Dating expert breaks down the 'ick'
Lifestyle
Relationship expert Dr Wendy Walsh breaks down Gen Z dating terms and explains what it actually means to get the 'ick'.
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The Age
3 hours ago
- The Age
I paid to have dinner with strangers and this is how it went
To my left was a globetrotting photographer, lured by the same late-night Instagram ad. Across from me were a Luxembourger who had recently moved to Melbourne for love, and a teacher who crocheted human anatomy in her downtime. We discussed food, travel, work, life in the city and the novelty of dining with strangers. Loading The app I used markets itself as a way to meet strangers and help combat 'big-city loneliness', rather than as a dating app. Let's be frank, making friends as an adult is hard. No wonder there are plenty of new businesses offering to help. Communal dining, running groups, games nights, bars full of singles ready to mingle, speed dating, the list goes on. Canny enterprises are capitalising on our collective loneliness, offering social experiences for generations burnt out by dating apps and yearning for the magic of real-life encounters. Tellingly, people are clambering for in-person human experiences over virtual ones (though you probably need a digital screen to find out about them). Melbourne's First Timers Club, which invites strangers to try out new things and meet people in the process, began as an Instagram post and now has almost 30,000 followers. While dating apps may be one of the most popular ways to meet a romantic match in modern times, swipe fatigue is real. According to a 2024 Forbes health survey, 79 per cent of Gen Z feel burnt out by dating apps. We've never been more digitally connected, yet one-third of Australians feel lonely, according to a 2023 report from Ending Loneliness Together. Something is wrong. Worryingly, the report researchers also found that the stigma and shame around loneliness is also high, preventing people from getting the connection and support they need early on. The results are alarming; loneliness can be fatal. According to the World Health Organisation, people lacking social connection face a higher risk of early death. Social isolation and loneliness are also linked to anxiety, depression, suicide and dementia, and can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. I can't say the lofty ideals promised by the app were achieved with a simple weeknight dinner – plus the $24 booking fee – but I'm glad I decided to go and have the conversations I did. The night appeared to be a success, the banter flowed and everyone who came along seemed uplifted by the experience – we didn't even need to reach for the ice-breaker games. Sadly, efforts to continue communications over WhatsApp died quickly, but I found my night out with strangers was a tiny act of rebellion in a world pushing us to be increasingly insular.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
I paid to have dinner with strangers and this is how it went
To my left was a globetrotting photographer, lured by the same late-night Instagram ad. Across from me were a Luxembourger who had recently moved to Melbourne for love, and a teacher who crocheted human anatomy in her downtime. We discussed food, travel, work, life in the city and the novelty of dining with strangers. Loading The app I used markets itself as a way to meet strangers and help combat 'big-city loneliness', rather than as a dating app. Let's be frank, making friends as an adult is hard. No wonder there are plenty of new businesses offering to help. Communal dining, running groups, games nights, bars full of singles ready to mingle, speed dating, the list goes on. Canny enterprises are capitalising on our collective loneliness, offering social experiences for generations burnt out by dating apps and yearning for the magic of real-life encounters. Tellingly, people are clambering for in-person human experiences over virtual ones (though you probably need a digital screen to find out about them). Melbourne's First Timers Club, which invites strangers to try out new things and meet people in the process, began as an Instagram post and now has almost 30,000 followers. While dating apps may be one of the most popular ways to meet a romantic match in modern times, swipe fatigue is real. According to a 2024 Forbes health survey, 79 per cent of Gen Z feel burnt out by dating apps. We've never been more digitally connected, yet one-third of Australians feel lonely, according to a 2023 report from Ending Loneliness Together. Something is wrong. Worryingly, the report researchers also found that the stigma and shame around loneliness is also high, preventing people from getting the connection and support they need early on. The results are alarming; loneliness can be fatal. According to the World Health Organisation, people lacking social connection face a higher risk of early death. Social isolation and loneliness are also linked to anxiety, depression, suicide and dementia, and can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. I can't say the lofty ideals promised by the app were achieved with a simple weeknight dinner – plus the $24 booking fee – but I'm glad I decided to go and have the conversations I did. The night appeared to be a success, the banter flowed and everyone who came along seemed uplifted by the experience – we didn't even need to reach for the ice-breaker games. Sadly, efforts to continue communications over WhatsApp died quickly, but I found my night out with strangers was a tiny act of rebellion in a world pushing us to be increasingly insular.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- 7NEWS
Best activewear for winter: Shop leggings, tops and hoodies up to 40 per cent off top brands
Lorna Jane is officially entering her cool girl era. The Australian activewear label, known for its polished matching sets and studio-ready separates, has taken a fresh leap into the Gen Z fashion pool by teaming up with TikTok style star Sam Guggenheimer. Featuring roomy silhouettes, tonal sets, classics leggings and sculpted zip-ups, there's everything you need to stay cosy this cold season. Right now, you can score up to 40 per cent off select Lorna Jane pieces, including the 'must-have' lotus collection, alongside up to 50 per cent off Reebok and up to 54 per cent off Calvin Klein activewear. Below, we've rounded up some of the best buys in the sales so you can nail the look without blowing the budget. 1. All Star Active Rib Zip Through Jacket was $140, now $84 at Lorna Jane A zip-up that's made to move with you – and look great while doing it. The All Star Active Rib Zip Through Jacket is crafted from Lorna Jane's luxe ribbed fabric that wicks sweat away and adds subtle texture. It's id eal for everything from early morning runs to Sunday strolls with a coffee in hand. The slimline silhouette is flattering without being restrictive, while practical features like thumbholes and a secure zip pocket make it easy to wear all day long. This is the kind of piece that'll elevate your leggings -and-top combo instantly. 2. Reebok Lux High-Waisted Tights was $90, now $79 at Reebok When it comes to leggings that can handle your workout and your to-do list, these are a top pick. Reebok's Lux High-Waisted Tights are built with Speedwick technology to keep you dry during intense sessions, while MOTIONFRESH fabric helps fight odour so you can run errands straight after the gym. The wide waistband sits snugly without digging in, offering a flattering fit that supports you where it counts. From pilates to the school pickup line, these tights do it all. 3. Calvin Klein French Terry Hoodie was $149, now $74.95 Part of CK Sport's new activewear line, this French terry hoodie is made for movement, but looks good enough to wear to dinner. With moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric, it's a dream for layering on cooler days without feeling heavy or damp. The cut is relaxed but still elevated, and the iconic Calvin Klein logo adds just the right amount of polish. This is the kind of hoodie that makes activewear feel sophisticated. 4. GymShark Apex Contrast Long Sleeve Top was $85, now $51 at GymShark Looking to power through your next gym sesh without overheating? This long sleeve top from GymShark is a game changer. Made with BRZE technology, it's built to keep you cool and dry even during the most intense workouts. The seamless jacquard design moves with your body, while the contour lines add shape and style. Whether you're training hard or lounging hard, this one keeps you looking sharp. 5. Luluemon Scuba Oversized Full-Zip Hoodie Taupetastic was $169, now $134 Lululemon's cult-fave Scuba Hoodie has had a tonal winter makeover, and it's just as dreamy as ever. Designed in a cloud-soft fleece with an oversized fit, this hoodie is all about comfort without compromising on shape. It hits that perfect spot between cropped and longline, making it ideal for layering over leggings or pairing with high-waisted pants. Add in the roomy hood and thumbholes, and you've got the ultimate winter throw-on.
