Romance, Rewritten: How Gen Z's ‘Book Boyfriend' Obsession Is Shaping Modern Datin
Gen Z in India isn't just reading about romance, they're matching for it. Tinder data shows a growing obsession with the elusive 'Book Boyfriend'. Inspired by green-flag heroes from their favourite novels, young daters are weaving literary love into their bios and bringing main-character energy to real-life dates.
India's love affair with books is more than a chapter, it's a plotline. Mentions of 'bookstore" in Tinder bios in India have doubled from 2024 to 2025.1 Fanning the flames of this literary love affair, Tinder's global data reveals mentions of 'Book Boyfriend" soared 58% in 2024 with a plot-twist-worthy 77% surge in January 2025 alone.
● 'Books > Boys (but I'm willing to negotiate)"
● 'The best way to my heart is a date at the bookstore."
● '(I) Love the scent of old books and rain."
According to Dr. Chandni Tugnait, Relationship Expert at Tinder in India, Gen Z is drawn to the idea of a 'Book Boyfriend' because it offers a safe, emotionally expansive space to explore love without real-world risk. These fictional characters embody qualities this generation craves – emotional intelligence, vulnerability, devotion, and depth, setting a new standard for romance rooted in presence and emotional fluency.
Today's daters aren't chasing perfection, they're craving presence. They want to feel understood, seen, and deeply cared for.
Crush on Fictional Character = Emotional Code
'I need someone who can go with me to the mountain, mandir and book store" or 'Books and music, hit me up if you're into reading and brainstorming" — these aren't just cute lines, they're love codes. For Gen Z on the dating app, literary references are like romantic filters: they signal depth, emotional fluency, and main-character energy.
In fact, 'Looking for…" was Tinder's top bio phrase in 20244, and with Interest tags like Reading and Literature, matching with a fellow book lover is easier than ever. As Dr. Chandni Tugnait says, it's identity curation and a vibe check in one — a way of saying, 'I speak romance in fiction and in life. Do you?" For Gen Z, it's also a shortcut past small talk. Referencing a shared fictional world works like a pre-screening for deeper connection — just as sharing playlists or meme codes can. After all, the emotional worlds we fall for in books often mirror the ones we dream of living out in real life.
What Gen Z is Learning from Their Favourite Fictional Characters:
Tinder's Modern Dating Report shows that 53%5 of Gen Z in India want an equal partnership, with half (50%)5 saying mutual support and commitment are key to making it work. Yet 37%5 admit they struggle with emotional intimacy, proof that while the desire for deeper connection is strong, the skills to build it are still a work in progress.
This generation values rituals of love the small, consistent acts that feel safe and intentional. Dr. Chandni Tugnait explains: 'Gen Z responds to romance that's safe, thoughtful, and emotionally textured. Book Boyfriends often embody love languages like words of affirmation, quality time, and acts of service. It's not about chasing a fantasy; it's about finding someone who loves like they've read the whole book, not just the blurb. The Book Boyfriend is their blueprint: 1) Present in the hard moments, not just the highs 2) Soft without losing strength, and 3) Devoted in actions, not just words. Fictional green-flag heroes are teaching young daters that real romance is about presence, not perfection and they're no longer afraid to demand it."
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Loading comments...
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
5 hours ago
- Mint
Siddhant Chaturvedi and Max Fashion Make an Iconic Debut That Breaks the Internet
India – Business Wire India Max Fashion, one of India's leading multinational fashion brands, makes a historic shift by naming its first-ever male brand ambassador: actor and cultural trendsetter Siddhant Chaturvedi. The new campaign, 'How New Is Your New?', is fronted by actor and cultural trendsetter Siddhant Chaturvedi. Known for his effortless style and ability to connect with a generation that values both individuality and cultural edge, Siddhant perfectly embodies the energy and edge that Max stands for. This collaboration is more than a seasonal campaign, it's a statement of intent. Max brings fashion inspiration to millions, with fresh styles arriving every single week, keeping pace with how quickly trends evolve and personal style transforms. Beyond Siddhant's mass appeal and Gen Z connect, he brings an edge that aligns with young Indians who live at the intersection of music, movement, and style. With Kalki Koechlin, Alaya F, and now Siddhant Chaturvedi in the mix, the brand has assembled a trio that speaks to the layered, lived-in, and scroll-savvy side of modern India. Kalki brings depth and individuality, Alaya channels the fearless energy of Gen Z, and Siddhant adds a fresh, young ease to the equation. Together, they mirror a generation that can move from a coffee run to a red carpet, from tradition to trend, with equal confidence. A Brand-New Max for a Brand-New India This campaign is more than a creative refresh. It's Max rewriting its own rules. With Siddhant as the face of the brand, Max is signalling a shift in both energy and intent. It's younger. It's sharper. 'Style today is about evolution, I'm not the same guy on set, at the gym, or hanging out with friends,' says Siddhant Chaturvedi. "'How New Is Your New?' makes you think about that shift, and Max captures it perfectly with collections that keep up with you, not the other way around. Fashion now is like your feed, it keeps evolving and Max has that scroll factor, with something new for every version of you.' The 'How New Is Your New?' is designed for activities that stretches from on-point athleisure to weekend escapes, Max's latest drop makes everyday dressing an act of self-expression. 'Our partnership with Siddhant is a natural fit,' says Sumit Chandna, Deputy CEO of Max Fashion. 'He represents a confident, creative, and forward-moving India, the same qualities we celebrate in our customers. 'How New Is Your New?'is our way of giving them the freedom to reinvent their look as often as they want, with fresh styles curated specially for them every week.' Max taps into a core truth: the most powerful stories don't dictate identity; they mirror the evolution already underway. Max Fashion, known for 'everyday fashion', is the biggest fashion brand across the Middle East and India. Opening its first store in the Middle East in 2004, the brand has grown at a phenomenal pace and now has a footprint in over 19 countries globally. In India, currently with 520+ stores & presence across 210+ cities, Max is the largest family fashion brand not only in the Middle East but also in India in the shortest span of time. Fashion's brand vision is to 'democratize fashion' for the contemporary middle class by offering global fashion trends at amazingly affordable prices. It enjoys universal appeal across young families as well as millennials, who are not only fashion conscious but tech-savvy, because of a well-balanced portfolio across Apparel, Footwear & Accessories for Men, Women & Kids. Max Fashion is a true omnichannel brand with an outstanding Online shopping experience through the website as well as an engaging app which is enjoyed by millions of consumers. For more information, visit Note to the Reader: This article is part of Mint's promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Mint assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
The Wire
7 hours ago
- The Wire
Siddhant Chaturvedi and Max Fashion Make an Iconic Debut That Breaks the Internet
India – Business Wire India Max Fashion, one of India's leading multinational fashion brands, makes a historic shift by naming its first-ever male brand ambassador: actor and cultural trendsetter Siddhant Chaturvedi. The new campaign, 'How New Is Your New?', is fronted by actor and cultural trendsetter Siddhant Chaturvedi. Known for his effortless style and ability to connect with a generation that values both individuality and cultural edge, Siddhant perfectly embodies the energy and edge that Max stands for. This collaboration is more than a seasonal campaign, it's a statement of intent. Max brings fashion inspiration to millions, with fresh styles arriving every single week, keeping pace with how quickly trends evolve and personal style transforms. Beyond Siddhant's mass appeal and Gen Z connect, he brings an edge that aligns with young Indians who live at the intersection of music, movement, and style. With Kalki Koechlin, Alaya F, and now Siddhant Chaturvedi in the mix, the brand has assembled a trio that speaks to the layered, lived-in, and scroll-savvy side of modern India. Kalki brings depth and individuality, Alaya channels the fearless energy of Gen Z, and Siddhant adds a fresh, young ease to the equation. Together, they mirror a generation that can move from a coffee run to a red carpet, from tradition to trend, with equal confidence. A Brand-New Max for a Brand-New India This campaign is more than a creative refresh. It's Max rewriting its own rules. With Siddhant as the face of the brand, Max is signalling a shift in both energy and intent. It's younger. It's sharper. 'Style today is about evolution, I'm not the same guy on set, at the gym, or hanging out with friends,' says Siddhant Chaturvedi. "'How New Is Your New?' makes you think about that shift, and Max captures it perfectly with collections that keep up with you, not the other way around. Fashion now is like your feed, it keeps evolving and Max has that scroll factor, with something new for every version of you.' The 'How New Is Your New?' is designed for activities that stretches from on-point athleisure to weekend escapes, Max's latest drop makes everyday dressing an act of self-expression. 'Our partnership with Siddhant is a natural fit,' says Sumit Chandna, Deputy CEO of Max Fashion. 'He represents a confident, creative, and forward-moving India, the same qualities we celebrate in our customers. 'How New Is Your New?' is our way of giving them the freedom to reinvent their look as often as they want, with fresh styles curated specially for them every week.' Max taps into a core truth: the most powerful stories don't dictate identity; they mirror the evolution already underway. Instagram link: Youtube link: About Max Fashion India Max Fashion, known for 'everyday fashion', is the biggest fashion brand across the Middle East and India. Opening its first store in the Middle East in 2004, the brand has grown at a phenomenal pace and now has a footprint in over 19 countries globally. In India, currently with 520 stores & presence across 210 cities, Max is the largest family fashion brand not only in the Middle East but also in India in the shortest span of time. Fashion's brand vision is to 'democratize fashion' for the contemporary middle class by offering global fashion trends at amazingly affordable prices. It enjoys universal appeal across young families as well as millennials, who are not only fashion conscious but tech-savvy, because of a well-balanced portfolio across Apparel, Footwear & Accessories for Men, Women & Kids. Max Fashion is a true omnichannel brand with an outstanding Online shopping experience through the website as well as an engaging app which is enjoyed by millions of consumers. For more information, visit To View the Image, Click on the Link Below: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire. This article went live on August twentieth, two thousand twenty five, at thirty-seven minutes past three in the afternoon.
First Post
13 hours ago
- First Post
Superman Actor Dean Cain To Become ICE Agent With Gen Z Army
Superman Actor Dean Cain To Become ICE Agent With Gen Z Army | Firstpost America Former Superman star Dean Cain is set to swap his cape for a badge, becoming an honorary U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Already a sworn deputy sheriff and reserve police officer, Cain will be sworn in next month, with the Department of Homeland Security hailing his role as an inspiration for Americans to 'be real-life superheroes.' His appointment coincides with the Trump administration's major ICE recruitment drive to fill over 14,000 enforcement roles, targeting Gen Z, veterans, and law professionals. The campaign will flood digital platforms, remove age caps, and use targeted marketing to expand the agency's ranks. See More
