Gen Z often go through a rigorous process before committing to their partners. From swiping right to situationship and hard launching on the Internet, they often go through a rigorous process. Gen Z is known for their rigorous dating process, which includes everything from swiping to situationships to hard-launching on the Internet. In many cases, however, the pet might not be the owner’s. It could be the pet of a friend, a street animal, or a cafe cat. According to a survey conducted by Happn dating app, 19% of Indian singles had pets in their dating profiles, or were considering doing so. The data also suggests that pets influence how people date offline. While 33 percent still prefer pet-free dates at coffee shops, 25 percent choose dog walks or low-pressure strolls in public places like Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens and Chennai’s Marina Beach. Experts have commented on the trend and shed light on why people exaggerate some traits on dating sites. “They want their chances of being like,” Dr Murali Krishna said, Visiting Consultant Psychiatry & Counselling Services at Aster RV Hospital in Bangalore. “Liking animals signals emotional intelligence and ability to form attachments. She said that it subconsciously reassures the person of their ability to care and commit, making them more attractive as a long-term companion. Story continues below this adAccording Dr Krishna, a pet or a love for animals exudes warmth and fosters trust. Ghosting is bad, but ‘ghostlighting’ is worse: Early warning signs of this toxic dating trend, according to an expertHowever, while petfishing may help secure matches, Dr Krishna warned that it can create cracks in trust early on. “Petfishing” is the act of pretending to own or love pets in order to appear more attractive. It can damage trust in early stages of relationships. He noted that one partner may discover the deception of the other, which can lead to doubts regarding their character and the possibility of hidden lies. For singles navigating modern dating, Dr Manchanda advised understanding a person’s personality beyond their dating profile, and avoiding emotional investments based on online dating profiles in the early stages. Ask open-ended, observant questions and let the relationship develop naturally. “Authenticity cannot be rushed and patience is the key to avoid disappointment,” she said.
