"It takes some guts to talk about the future on a first date. Traditionally, you're supposed to make lighthearted jokes and chat about favorite colors, not five-year plans. But when you think about it, this tactic rarely leads anywhere good - cut to five months after date one when you're stuck in a situationship. It's why people are leaning into "clear coding," a trend uncovered by Tinder in its Year in Swipe™ 2025 report."
"'For years, 'playing it cool' was almost considered a dating strategy. People worried that being too honest too soon would scare someone away,' she tells Bustle. 'Now it rewards being self-aware.' Instead of being mysterious or 'waiting to see what happens,' you would go into a date knowing exactly what you want - and you wouldn't be afraid to say it. 'That kind of clarity feels refreshing,' she says. 'When no one has to decode the subtext, there's more space for connection to actually breathe.'"
Clear coding means stating explicitly what one wants from a romantic encounter, whether a casual fling or a long-term commitment. Tinder's Year in Swipe 2025 report found 64% of young singles want more emotional honesty and 60% want clearer communication about intentions. Clear coding reduces confusion, mixed messages, hurt feelings, and late-night decoding sessions with friends. Social media users endorse upfront honesty, saying compatibility will reveal itself and honesty won't scare away those who want the same thing. Cultural norms that rewarded 'playing it cool' are shifting toward self-awareness and direct communication, which can allow connections to develop more authentically.
Read at Bustle
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