Why a section of Gen Z is choosing to swipe right on the self

Cut to 2026, and Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) is far more confident and open about being single and taking a conscious decision to not date or seek a relationship. In fact, it has even come up with a term for it that exudes positivity, ‘solo-maxxing’. The term is a portmanteau of ‘solo’ or single and the suffix ‘-maxxing’, which emerges from gaming platforms and internet lingo, to suggest achieving goals and amplifying rare personality qualities. The aim is to leverage one’s single status to focus on oneself and personal growth, to achieve one’s aims and objectives in life.

When love can wait, the self can’t

For 20-year-old Sheshank Raj single-maxxing “is all about unapologetic self-love — focusing on yourself, your motivations and the things you want to do in life”.

The second-year hotel management student from Noida (a part of the National Capital Region) adds: “I want to build a good future for myself”, explaining that for him the current priorities are to concentrate on his academics and pursue career goals.

From focusing on career to learning a new skill, travelling, or just focusing on mental and physical well-being, the idea is to use the time that would have gone into seeking and nurturing a relationship on oneself. Being single is, however, not equivalent to being alone or solitary. The happily single, not ready to mingle individual can equally use the time to focus on one’s family and friends.

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Nor does single-maxxing have to be a permanent state of life.

As Riya Jaiswal, an undergraduate student majoring in physics, explains, “love is important, but at this stage of my life, my complete attention lies on clearing my exam papers and constructing a safe tomorrow for myself”. She adds: “I want to have a firm economic foothold first. I would never give up on my main purpose for a casual relationship.”

Talking about a potential relationship in the future, Jaiswal, who is from Bihar, says, “I would want my partner to be on the same page with me, valuing my wishes and standing by me as a strong pillar of support because I believe both should be able to grow together with zero conflicting interests.”

Ultimately, the idea is about choice and respecting one’s choices, whether it is to be single or be in a relationship.

“Of course being in a relationship does not mean you cannot pursue other things. It depends entirely on the individual and how he/she manages their priorities,” agrees Raj.

Why go solo

Relationship experts forward many reasons for this frank embracing of a single status. One is, of course, Gen Z’s confidence to be more open about their choices in life. But other factors likely play a role too.

One of those reasons can be financial, and Gen Z is not ashamed to think practically and materialistically, if you must call it that. Wondering where this is going?

Refer to the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer Dilwale. Directed by Rohit Shetty, the 2015 film is completely forgettable. But a particular scene, where Varun Sharma talks of the financial pressures of dating — the money spent at cafes, restaurants and multiplexes every time you go out, the gifts that must be exchanged on birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day — goes a long way in explaining why Gen Z may be choosing to put that cash in savings instead, or spend it on self and self-growth.

Online dating patterns like benching, catfishing and ghosting, too, can make one choose peace over partner. The apps provide a limitless pool of potential matches to choose from; all one needs to do is swipe right on the one who seems to be the one. But finding the one can take some trial-and-error and even that can get fatiguing.

“Every generation develops ideas and perspectives based on what it observes in the previous generation, as well as what’s happening around them at present,” agrees Ruchi Dwivedi, a life coach. “For those among the Gen Z who have grown up witnessing relationship issues, monetary struggles and in many households, women being dominated or financially leaning on others, such experiences may have played a major role in making them more rational than starry-eyed about relationships. Especially for women, financial liberty is becoming an important factor because money gives them the power to live life on their own terms.”

That’s not to say that Gen Z is choosing to be safe rather than sorry…they are just entering the relationship game with their eyes wide open, taking their time to decide what they want from it, at the same time looking at things that fulfil them beyond love.

Adds Shashwat Paul, a young content creator. “Young people today want a layered personality. They look forward to participating in artistic and innovative workshops, going to the gym, travelling at a relaxed pace and looking after their physical and mental health. They want to acquire knowledge, learn new skills and dig deeper to discover their unknown sides.”

And they don’t necessarily need a partner to share these experiences with.

Indulging in self-company

For Jaiswal, beyond career, interests include “travelling, films and exploring different cuisines and restaurants”. “Life always offers a multifaceted human something to look forward to,” she explains.

Raj, too, enjoys travelling and watching films in addition to gaming. Talking about today’s youth, he says. “I think we are pretty much aware of the opportunities available to us. Spending ‘quality me time’ is important for us, he adds.

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In Holidate, the protagonists eventually fall in love, the real kind, as expected in a rom-com. As the end credits roll, the two are shown experiencing life as a couple, making memories. Our ‘solo-maxxers’ may reach that point, too, someday. For now, though, the self is all the company they want.