When I first watched To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, I was convinced Lara Jean had cracked the love code. Write a few letters, bake some cookies, and boom — your own Peter Kavinsky. But in real life? It turns out dating’s more about navigating Bumble’s endless swipes than a rom-com.
Instead of dreamy meet-cutes, I’ve met all sorts — fun, quirky, some weirdos, and others who are just surprising. I even asked my office wife, Ipsita Kaul, to share her two cents. She laughed and said, “It’s been over a year since I used Bumble (found my partner there, thank you), but wow, what a ride! I met guys who thought watching Game of Thrones and Friends made them personality experts, finance dudebros, matcha addicts, and some very intrusive weirdos — equal parts entertaining and unsettling.”
And what made us shake heads together was the ones posing with their baby cousins? Instant swipe left. A BIG ick. Guys, if you’re active on dating apps, do us a favour and ditch any pics with kids. Not cool.
And seriously, stop asking for IG handles two minutes into the conversation. Have some fun, flirt a little, and ease into it. Unless, of course, you both want to go full throttle — then who am I to stop you?
So, if Lara Jean was on Bumble, here’s what she’d be swiping through. Ready to meet the cast? Let’s swipe right!
1. The Micro-Mancer
Not one for flashy displays, this guy’s romance game is all about small but meaningful gestures. Think of a surprise text with a meme that screams, “This reminded me of you,” or a carefully curated Spotify playlist titled “For My Bumble Crush.” He’s here to prove that a good morning coffee walk can be as romantic as a grand proposal.
Swipe if: Your idea of love is finding someone who saves memes in advance just to share them with you. (Need One)
2. The DWM Content Creator
Welcome to his life, where every date feels like a pilot episode of your favourite reality show. He’s live-tweeting his “pre-date jitters,” posting GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos, and maybe even dropping cryptic IG captions after your hangout. Public breakups? Probably a highlight reel.
Swipe if: You are ready for love in the social media limelight (and don’t mind a little oversharing).
3. The Niche King
This guy’s hobbies are his whole personality sometimes good and sometimes it will make you rolls your eyes on his face. Whether it’s thrifting, mastering sourdough recipes, or being a die-hard Football fan, he’ll passionately nerd out — and wants you to join. Don’t be surprised if he ropes you into a book club or casually invites you to a wine-tasting tour on the second date.
Swipe if: You are ready to embrace niche hobbies like calisthenics or crocheting (he swears it’s relaxing, LOL).
4. The Male-Casting Maverick
He’s done with outdated ‘manly man’ labels and just wants to be himself. One part sensitive dreamer, one part grounded realist, he’s redefining masculinity one deep conversation at a time. Expect chats about life goals and emotional baggage.
Swipe if: You want a guy who’s as open to crying during Up as he is to building IKEA furniture without losing his cool.
5. The Future-Proofing Planner
For him, love isn’t just about vibes — it’s about building something real. He’s got a stable job, a Google Doc for budgeting, and maybe even a savings plan for your dream vacation. Conversations about climate change, housing, and finances? All fair game by date two.
Swipe if: You’re ready to talk big-picture goals over a plate of nachos or else run, girl.
6. The Guy That Gets It
He’s basically the sorted one who knows what he wants and won’t confuse you with mixed signals after saying ‘let’s keep it casual’. He vibes with you and listens to you, hypes you up before dates or when things get heated, and genuinely communicates. He might just be the reason your group chat is finally interested in your TMI.
Swipe if: You’re tired of lame flirting and want someone who believes in fun communication without stressing much.
7. The Gymfluencer
His profile is 80% gym selfies and 20% motivational quotes like, “Pain is just weakness leaving the body.” He will judge you if you don’t meet his crunches chart but will send you motivational posts here and there.
Swipe if: You don’t mind every date ending with a discussion about macros or post-workout shakes.
8. The Crypto King
He’s ‘between jobs’ and might overshare about his investments in cryptos and NFTs. He’s got big dreams and maybe even bigger debts. If you can survive a conversation about blockchain, he’s oddly charming. (No, next please.)
Swipe if: You’re into future planning, even if it’s mostly speculative.
9. The Hypebeast Historian
A man with a huge sneaker collection, he’s dripping in streetwear and knows when every major collab dropped exactly. His Instagram grid is aesthetic, and he’s always scouting the latest underground food joint or indie art show.
Swipe if: You want someone who has decent style.
10. The Tech Bro Romantic (Ermm)
He works at a startup and won’t let you forget it. He probably claims he “optimized the algorithm” you’re swiping on while casually mentioning his “disruptive” app idea that will change the world. His ego? As inflated as his pitch deck. Bonus points if he’s written you poetry in Python and expects you to be impressed.
Swipe if: You’re ready for data-backed love driven by feelings. (No, you don’t)
Bumble’s research proves it’s all about getting real this year. Whether you’re into meme-worthy micro-mances or deep-dives into future-proofing, dating isn’t just about finding someone — it’s about finding your person. So grab your phone and best selfie, and let’s make those connections IRL. Because, ladies, the Bumbleverse is buzzing, and your match might just be a swipe away!
