What is ‘relation-sipping’? Dating experts warn of new trend before Valentine’s Day

Count Grigory Orlov of Russia purchased a roughly 190-carat Indian diamond to give to Catherine the Great. But what most of us remember is how Yan Gwan-sik gave hairpins to Ae-sun daily in the K-drama 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'.

And as per research, modern love now lies in small sips rather than big gulps. Over the years, films and TV have embedded the idea of 'grand love' in our minds and hearts. If he doesn't catch you leaving at the airport, or she doesn't wait for you for years, it wasn't real love. But is this true? In the real world, one can not surpass the airport authority (even if you try to push, beg or bribe them) and waiting for years isn't really possible as life goes on. Now, love lies in the smaller moments of life, in trying his paddle games together or bonding over her crocheting hobby. Lovers prefer 'relation-sipping' in 2026 and dating experts are warning about it with Valentine's Day just in sight.

What is relation-sipping?

To celebrate its sweet but zero sugar flavours, Pepsi and IRL dating brand revealed new research on Thursday, confirming that grand gestures are officially out this season.In the UK, Gen-Z daters are prioritising 'relation-sipping', a new love language that prefers smaller, sweeter little 'sips' and more personal moments rather than grand performative gestures.

About 77% of Gen-Z daters admit they prefer smaller gestures delivered personally rather than grand and sweeping gestures (5%)."The era of the 'Insta-worthy' date is over. Gen Z can smell a staged moment a mile away and they’re actively opting out," said Abi Blears, dating expert."Instead, we’re seeing a massive shift towards ‘Relation-sipping’—those tiny, unpolished windows of real connection that don't require a suit or a three-month waiting list."

What does research say?

It seems the dating drama has changed and rather than going more elaborate it toned down to simpler and more meaningful. As per the research, almost 1 in 3 admit they will avoid traditional Valentine's tropes this February. This includes:

This is because they find these gestures that became almost 'normal and expected' over the years as intense (37%), fake dating (32%), inauthentic (26%) and impersonal (20%).

Top 10 relation-sipping gestures

Over the years, Gen Z has come to find big displays of affection as over-the-top and irrelevant.

These are crowd pleasers rather than personal and thoughtful. Now, they'd rather receive a gift that probably stemmed from an inside joke and cook a dinner at home than go to a 5-star restaurant. They revel in 'relation-sipping'.The research also revealed some fool-proof relation-sip gestures:

For 83% of Gen Z, these gestures make them feel seen and for 85%, valued. So much so, that 46% admit they wouldn't continue dating someone if they didn't follow these types of gestures.

Moreover, 65% said that they would be mortified if their partner did something staged, like a performative moment for social media.

How to ace relation-sipping this Valentine's?

It's in the smaller moments. Generic gifts like a bouquet of roses or a box of chocolates are low-effort and staged. It's what one would go for if they don't really know the likes and dislikes of their partner. Relation-sipping is about "I saw this and thought of you" energy. The place where you first met, making the dinner that their mom used to make and more.If your partner ends up getting the chocolate that is your childhood memory or gets you a dress that you ignored buying because of the price tag, it's important to acknowledge this. Any relationship is a two-way street and acknowledging the efforts with a simple "I love that you remembered this" or "Thanks for making me feel loved" can be helpful. However, it's also important to remember that every relation-sip is different. While some would prefer to begin their day with a "good morning" text from their partner, others would much rather engage in a quiet run. Try to find what works for you and add it to the list. This Valentine's Day, maybe try relation-sipping rather than PDA and see if your love becomes, stronger, larger and lovelier.