Typically, when I come across a new term meant to describe some previously undefinable aspect of modern relationships, all I feel is exhaustion. But the new phenomenon of wildflowering is something a bit different: a dating trend that’s almost a riposte to the concept of dating trends in the first place, encouraging singles to play the emotional long game instead of rushing full-speed toward serious-relationship status.
Below, find everything you need to know about wildflowering:
What is wildflowering?
Hiking enthusiasts will likely feel particularly drawn to this relationship term, which refers to eschewing the pressure to label things immediately and instead just taking it slow and seeing what unfolds. In other words, instead of rushing to plant a relationship garden, you simply see what blooms and do your best to appreciate it on its own terms. Simple yet kind of brilliant, no?
Where did the term “wildflowering” originate?
Chantelle Otten, a sexologist at Bumble, recently discussed wildflowering with Stylist, saying: “Spring naturally boosts our confidence, mood, and motivation to connect. The longer days and warmer weather lift our energy levels, making us feel more open, playful, and ready to make a move. ‘Wildflowering’ captures that perfectly—it’s about dating freely and on your own terms, embracing spontaneity, and seeing where new connections might lead. It’s more than just a fun phrase—it reflects a real psychological reset that happens as we step into this brighter, lighter season.”
What’s a pop-cultural example of wildflowering?
To put it in Sex and the City terms, Miranda and Steve were sort of wildflowering in the original series. For a long time, the two of them were just friends who co-parented and occasionally flirted, letting things evolve naturally instead of putting the relationship in a pressure cooker, Charlotte-style, or eschewing all intimacy à la Samantha.
Should I start wildflowering my crushes?
Listen, I’m no dating expert—far from it, in fact, as I’m currently trying to use telekinesis to get a Feeld match in a city I don’t even live in to text me back—but…yes? Part of the beauty of wildflowering seems to be its versatility; you can let one relationship develop like a slow-growing wildflower even as you ghost one situationship and breadcrumb another. (Just kidding! Don’t do either of those things! Communicate like an adult!)
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