Is Throning the Latest Dating Trend Taking Over? Find Out Now!

Dating is complicated. There's ghosting, breadcrumbing, situationships… and now, throning. This new dating trend is sweeping social media, leaving many scratching their heads and wondering, "What is throning, exactly?" Simply put, throning means dating someone primarily to elevate your own social status or reputation. It's all about the perks—the Instagram-worthy photos, the access to exclusive events, the boost to your ego—rather than genuine affection or connection. Sound familiar? Read on to uncover the truth about this surprisingly prevalent dating trend.

Understanding the Throne of Vanity: What is Throning?

Throning isn't about love; it's about leveraging someone's social capital to boost your own. Picture this: you're seen with someone successful, attractive, or influential, instantly elevating your perceived value. It's using a partner as a stepping stone, a metaphorical throne, for self-promotion. But, does it really work in the long run? Are there better ways to find love and improve your self-image without compromising on emotional authenticity?

The Science Behind Throning

A recent study in Science Advances sheds light on this phenomenon, revealing that many dating app users actively seek partners who are considered more desirable than themselves. This inherent desire for upward social mobility contributes to the rise of throning. It speaks to our innate desire to be associated with success and status, but this desire should be questioned: how many would prefer to have the stability of being truly valued and respected?

The Illusion of Love

The allure of throning lies in its temporary illusion of success and validation. Imagine all the new experiences you can achieve simply by linking your identity to another; however, such relationships are built on sand. They offer an ego boost—not happiness and well-being. There is a potential to make the people involved emotionally hollow.

The Downside of the Dating Throne: Why Throning Fails

While the immediate gratification might be tempting, experts warn that throning ultimately leads to dissatisfaction. Relationships built on superficial aspects lack the depth, intimacy, and stability required for long-term fulfillment. The truth is: you can never get to the real joy of a meaningful and long-lasting relationship this way.

The Absence of Authenticity

Matchmaking dating app founder, Stacy Thomson, hits the nail on the head. She highlights that "real fulfillment in relationships tends to come from authenticity and mutual respect." Throning directly contradicts these principles. It thrives on appearances and status symbols, lacking the genuine emotional connection that truly makes a relationship meaningful.

The Perils of Superficiality

Dating based on status offers only temporary boosts, a false feeling of success. As such, this often lacks emotional intimacy and stability because it lacks the important ingredient that truly successful relationships are founded on: mutual value.

Long-Term Consequences

What are the results of engaging in this short-sighted process? Eventually, the shallowness becomes apparent, and throning fails to produce true happiness or sustainable love. The potential of future heartache is high and it's important to be able to distinguish this from true, lasting love.

Moving Beyond the Throne: Finding Genuine Connection

Instead of pursuing the fleeting satisfaction of throning, focus on building relationships grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and genuine connection. This kind of focus often yields the better long-term result. It requires self-reflection, honesty, and a willingness to foster deep and fulfilling bonds. Are these more desirable traits to foster for building lasting connections?

Cultivating Authentic Connections

Real connections thrive on vulnerability, understanding, and shared experiences. They aren't based on perceived social capital, or potential benefits from being in a relationship. Such traits and values form a stronger basis for lasting relationships. How do you think you can apply these principles to your life and relationships?

Prioritizing Personal Growth

Self-improvement contributes immensely to stronger relationships. Building confidence, self-awareness, and a genuine understanding of who you are makes you happier with and more fulfilling to yourself.

Take Away Points

• Throning is a dating trend focused on using a partner to enhance one's social status.
• It often leads to unsatisfying, emotionally shallow relationships.
• Authenticity, mutual respect, and shared values are essential for lasting love.
• Prioritizing personal growth and building genuine connections offer much more happiness in the long run.