Trends in modern relationships

Let’s be honest: social media has a massive influence on every aspect of our lives — it shapes us. What you wear, how you talk, where you eat, who you date — all of it is under the control of Instagram and TikTok. And even if you think you’re not like that, guess what? You are.

2000s–2010s - The Era of the “Alyona Shishkova” Aesthetic - back then, the ideal woman looked something like this: floor-length fur coat, a bouquet of 101 roses, platinum blonde hair, lips and boobs courtesy of a plastic surgeon, and a touch of childlike naivety.

And next to her? The “sugar daddy.” Silver-haired, polished, with a wristwatch that could blind you and a Vertu phone in his hand. Oh, and a trunk full of cash. He’d take his Barbie to beauty pageants, gift her cars, and, of course beauty salon. Cliche. This was the trend: you’re beautiful, he’s rich — everyone’s happy.

2020s–2025 - trends have shifted. Media and Instagram have rewritten the script. Reels and stories are now full of young, athletic couples lounging in Thailand or Bali while both are making money.

The guy with a backpack and a MacBook sitting at the next table in your favorite coffee shop? He might be a startup founder, a programmer, a crypto bro, or a team lead pulling in tens or even hundreds of thousands of euros. His Mac needs its own tax ID. Progress has made money young. And the “huge age gap” thing is no longer cool.

Today, women are partners too. And man? It’s no longer just about his wallet, now, emotional intelligence is big part of the deal.

The female ideal has changed too. The modern woman is all about natural beauty, education, income, strength, and balance. She’s a businesswoman who can handle everything on her own. The whole “just a pretty accessory batting her 3D lashes” vibe? It’s officially over.

So, what will your choice be? And honestly, does following clichés even matter anymore?