Once upon a time, love was built on handwritten letters, well-placed mixtapes, and sweeping confessions under the rain. Now, it’s a battleground of talking stages that last longer than some celebrity marriages, the perilous art of matching energies, and an inbox full of people who claim they’re ‘bad at texting’. The result? A collective exhaustion with digital courtship.
But Gen-Z, ever the disruptors, aren’t just complaining about the dating apocalypse—they’re actively seeking better ways to connect. Cue the rise of shared experiences. Whether it’s meeting over a 2K run instead of a virtual date-night, bonding over pottery instead of passive-aggressively waiting for a text back, or simply swapping ‘wyd?’ for actually doing something together, the new era of dating is all about interaction beyond the screen. And no event captured this shift better than Rundowner-The Singles Run, hosted by PUMA India and Bumble. Because let’s face it—if they can keep up with your pace on the track, maybe they can keep up with your texts too?
So, how do you navigate this new era of love without falling into the same old traps and losing your sanity (or self-respect)? Consider this your personal dating guide—the five commandments for surviving romance in 2025.
Thou shalt not entertain ‘situationships’ that lead nowhere
Let’s be honest: the ‘we’re just vibing’ phase is a tale as old as time, but at what point does a casual connection become an unpaid internship in emotional labour? Gen-Z is collectively over the era of ambiguous, commitment-phobic romances that stretch on indefinitely. While the world once romanticised the slow burn, today’s daters are opting for clarity over confusion.
No more decoding cryptic texts or pretending to be okay with seeing where things go when you know exactly where you’d like them to go. The new dating ethos? If someone wants to be with you, you’ll know. If you’re stuck in the grey zone, it’s time to set a boundary—or set them free. Because in 2025, commitment is cool again, and being in a prolonged situationship isn’t nearly as attractive as being emotionally available.
Thou shalt not let love live and die in the DMs
If your entire romantic history with someone exists in blue and grey bubbles, we have a problem. Sure, texting is convenient, but it’s also deceptive—anyone can be charming when they have the time to craft the perfect response. The real test? Seeing if they can hold a conversation in person without the safety net of a curated persona.
In fact, a recent Bumble survey found that 72 per cent of Indians would be open to a sports-themed first date, signalling a clear move towards experiences that go beyond digital flirtation. That’s why an experience like Rundowner was curated by PUMA India and Bumble to, quite literally, offer a breath of fresh air and change what it is like to date today. Held on February 15 at Bandra Fort, this unique event brought together running enthusiasts and social seekers for an evening that blended movement, social interaction, and a touch of adrenaline—the ultimate antidote to screen-based romance.
Picture this: a sunset 2K run set against Mumbai’s skyline, where singles swapped awkward opening lines for effortless, real-time connections. The post-run mixer—complete with speed-dating sessions, icebreaker games, and high-energy music—proved that chemistry is best discovered in motion.
Thou shalt not ignore red flags just because they’re aesthetic
He has impeccable taste in indie films, she thrifted her entire outfit, and their Spotify Wrapped is a match made in heaven. But if their texting habits resemble a magic act (now you see them, now you don’t), they only reach out after 11 pm, or they describe all their exes as ‘just close friends’, congratulations—you’ve just bagged a red flag.
Too often, we let aesthetic compatibility cloud emotional compatibility. However, the biggest green flag is emotional intelligence, not an enviable watch collection. So before you excuse another disappearing act just because they look like they walked out of a Wes Anderson film, remember: style fades, but toxic patterns have a way of sticking around.
Thou shalt choose shared experiences over trauma bonding
Trauma bonding is so 2020. Rather than bonding over shared baggage, today’s daters are seeking connection through shared passions. Whether it's through travel groups, niche hobby meet-ups, or curated dating experiences like Rundowner, the goal is to meet people in environments that naturally foster connection—not just ones that make for great therapy-session content. Love should be about adventure, curiosity, and laughter—not just swapping battle scars from past relationships.
Thou shalt not take dating too seriously—but also, maybe a little
The fine line between casually dating and chronically unserious is a dangerous place to live. Between hyper-analysing texts and decoding social cues, dating can feel like an emotionally exhausting sport. But at its core, it should be exhilarating, lighthearted, and enjoyable. Yes, dating should be fun. No, it shouldn’t feel like a second job. The key? Balance.
PUMA India and Bumble understand the need for this changing shift and are redefining the way people meet through events like Rundowner—not with pressure or performance but with playfulness and spontaneity. From sharing a runner’s high on the track to enjoying speed-dating over music and fun interactive sessions, this is where people fostered lasting connections. Remember—love is about having fun and making an effort. Because in the end, your next great love story isn’t buried in your notifications; it might just be waiting at the finish line.
