On social media, it seems as though everything is being optimized, measured, and pushed to its limits.
Read Full StoryThe idea behind solo-maxxing is simple: choosing to stay single because of the rising cost of living.
On average, those who dated in the past year went on around 12 dates, down from 14 the year before.
Love in the age of dating burnoutAs dating becomes increasingly expensive, the survey reveals that for many American singles, the financial burden is becoming a deal-breaker.
In a world of rising rents, mounting bills, and growing dating fatigue, choosing yourself can feel practical and even liberating.
Sleepmaxxing, looksmaxxing, careermaxxing — maxxing has become the internet’s latest obsession. On social media, it seems as though everything is being optimized, measured, and pushed to its limits.
For the uninitiated, “maxxing” refers to the pursuit of maximizing or optimizing a particular aspect of life. And now, amid growing dating fatigue and relationship burnout, a new term has entered the modern romance lexicon: “solo-maxxing.” No one's preaching about self-love here. That's pretty much done. It's more than that.
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The idea behind solo-maxxing is simple: choosing to stay single because of the rising cost of living. Read that again if you must, but yes - inflation is now shaping dating decisions.
For many Gen Zers and Millennials, the cost of maintaining a romantic relationship, from dates and gifts to shared experiences, is becoming increasingly difficult to justify amid mounting financial pressures.
According to Bank of Montreal's 2026 Real Financial Progress Index, Americans spent an average of $2,323 (approx. Rs 2,21,916) on dates over the past year. With a rise in inflation, about half say they've cut back on the number of dates they go on or opted for cheaper activities to manage rising costs. On average, those who dated in the past year went on around 12 dates, down from 14 the year before.
Love in the age of dating burnout
As dating becomes increasingly expensive, the survey reveals that for many American singles, the financial burden is becoming a deal-breaker. Nearly 47 per cent say dating simply isn't worth the cost, while half of Gen Z and 40 per cent of Millennials report that dating expenses are getting in the way of their broader financial goals. Solo-maxxing also means investing time in your personal growth (Photo: Pexels)
Before solo-maxxing came friendflation, a trend that saw people scaling back social outings and even cancelling plans because their wallets simply couldn't keep up. So it was only a matter of time before that sentiment spread over into the dating world.
And while the survey is American, the sentiment doesn't feel entirely foreign. In Indian metros too, dating isn't exactly a budget hobby.
In India, a date night for two at a decent dining place in a city like Delhi can easily cost up to Rs 2,000 - and that's without alcohol. Now, if you multiply that by three to four outings a month, the cost shoots up to Rs 6,000 - Rs 8,000.
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Therefore, many people are choosing to remain single instead of spending hours swiping through dating apps and then spending money on dates that do not go as expected or prove to be too high-maintenance. The idea is also to prioritise personal growth and mental well-being. Think of it as putting all your energy into improving your own life instead of constantly refreshing dating apps.
When you need to stop
Solo-maxxing sounds interesting and, in theory, even financially pragmatic. However, it is important to note that the decision to remain single should stem from the right reasons.
As long as the idea is rooted in genuinely enjoying your own company, it can be healthy and fulfilling. But when it becomes a way to mask avoidance, commitment issues, or behavioural problems, it can do more harm than good. Solo-maxxing should not become a cover to avoid vulnerability (Photo: Pexels)
A flexible approach may be the way forward. And when it comes to saving money on dating, there are plenty of ways to navigate financial challenges without opting out altogether.
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Of course, there is a fine line between protecting your peace and isolating yourself. During the friendflation wave, experts warned that repeatedly skipping social interactions could pave the way for loneliness. Solo-maxxing carries a similar risk.
Perhaps solo-maxxing is not really about rejecting love. It is about rejecting the pressure to chase it at any cost. In a world of rising rents, mounting bills, and growing dating fatigue, choosing yourself can feel practical and even liberating. But if it turns into a blanket excuse to avoid vulnerability, you have probably missed the point. After all, the goal is to optimise your life, not minimise the people in it. Humans, unlike subscriptions, are not meant to be cancelled indefinitely.
- Ends
