I’ve spent my whole life in Paris. I’ve walked through modest neighborhoods, wandered through the elegant districts and yet, among the (very precise) 9% of men from my generation living in Paris… I haven’t dated a single one.
At ten, I thought I’d be married by eighteen. I clearly hadn’t accounted for the fact that I’d grow up to be so hesitant with every man who approaches me.
You might think I’m aromantic, but that’s really not the case. At least… I don’t think it is.
I know I’m a hopeless romantic. I know what I like and honestly, I don’t think my high standards are the problem. So then, what is the problem ?
Paris is supposed to be the city of love. So why does it feel like it has everything except romantic men ?
So many questions, right ?
Maybe the problem is Paris. Or maybe the real issue lies with my generation. After all, Gen Z isn’t exactly famous for its sweeping, cinematic love stories.
We’ve become cautious. We move between spontaneity and self-protection, between desire and defense, between fantasy and emotional pragmatism.
We’re scared to open up. Afraid of being vulnerable, ghosted, cheated on, manipulated or just flat-out disappointed. The unknown isn’t exciting anymore; it’s potentially dangerous.
Love is complicated. One person has the power to make us deeply happy… but that same person could also break us. Giving your heart is always a risk. And yet… we still do it. That must mean it’s worth it. Right ?
Maybe the real issue isn’t Paris. And maybe it isn’t this lukewarm era of romance.
Maybe it’s simply how we see things now and love is no exception.
Our caution protects us, sure. Our standards remind us that we don’t need to lower the bar just to belong in a relationship and maybe, by filtering better, we’ll love better. But still, that shouldn’t stop us from loving fully.
If I was meant to find something real in Paris, it clearly isn’t happening anytime soon.
I know I’m picky but there has to be someone out there for me.
Maybe love is waiting in a hidden corner of Paris I haven’t stumbled into yet.
Or maybe not.
Maybe my soulmate lives in another country. After all, who ever said the love of your life has to be born three metro stops away ?