Gen Z - dating for free meals

[Axtremus]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/10/17/why-gen-z-is-dating-for-free-food/86715170007/

https://www.intuit.com/blog/innovative-thinking/the-cuffing-economy-how-gen-z-is-redefining-love-and-money/

26% admit they’ve gone on a date primarily for the free meal—with Gen Z leading at 31%. While it may sound comical, this statistic underscores the real financial pressures young adults are facing. For some, dating doubles as a way to stretch their budgets as much as it is about connection.

Also some interesting statistics on when couples choose to broach the conversation on "how much money do you make?"

[Mik]

That's nothing new. People have dated for mercenary reasons forever.

[jon-nyc]

Exactly. When I was their age I dated for free pie.

[Mik]

@jon-nyc said in Gen Z - dating for free meals:

Exactly. When I was their age I dated for free pie.

Same here. Different currency, same principle.

[Doctor Phibes]

I suspect people may have dated me for the free schadenfreude.

[jon-nyc]

People dated you?

Did they know?

[Horace]

I have a date today where i”ll be treated nicely and given free food. They take my blood, but they keep asking me back because they enjoy my company.

[Mik]

I hate to tell you this, but they're using you.

[Horace]

It’s not like they’re selling my body parts or something.

[Doctor Phibes]

@jon-nyc said in Gen Z - dating for free meals:

People dated you?

Did they know?

The great thing about old people's homes is that every date is a first date!