As February arrives, the air is full of love, with plans for Valentine’s Day in full bloom. Bengaluru seems to have embraced its romantic aspect with open arms. From flower-laden streets to cafes adorned with heart-shaped decor, {couples} strolling hand in hand, indulging in candlelit dinners, and exchanging roses, beautiful sweets being crafted and the candy symphony of affection songs filling the air, each nook of the town appears to whisper tales of romance.
However amidst this grand celebration of affection, the town’s singles are additionally carving out their very own area – whether or not by embracing solo self-care, searching for deeper connections, or redefining what love means. From ebook golf equipment to mountaineering teams and intimate gatherings, they attempt to discover pleasure in significant interactions in lots of kinds, whether or not by a swipe, an opportunity assembly, or an sudden dialog.
This Valentine’s Day, we let you know what Bengaluru’s singles are doing to seek out love, connections, and luxury.
Ebook Lovers’ Singles Mixer had a special sort of romance at its core- one fueled by phrases, characters and the shared love for tales.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Singles Mixer: Begin with a narrative
Valentine’s Day usually comes with a sure strain, leaving many singles both avoiding the event altogether or feeling misplaced amidst a sea of couple-centric occasions. The “Ebook Lovers’ Singles Mixer” held earlier this month, provided a refreshing various: romance was not the first purpose however a pleasant chance. As an alternative of swiping left or proper within the relationship apps, attendees have been inspired to attach over their shared ardour for literature. Because the occasion’s tagline says, “Nice connections begin with a superb story.”
In contrast to the standard Valentine’s Day revelry full of candlelit dinners and couple’s retreats, this gathering had a special sort of romance at its core – one fueled by phrases, characters and the shared love for tales. ”Ebook Lovers’ Singles Mixer” is an occasion organised by Atta Galatta in Indiranagar designed to convey collectively bibliophiles in the hunt for each a superb learn and maybe, a significant connection.
Cabinets lined with literary classics, modern finest sellers and well-worn paperbacks framed the scene, creating the proper setting for a love story or, on the very least, a night of participating literary discourse. The evening was not nearly books; it was about breaking down the awkwardness that always comes with assembly somebody new.
Helming this distinctive initiative was Radhika Agrawal, writer of Crimson Flags and Rishtas, a witty and relatable novel exploring the complexities of contemporary relationship. As a author who has delved into the intricacies of relationships by her works, Agrawal was the proper host to information the contributors by a night full of quirky icebreakers and playful relationship video games. “You need to put your self on the market and keep optimistic”, mentioned Radhika on the occasion. “Love arrives if you least count on it.”
Folks additionally really feel that relationship apps create a barrier to real connections.
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REUTERS
A ‘messed-up’ relationship tradition?
However for the typical single Bengaluruean, discovering love is much from straightforward. In keeping with Souvik Vas, a software program engineer, the town’s relationship tradition is “fairly tousled.”
“Males complain they will’t discover matches, whereas ladies say they’ve too many choices however not the precise ones. Individuals are chasing the unsuitable companions and ending up with nothing,” mentioned Vas, who has been dwelling in Bengaluru for six years. ”Since relationship continues to be comparatively new in India, the place organized marriages have been the norm, many are nonetheless figuring it out on their very own,” he added.
Folks additionally really feel that relationship apps create a barrier to real connections. Whereas they take pleasure in preliminary dialog, they consider offline conferences provide a clearer sense of an individual’s true nature. ”I don’t just like the digital barrier. An hour or two in-person offers a a lot clearer sense of somebody. On-line, it’s straightforward to pretend who we’re, so do you actually know if somebody is real and stands by their opinions?” mentioned Kshitij Agrawal.
By most accounts, in at the moment’s relationship landscapes, alternatives to satisfy folks have elevated, however genuine relationships are tougher to seek out. Whereas relationship apps provide thrilling prospects, they usually overwhelm and confuse customers. “Girls now have the liberty to decide on, however relationship apps create a mindset the place there’s all the time an alternative choice, making actual connections tougher,” mentioned Swati Hegde, a romance writer. She believes we must always select companions “with out turning relationship right into a sport.”
The fast-paced nature of relationship apps and instantaneous connections feels superficial to some folks, preferring the normal methods of assembly by mutual buddies, at cafes, or throughout social occasions.
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THULASI KAKKAT
Again to offline relationship
In a metropolis the place relationship apps as soon as reshaped fashionable romance, a seismic shift unfolds as folks appear to be transferring away from the countless swipes and screens. As an alternative, they’re reclaiming the fun of natural, face-to-face connections. ”I believe there’s a rising shift again to offline relationship post-COVID. Whereas apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge noticed a increase, many at the moment are disillusioned by countless selections and damaging experiences. Consequently, singles are turning to in-person occasions,” mentioned Radhika.
Clearly, the fast-paced nature of relationship apps and instantaneous connections feels superficial to some folks, preferring the normal methods of assembly by mutual buddies, at cafes, or throughout social occasions. Gayatri Rawat, who is predicated out of Delhi and has not too long ago moved right here, agrees. “My buddies advised me that the relationship tradition in Bengaluru is flourishing, however truthfully, being an old-fashioned, I’m not a fan of this relationship scene,” says Gayatri. “I desire assembly folks organically.”
In-person chemistry
This perception that chemistry is finest in-built individual seems to be fast-spreading in Bengaluru, which is obvious within the rising recognition of offline relationship occasions, velocity relationship classes, and book-themed mixers the place folks can join past the digital facade. The only’s mixer for ebook lovers, for example, was full of folks looking forward to the probabilities of affection and connections.
“There isn’t any such factor as emotional security in love. You’ll be able to’t assure your coronary heart gained’t be damaged or that there shall be a cheerful ending. It’s not a film. You need to put your self on the market and keep optimistic,” mentioned Radhika whereas speaking in regards to the vulnerability that comes with searching for love. “Don’t preserve a guidelines and tick it off. Typically, the one who isn’t your sort is definitely the precise one,” she advises.
Revealed – February 14, 2025 09:00 am IST
