That’s how 22-year-old Tanu describes the moment she knew she had found someone who truly saw her. Not a perfect love story. Just a real one.

City life in India doesn’t leave much room for romance. Dating often begins with a swipe and ends with a ghost. Between commutes, deadlines, and buzzing phones, love often arrives quietly—when we least expect it.

For Gen Z, it slips in through unlikely doorways: a playlist that feels just right, a photo that stops the scroll, a message that actually says something.

In a country still steeped in arranged marriages and family approval, this generation is building love on their own terms—slow, honest, and rooted in real connection.

The stories of Karan and Tanu, and Rohit (name changed) and Anaya (name changed), may not be epic, but they capture something rare: how Gen Z is choosing love that feels right, not just looks right.

How acceptance became a safe space for this couple

Karan, 23, a sales consultant based in Kolkata, never expected to find more than a passing acquaintance when he rejoined Bumble in late 2023. “I was not actively swiping, but when I came across Tanu’s profile, something pulled me in. There was this picture where half her face was hidden behind her phone. I don’t know why, but I just felt I had to know her,” he tells The Better India.

In a country still steeped in arranged marriages and family approval, Gen Z is building love on their own terms
In a country still steeped in arranged marriages and family approval, Gen Z is building love on their own terms; Picture courtesy: Shutterstock (For representational purposes only)

The oddity of that image, its mystery, stirred a curiosity that felt different from the usual casual flick through profiles. Karan’s story is not about love at first sight in the traditional sense, it is about a gentle intrigue that grew steadily into something much more intense.

Tanu, also from Kolkata and working in hospitality, joined the app during a particularly difficult period in her life. “Mentally and physically, I was not in a great space,” she reflects candidly. “I was not even looking for love. I just wanted someone to talk to, some company to feel less alone.”

Their first meeting was nothing spectacular, yet it left an unforgettable impression on her. “I talked a lot, mostly about my struggles, and he just quietly listened. That kindness made all the difference. It was one of the nicest days I have had in a long time,” she recalls, adding that Karan turned out to be a sanctuary in her chaos.

For Karan, Tanu’s presence felt like coming home after a long journey. “When I first saw her, the thought that struck me was, she is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. It sounds cliché, but it is true. Every day since, that feeling has only strengthened,” he says with a soft smile.

Yet what bound them was not just attraction, but acceptance. Their relationship blossomed slowly, built on a foundation of friendship and mutual respect. “I wanted something meaningful, something real to fight for, not a temporary connection,” Karan explains.

A love story that began with a Spotify playlist

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Anaya (name changed), a market research consultant who moved from Kolkata to Delhi in 2021, approached Bumble with a cautious heart—her story too echoes themes of slow discovery and emotional openness.

What binds the couples together is not just attraction, but acceptance; Picture source: Shutterstock
What binds the couples together is not just attraction, but acceptance; Picture source: Shutterstock (For representational purposes only)

“I’d downloaded and uninstalled the app a few times before, but this time felt different,” she says. “Within a day or two, I stumbled upon Rohit’s (name changed) profile. He’d linked his Spotify playlist, and our music tastes matched perfectly. That’s when I first felt we might actually click.”

Unlike the usual hurried exchanges, Rohit’s thoughtful bio and the shared passion for music drew Anaya in. “Most people do not put much effort into their profiles. That he did proved he cared about a genuine connection,” she says.

Rohit, 27, a software engineer from Gurugram, born and raised in Delhi, recounts their first interaction with a fondness that speaks of more than casual dating. “When I first saw Anaya, her profile struck me as funny and genuine,” he shares. “She sent me a message that was not the usual ‘hi’ or ‘sup’; she complimented my bio in detail. That stood out. It was a thoughtful and genuine start.”

This was followed by a slow and honest getting-to-know-each-other. “We were not flirting or playing games. In fact, we were just two people trying to understand each other and build a heartfelt connection. That honesty was refreshing,” he adds.

Their first date was a cute affair near North Campus, Delhi, but marked by a memorable moment of playful banter. Rohit laughs as he remembers, “I was growing my hair out during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I used to wear a red hat to keep it neat. Anaya’s first words to me were, ‘What is that on your head?’ I told her it was a hat, and she teased me about thinking it looked good. That teasing made me realise I could be myself around her.”

Gen Z is redefining romance by swiping their way to love through dating apps; Picture source: Shutterstock
Gen Z is redefining romance by swiping their way to love through dating apps; Picture source: Shutterstock (For representational purposes only)

Anaya agrees. “I tease those I am comfortable with, and it felt like a witty exchange. He also teased back, and that is when I knew I wanted him in my life,” she says.

Honest hearts in a digital world: The challenges of dating apps

Despite their tech-savvy beginnings, both couples are clear-eyed about the challenges of dating apps. Ananya remains somewhat ambivalent.

“I am conflicted about whether dating apps truly build lasting relationships or just complicate things. It depends on the person. What is crucial is clarity and honesty. If you are clear about what you want and don’t put the other person on a hook unnecessarily, it can work. But it is frustrating to invest time and energy only to realise the vibe is not right,” she explains.

She also acknowledges the value of friendships made through apps. “Not every connection has to lead to romance. Sometimes, you just make good friends,” she adds.

Rohit resonates with this thought. “I have been lucky to meet good people who became friends because we were upfront about our intentions. With Anaya, I felt something different. I was looking for something solid, and with her, it just clicked,” he shares.

Both emphasise communication as key. “You have to know what you want, be honest about it, and be ready to step back if things don’t feel right. Protecting your mental well-being is essential,” he advises.

Karan shares a similar perspective, acknowledging the pitfalls of modern dating. “I don’t think dating apps are perfect for everyone. There is often a pressure to perform, and our generation tends to lean towards short-term connections. But if you are careful, set boundaries, and trust your instincts, it is possible to find something meaningful. Meeting someone organically, without the framework of ‘dating’, is different. But digital platforms can open doors if you are intentional,” he explains.

If you are careful, set boundaries, and trust your instincts, it is possible to find something meaningful through dating apps; Picture source: Shutterstock
If you are careful, set boundaries, and trust your instincts, it is possible to find something meaningful through dating apps; Picture source: Shutterstock (For representational purposes only)

Swipes, songs, and something real: Gen Z’s new age of romance

Tanu sums up their journey beautifully, “Love is not about perfection or grand gestures. It is about showing up, even when your partner can’t always give 100 percent. That is when love becomes real.” For her, Karan is both her best friend and partner. “He supported me through the hardest times when I was not doing well mentally or physically. He loves me more than I ever imagined possible,” she says.

Their dreams, like those of Anaya and Rohit, are not rushed or fixed to deadlines. “We do not have a timeline,” Karan admits. “But we talk about marriage someday—a home, children, and a life built on trust.” Anaya shares that same certainty with Rohit. “We are planning to get married eventually. I feel secure and loved in ways I had not before. This relationship has upgraded my understanding of what love can be,” she explains.

“I used to think love should always be effortless,” Rohit reflects. “But I’ve realised it’s a choice you make every day. It takes patience, effort, and understanding. Love means wanting to be better—for the other person.”

Anaya adds, “Dating apps can be daunting, but they open doors to connections you might never find otherwise. Be upfront, be kind, and don’t hold yourself or others on a hook. It is okay if things don’t work out.”

The stories of these couples remind us that when love is right, it becomes a home where both souls can rest and grow; Picture source: Shutterstock
The stories of these couples remind us that when love is right, it becomes a home where both souls can rest and grow; Picture source: Shutterstock (For representational purposes only)

Their advice for the hesitant is straightforward. “Explore, but be vigilant. Set boundaries and trust your instincts,” Karan urges. Rohit concurs, “Know what you want and communicate openly. When something feels off, step back to protect yourself.”

These stories remind us that love is not always a scene straight out of a movie. When it is right, it becomes a home where both souls can rest and grow. And sometimes, that accidental pause amid life’s chaos is all it takes to find something truly lasting.

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