Staff Reports
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, when families gather around tables, sharing meals and lively conversations, there’s a new topic that might just grab some attention this year—a peculiar trend called “boy sober.” It’s not about giving up bad habits or alcohol. Instead, it’s about young women stepping away from the needless pursuit of boyfriends. This trend has been making waves on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with young women declaring that the allure of having a boyfriend just for the sake of having one has dimmed significantly. Frankly, in this era of shifting cultural norms, the pressure to parade around a significant other as some prized turkey at holiday gatherings is becoming as passé as Myspace.
In the world of dating, there’s long been the phenomenon of “cuffing season”—that time of year when people hurriedly attach themselves to a cozy partner just to bear through the cold winter months, with the added bonus of not showing up solo to family gatherings. But it seems the young women of today, particularly the Gen Z crowd, have declared that the desperation of cuffing season is more cringeworthy than charming. Who would have thought the tradition of dragging along a boyfriend to appease curious relatives has become as outdated as using flip phones?
It’s curious what may have sparked this trend. Is it a cultural statement, a subtle rebellion against the hookup culture that no longer satisfies or a tiredness from the trend of “situationships”? While this may have parallels with the “just talking” phase many remember from their college days, today’s young women appear more determined to stand independently than to be tethered to a temporary beau. There’s some speculation about underlying political tones within this trend, but let’s be real: not every decision is a political stance. Perhaps it’s just about reclaiming independence in a world where genuine connection has become more elusive than ever.
Interestingly, while “boy sober” might be making headlines, it’s worth noting that the statistics around college-educated women and marriage haven’t changed drastically for decades. Despite the ebb and flow of dating trends, the desire for companionship persists. Humans, after all, seem wired for connection and community one way or another. As with many trends, “boy sober” might just be another swing of the pendulum in the complicated dance of modern relationships.
So this Thanksgiving, as family members gather around sharing stories that showcase technological ineptitude in texting or the calamities of dating apps, maybe this “boy sober” trend will provide some food for thought—the kind that isn’t easily digestible if you’re attached to the traditional expectations of relationships. One thing is certain: in a world that constantly grapples with defining norms, sometimes the best course is just to sit back with a slice of pie and watch the trends pass by like the leaves of autumn.
