Relationships have changed massively over the years, that’s for sure.
Gen Z has fully embraced the new way of doing things, many boomers still cling to the dating norms they grew up with. From rejecting rigid timelines to completely redefining commitment, younger generations have rewritten the rulebook on love, and to them, it just makes sense. However, a lot of older people are still stuck in their ways, side-eyeing these new approaches like they’re some kind of rebellious phase rather than the evolution of modern relationships. Here are some of the relationship trends they’re finding it harder to practise in their own lives (or even understand in other people’s).
1. Not rushing into marriage
For boomers, marriage was seen as a major life milestone that needed to happen in your early twenties. Settling down young was the norm, and not doing so often raised eyebrows.
Gen Z, on the other hand, doesn’t see marriage as a requirement for a successful life. They’re taking their time, prioritising their careers, mental health, and personal growth before making any big commitments. While older people might see this as avoiding responsibility, younger ones see it as making sure they don’t settle for the wrong person just because of outdated timelines.
2. Living together before getting engaged
For many boomers, moving in together before marriage was once seen as controversial, even a sign that the relationship wasn’t serious. But Gen Z sees it as a practical step that helps couples figure out if they’re actually compatible before making lifelong commitments.
They’d rather work out potential issues before getting legally tied together, while previous generations still hold onto the belief that living together before marriage somehow weakens the commitment rather than strengthening it.
3. Ditching traditional gender roles
In many boomer relationships, men were expected to be the providers while women handled the home and children. While not all boomers lived by this standard, it was definitely the expectation of the time.
Gen Z has completely rejected these outdated roles. They believe in splitting financial responsibilities, emotional labour, and household tasks equally. Many older people still struggle with the idea that relationships don’t need clearly defined male and female roles to function successfully.
4. Prioritising personal growth before settling down
Boomers often viewed relationships and marriage as the first step to a successful life, with personal growth happening within that structure. Gen Z flips that entirely—they see relationships as something to pursue after they’ve established their own identity and stability.
They want to travel, explore different career paths, go to therapy, and figure out who they are before committing to anyone. To older generations, this might look like avoiding adulthood, but to them, it’s about entering relationships as whole individuals rather than rushing into something unprepared.
5. Talking openly about mental health in relationships
Gen Z has no problem discussing their mental health, setting boundaries, and asking for emotional support in their relationships. They see therapy as a tool for personal and relationship growth, not something to be ashamed of.
Boomers, however, grew up in a time when discussing mental health was often seen as oversharing or as something to be dealt with privately. Many still struggle to understand why younger generations are so open about these conversations.
6. Using dating apps to meet people
Boomers love to reminisce about the good old days of meeting people at work, through friends, or at social events. To them, online dating still feels impersonal or even desperate. (Of course, that’s not true across the board—there are a small number of boomers on apps!)
Of course, for Gen Z, dating apps aren’t just normal—they’re necessary. With fast-paced lives and digital communication being second nature, using apps like Hinge or Bumble is just another way to connect. The idea that meeting online is somehow less meaningful than meeting in person feels outdated to them.
7. Setting clear boundaries in relationships
Gen Z is all about openly discussing emotional needs, setting boundaries, and communicating their expectations in relationships. They don’t believe in letting things fester or hoping their partner can just figure it out.
Boomers, on the other hand, often grew up with the mindset that love should be implied rather than talked about. To them, these direct conversations can feel overly serious or even unnecessary.
8. Challenging the idea that marriage is the ultimate goal
Boomers were raised with the belief that marriage was the key to happiness and stability. Gen Z isn’t buying into that idea. They see relationships as a choice, not an obligation, and they don’t believe marriage is necessary to live a fulfilled life. That change can feel like a rejection of tradition to older people, while younger ones see it as creating relationships on their own terms.
9. Ending relationships that no longer serve them
Boomers often stuck things out in relationships even when they were unhappy because that was the expectation. Gen Z doesn’t see relationships as something to be endured. They believe that if something isn’t working, it’s better to move on than stay in an unhappy or unfulfilling situation. Many Boomers see this as giving up too easily, but Gen Z believes it’s about valuing their happiness over social expectations.
10. Exploring ethical non-monogamy
For Boomers, monogamy was the only real option. Anything outside of that was seen as scandalous or a sign that something was wrong with the relationship.
Gen Z, however, is much more open to non-traditional relationship structures, including ethical non-monogamy and polyamory. While many older generations find this idea confusing or even threatening, younger generations see it as just another valid way to build relationships.
11. Rejecting outdated dating rules
Boomers grew up with specific expectations—men should always pay, there should be rules about when to call after a date, and intimacy should follow a specific timeline. Gen Z doesn’t believe in playing games or following old-fashioned dating scripts. They let relationships unfold naturally instead of following an outdated set of rules.
12. Keeping finances separate
In many boomer relationships, financial dependence was common, with one partner (usually the man) handling most of the finances. Gen Z sees things differently.
They believe in maintaining financial independence, splitting expenses, and making sure both partners are secure on their own. Older people sometimes see this as a lack of commitment, while younger ones see it as a practical and fair way to approach relationships.
13. Viewing relationships as partnerships, not obligations
Boomers often approached relationships with a sense of duty—staying together for the kids, keeping up appearances, or fulfilling social expectations. Gen Z, however, believes that relationships should be chosen freely, not maintained out of obligation. To them, love should be intentional and not just something people stick with because they feel like they have to.
14. Keeping independence even when in a relationship
Boomers often believed that being in a relationship meant merging your entire life with your partner—social circles, interests, even free time. Gen Z, however, values independence even in committed relationships. They believe in maintaining separate hobbies, friendships, and personal goals while still being deeply connected to their partner.
15. Seeing breakups as growth, not failure
Boomers saw breakups as something to avoid at all costs, often staying in relationships that weren’t working. Gen Z doesn’t see breakups as a failure. To them, a breakup is simply an indication that a relationship ran its course, and moving on is part of life. They’d rather let go than stay in something that no longer makes them happy.
