Is Shreking the New Soft Life Dating Move?
Photo: DreamWorks Move over, ghosting and breadcrumbing a new dating trend is quietly taking over social media: Shreking . Popularized by Gen Z on TikTok and lifestyle blogs in 2025, shreking is when someone intentionally dates a partner they’re not fully attracted to, often because that person offers comfort, attention, or emotional ease. The term draws a playful connection to the Shrek films: unconventional love that challenges traditional beauty standards. But in modern dating slang, it’s less about fairy tales and more about strategy opting for consistency, loyalty, or what some call “soft life vibes” over chemistry or passion. For many, shreking offers a kind of relief. Photo: Freepik There’s less know drama, fewer ego battles, and a relationship that feels easier to maintain. It’s a conscious choice to prioritise emotional safety, stability, and predictability sometimes at the expense of spark or romance. But the trend isn’t without i...