Dinner for two? In this economy?
A new trend called “solo-maxxing” is taking over among Gen Z and millennials — and honestly, it says a lot about where we are right now culturally, financially, and emotionally.
According to a recent article from Fortune, younger Americans are increasingly opting out of traditional dating altogether. Instead of expensive dinners, awkward small talk, and emotional rollercoasters, many are embracing a lifestyle centered around themselves: solo travel, solo dining, solo concerts, solo apartments, and yes… even AI boyfriends and girlfriends.
And can you blame them?
The average cost of a date in America is now approaching $200 once you factor in dinner, drinks, transportation, and the ever-growing “getting ready” expenses. Millennials are reportedly spending an average of $252 per date. Gen Z isn’t far behind.
That’s before anyone even decides if there’s going to be a second date.
Meanwhile, restaurant prices have skyrocketed, rents are crushing budgets, and financial anxiety is at an all-time high. Many young adults are looking at dating and thinking: “This feels like a luxury expense.”
The Rise of “Solo-Maxxing”
The term “maxxing” comes from internet slang meaning maximizing something. In this case, people are maximizing their solo lives.
Instead of viewing singlehood as a temporary phase, many are reframing it as a lifestyle choice:
- Spend money on yourself instead of dating
- Travel alone
- Build routines you enjoy
- Avoid emotional stress and uncertainty
- Protect your peace and your bank account
Honestly? There’s something kind of empowering about it.
We used to treat being alone like a problem to solve. Now younger generations are treating it like freedom.
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Dating Has Become a Performance
People aren’t just going on dates anymore. They’re producing content.
There’s pressure to pick the perfect restaurant, wear the perfect outfit, take the perfect mirror selfie, and somehow make the evening worthy of a Reel recap.
No wonder everyone’s exhausted.
Some People Are Choosing Peace Over Potential
A bad relationship can drain your wallet, your confidence, your nervous system, and your group chat.
A quiet night alone with sushi, Netflix, and no emotional confusion? Suddenly that feels elite.
Women Especially Are Less Willing to Settle
Many women finally have careers, independence, their own apartments, their own routines, and financial control.
If someone enters their life now, they have to add something meaningful — not chaos.
Restaurants Are Becoming the Main Character
Ironically, solo-maxxing may actually help restaurants.
People still want experiences. They just don’t necessarily want the pressure of a date attached to them.
I’m seeing more people romanticize:
- sitting at the bar alone
- ordering dessert for themselves
- taking themselves to brunch
- bringing a book to dinner
- going out because they want to — not because someone invited them
- Nothing says solo-maxxing like noise-canceling AirPods, a solo dinner reservation, and pretending nobody else exists.
And honestly? I love this energy.
Pop Culture Moment
“At this point, some people trust ChatGPT more than Hinge.”
Honestly? ChatGPT remembers birthdays, answers immediately, helps write better texts, never ghosts, and doesn’t pretend it’s “not looking for anything serious” after six weeks.
Carrie Bradshaw walked so Gen Z could order truffle fries alone at the bar and call it self-care.
Some people aren’t quitting connection entirely — they’re just looking for it offline. In fact, book clubs are becoming the new dating app for many singles.
Dining Alone Is No Longer “Sad”
There was a time when sitting alone in a restaurant felt uncomfortable. Now it feels aspirational.
Younger people are romanticizing solo coffee dates, solo dinners, museum days, and even solo vacations. TikTok is filled with creators showing beautifully curated “dates with myself.”
And as someone who loves restaurants, I actually understand this trend. There’s something luxurious about ordering exactly what you want, staying as long as you want, and not having to negotiate over appetizers.
The New Dream
People used to dream about weddings.
Now they dream about peace, Pilates, and airport lounge access.
Honestly? I get it.
In 2026, luxury looks less like impressing other people and more like protecting your energy.
Maybe the new status symbol isn’t relationship drama.
Maybe it’s emotional stability, good lighting, and TSA PreCheck.
Are Dating Apps in Trouble?
Dating apps are already seeing signs of fatigue. Many users complain that the apps feel exhausting, repetitive, expensive, and emotionally draining.
Between subscription fees, endless swiping, and expensive meetups that go nowhere, younger users are questioning whether the return on investment is worth it.
And maybe that’s the bigger story here.
This isn’t just about dating. It’s about people trying to regain control — emotionally and financially — in a world that feels increasingly expensive and unpredictable.
For some, that means choosing partnership.
For others, it means choosing peace.
And sometimes… peace looks like a martini for one.
