LIFE & CULTURE

‘Gatsbying’ Is The Newest Dating Trend And You’re Probably Already Doing It

Even if you're not on the dating scene you've probably done it...

Ok so it’s a full time job in itself keeping up with all the dating trends that are around these days – there’s breadcrumbing, ghosting, orbiting, marleying to name a few – let alone actually you know, finding time ti date. But now there’s another one to add to the mix, and it’s called Gatsbying. And FYI you’re totally already doing it.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary classic has been reduced to a modern-day, some might say narcissitic, dating ritual – fuelled by our obsession with social media.

According to Aussie model Matilda Dods, who penned a piece for TOMBOY beauty:

Gatsbying, (To Gastby vb or n): To post a video, picture or selfie to public social media purely for a love interest to see it.

In case you haven’t already grasped it, Dods goes on to further describe the trend in pratical terms.

Picture this: You’re out with your friends, you’ve got a glass of wine in your hand, you’re laughing, your lipstick has worn off just the right amount, and your hair is cool-girl effortless. Pull out your phone and take a video that displays perfectly how fun, cute and carefree you are.

[Add to story]

20 minutes later you pull your phone out again, and immediately check to see if *they’ve* seen it. You know who *they* are. It is that guy or gal whose attention you’re trying to get with the video you just posted. You also know what I’m talking about…

You my dear, are [Gatsbying].

If you’re still not sure how that relates to The Great Gatsby, in a nutshell it’s about an billionaire who throws an elaborate party in the hopes the objection of his affection will see how awesome and popular and fun he is and fall in love with him.

Let’s be honest, that is basically what social media is all about, showing a curated version of yourself living your best life.

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