When it comes to dating, many of us feel jaded. Whether it’s the cycle of red flags, ghosting (research suggests that over 70 per cent of people have either ghosted someone or been ghosted themselves), surface-level communication or the sense that everyone is replaceable, love feels kind of dead.
But, before you hook your dating life up to life support, there may be a cure: whimsy.
Defined as playful, fanciful and pleasantly unpredictable, whimsy has found itself having a moment in 2026 and Hinge’s love and connection expert, Moe Ari Brown, told WHO it could be the answer to your dating life.
From TikToks of people adding sprinkles to their matcha to the rise of the phrase “let women be whimsical and weird,” this playful, offbeat energy once reserved for women dancing in fields is everywhere.
And, per Hinge, mentions of “whimsy” in users’ dating profiles on the app have gone up 75 per cent, making it clear we’re craving something lighter, even when we’re in the dating trenches.
“This year, people are leaning into whimsy, playfulness, and fun across their personal and dating lives,” Moe Ari Brown, licensed therapist and Hinge’s love and connection expert, told WHO.
“They’re celebrating little moments that bring them joy, connecting over niche hobbies and interests, and creating space for play.”
So, what does it take to bring the magic back into dating?
What are the benefits of dating with whimsy?
From teeing up dates to places you don’t really want to go or asking the same, stock-standard questions, dating can feel like a chore at times.
According to Moe, whimsy can help make dating feel playful, especially when you let your true self shine.
“Embracing your inner whimsy by being open about the things that truly light you up can be a real remedy and help you break out of old patterns that aren’t serving you,” Moe notes.
“First dates don’t need to feel like an interview or checking boxes.”
The big drawcard here is that whimsy can help you attract people you’re truly compatible with by showing them your silly side in the early stages of dating.
“We’ve spent decades being taught to optimize, perform, and curate, and at some point, that pressure caught up with us,” Moe says.
“Whimsy is an antidote to all that and truly invites you to show up as your full self, quirks and all.”
Does dating with whimsy mean you’re not taking it seriously?
While whimsy by definition is unserious, dating with whimsy doesn’t mean your heart isn’t in it.
“Playful and intentional aren’t opposites; we’ve just been taught to treat them that way,” Moe says.
“You can want something real and lasting and still laugh your way there. You can crave depth and still be a little silly.”
This is the same if you’re dating someone who may be silly and playful.
“Every person has their own quirks, so try to keep an open mind. It’s about how they show up and meet you where you need them to,” Moe notes.
Ultimately, whimsy isn’t the absence of intention; it’s the choice to make space for joy and play.
How to date with whimsy
According to Moe, we can lean into whimsy in our dating lives by embracing our unique quirks, bringing up conversation topics that truly light us up, and planning dates around our hobbies and interests.
Here are their tips:
- Make a list of places and activities in your city you’ve been wanting to try, and suggest one to your match. Is there a museum, a pop-up, a class, or a neighbourhood spot you’ve been putting off? Talk about why you’re excited about it. That enthusiasm is real information about who you are.
- Plan dates around hobbies or activities you love – or ask your date to show you something they’re into. For example, if you’re into pottery or drawing, you could suggest a craft cafe or workshop as a potential first date spot. When you’re in a space or creative environment that brings you joy, it opens the door to fun and interesting conversations. Remove any pressure for perfection and try to focus on being present. You don’t have to be a pro to share what makes you happy.
- Let your whimsy shine on your dating profile – your quirks are signals to people you’re truly compatible with. Highlight what you’re most passionate about on your profile. If you need a little help thinking of what to share, think: what could you spend all night reading or watching videos about? Maybe it’s a musical artist you’re a huge fan of, a recent intellectual curiosity that has piqued your interest, or a new hobby you’re getting into. Share that!
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