In the ever-evolving landscape of social trends, it’s no surprise that young women are now taking part in a movement known as “boy sober.” The idea revolves around the notion that having a boyfriend just for the sake of having one is no longer the pinnacle of cool. In an age where social media influences myriad aspects of life, it’s unsurprising to find Gen Z steering clear of what their predecessors might have considered a winter pastime—pairing up during the so-called “cuffing season.”
Let’s get this straight: genuine companionship is being swapped for independence and societal pressure is taking a vacation. In today’s world, saying one has a boyfriend doesn’t necessarily elicit a thunderous applause from the peanut gallery. No, instead it’s perceived a bit more as a yawn-inducing fact of life, rather than the glamorous badge of honor it might have once been. The trend, which has blossomed across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, captures a young generation turning away from the relationship conveyor belt and into the land of self-sufficiency.
Some might speculate if there’s an underlying political message tucked within this trend. As gender roles and expectations undergo continual scrutiny and evolution, one might wonder if boy sobriety finds its roots in any political ideology. In truth, it seems there’s no direct line connecting this trend to a red, blue, or purple agenda—just a cadre of young women pledging to rise above the drama of situationships. They’re ready to dodge the chaos of hookup culture like a seasoned matador dances with a bull.
The fascinating side of this is that historical trends suggest these boycotts of boyfriends are fleeting. The number of college-educated women settling down hasn’t shifted significantly since the 1930s, despite technological, societal, and cultural revolutions. People want companionship—it’s practically written in our DNA—but the road to getting there doesn’t need to be a well-worn path of holiday arm-candy festivities riddled with superficiality.
Indeed, as Thanksgiving rolls around and you ponder which hot topic to spark a lively dinner debate, consider this: whether discussing assimilation or merely this latest trend of boy sobriety, it becomes evident that our youthful trendsetters are navigating life’s journey as they redefine values. And while the single life full of autonomy continues to rise in social currency, it seems they’re well-versed in the knowledge that true, lasting companionship—when sought—will come not just from checking off a relationship status, but from genuinely wanting to share time and life with another.
