As February comes, the wind is full of love, with a plan to completely bloom for Valentine’s Day. Bengaluru has adopted its romantic side with open hands. From flowers filled roads to heart-shaped decorations, from the cafe adorned, walking in hand, couples indulging in candle dinner, and exchange of roses, excellent chocolate is being prepared and every corner of the city is being prepared and every corner of the city To fill the air, every corner of the city feels. For the whisper of romance.
But in the midst of this grand celebration of love, the city’s solo is also carving their own location – whether by embracing single self -care, demanding deep connections, or what love does it mean. From book clubs to hiking groups and intimate ceremonies, they try to find happiness in meaningful conversations in many forms, whether a swipe, a chance meeting, or through an unexpected interaction.
This Valentine’s Day, we tell you what to find Bangalore’s solo love, connection and comfort.
The singles mixer of Book Lovers performed a different kind of romance at its core- fuel by a word, characters and stories for stories. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Single Mixer: Start with a story
Valentine’s Day often comes with a certain pressure, except for several solo, either completely escapes from the occasion or feels out of place between the sea of couple-centered events. The “Book Lovers Singles Mixer” offered a refreshing option not the primary target, but a delightful possibility. Instead of swipe left or right in dating apps, the attendees were encouraged to join their shared passion for literature. As the tagline of the event says, “Great connections begin with a good story.”
Unlike candlelight dinner and specific Valentine’s Day Revelli filled with doubles retreat, this gathering had a different kind of romance at its origin – fuel by a shared love for a word, characters and stories. “Book Lovers Singles Mixer” is a program organized by Etah Galata in Indiranagar that is designed to bring bibliophiles together in search of a good reading and perhaps, a meaningful connection.
Line -lined shelves with literary classics, contemporary best vendors and well -worn paperbacks implicated the scene, built the perfect setting for a love story, or at least, one evening of literary discourse. The night was not just about books; It was about breaking the strange that often comes with a new meeting.
Reducing this unique initiative was Radhika Agarwal, the author of Red Flags and Rishtas, who was a funny and trusted novel discovering modern dating complications. As a writer, who has entered the intricacies of relationships through his work, Agarwal was the perfect host to the participants to guide the contestants through an evening filled with bizarre icebreakers and playful dating games. “You have to keep yourself out of there and be optimistic”, Radhika said in this incident. “Love comes when you expect it at least.”
People also feel that dating apps create a barrier to real connections. , Photo Credit: Reuters
A ‘Messed-up’ dating culture?
But for the average single Bengaluruan, finding love is easy to find away. According to the software engineer, Sauvik Vas, the dating culture of the city is “very messy.”
“Men complain that they cannot get matches, while women say they have a lot of options but not right. People are chasing wrong partners and finishing with nothing,” Vas said, who has been living in Bengaluru for six years. He said, “Since dating is still new in India, where systematic marriages were ideal, many are still understanding it on their own,” he said.
People also feel that dating apps create a barrier to real connections. While they enjoy the initial conversation, they believe that offline meetings provide a clear understanding of a person’s true nature. “I don’t like digital barrier. In an hour or two, a person gives a very clear understanding of someone. Online, it is easy to fake who we are, so do you really know if someone is real and stands by their opinion? “Kshitij Agrawal said.
According to most accounts, in today’s dating scenario, opportunities to meet people have increased, but it is difficult to find authentic relations. Dating apps offer exciting possibilities, they often overwhelm and confuse users. “Women now have freedom to choose, but dating apps create a mindset where there is always another option, which makes real connections difficult,” said a romance writer Swati Hegde. They believe that we should choose partners “without dating a game”.
The sharp-character nature of dating apps and instant connections feels superficial for some people, which prefer traditional methods of meeting through mutual friends, in cafes, or during social events. , Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat
Back to offline dating
In a city where dating apps resumed modern romance once, a seismic innings comes out because people are moving away from endless swipes and screens. Instead, they are reclaiming the adventure of organic, face to face connections. “I think there is a growing change in offline dating post-cool. While apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Kaj have seen a bounce, many are now disillusioned with endless options and negative experiences. Turning to, “Radhika said.
Apparently, the sharp-term nature of dating apps and instant connections feel superficial for some people, which prefer traditional methods of meeting through mutual friends, in cafes, or during social events. Gayatri Rawat, who is located outside Delhi and has recently gone here, agree. “My friends told me that dating culture in Bengaluru is rich, but honestly, being an old school, I am not a fan of this dating scene,” Gayatri says. “I like to meet people systematically.”
Individual chemistry
The belief that chemistry is made in the best person, seems to be a rapid spread in Bangalore, which is clear in the increasing popularity of offline dating events, speed dating sessions and book-theme mixers, where people beyond digital aspect Can join. For example, single mixer for book lovers, was crammed with people eager for love and possibilities of connection.
“There is no such thing as emotional security in love. You cannot guarantee that your heart will not break or it will be a pleasant end. This is not a film. You have to keep yourself out of there and be optimistic, ”Radhika said while talking about the vulnerability coming with the demand of love. “Do not keep a checklist and close it. Sometimes, the person who is not of your kind is really correct, ”she advises.
Published – 14 February, 2025 09:00 AM IST
