Topics: Dating trends, Bridgerton, TV And Film, Sex and Relationships, Life, Real Life
There's a new dating trend emerging - and book lovers are rejoicing as it's all inspired by the likes of Bridgerton and Wuthering Heights.
It's no secret that dating in 2026 can be an absolute minefield, from gaslighting to catfishing, the rise of dating apps, and not to mention all of the other red flags experts are saying you need to look out for.
And to be frank, everyone's just a bit sick of it.
As reported by Vice, new research by Bumble has revealed that being nonchalant is no longer the way to be sexy - women want grand gestures, lots of yearning and the classic slow burn.
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But behind all that, we just want modern dating to go back to having effort, intention and emotional availability.
Essentially, 'storybooking' means longing for the type of romance we see in movies, TV shows and books, specifically period dramas, but through a modernised lens. There has to be a real-life Benedict Bridgerton out there somewhere.
The dating app's new research shows that half of women think that fictional love stories impact their own dating preferences, including their relationship standards.
It comes at a time when we're being treated to a whole lot of bar-raising romance, with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's Wuthering Heights on the horizon and season four of Bridgerton currently playing out.
If Heathcliff can say "I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!" about Cathy, then you can put some effort into planning a date.
Bumble Sexologist Chantelle Otten explained: “Bumble’s new trend, Storybooking, shows that singles are consciously choosing romance on their own terms and [are] clear on their boundaries.
"These stories offer anticipation and intentionality. They slow romance down and make it feel meaningful.”
The sexpert added: “Period dramas are a beautiful fantasy, but real-life romance thrives when we’re in control. Emotional intelligence, mutual effort, and clear boundaries don’t kill attraction; they make it stronger."
Otten told The New York Post: “Women still want the love story. But now they also want that romance without emotional confusion.
"They’re choosing partners who communicate clearly, make an effort and respect boundaries. People haven’t stopped wanting romance. They’ve just redefined it."
It's not like women are asking for a lot - according to Bumble’s survey, they just want clear communication, emotional safety, and mutual effort - things we often see in film and TV, but can be lacking in the modern world of dating.
The research also revealed that a lot of singles like to show love through 'intentional acts like creating a playlist, sharing inside jokes, or taking morning coffee walks'.
'Storybooking' can also help your dating life ahem, in the bedroom, as experts have noted how setting boundaries and being intentional can make your sex life even better.
Desirée N. Robinson, a Maryland-based psychotherapist who specialises in sex and intimacy, told Bedsider: “When we think about boundaries, a lot of people think it’s a dirty word, or it’s an obstruction
"Really, it’s this invitation to say, ‘This is how far I plan or desire to go, and this is where I want to invite you to meet me.’ And each person can say yes or no.”
