Beyond Netflix & Chill: Paired Unveils 2024's Hottest Relationship Trends

Intimacy Unplugged: Paired's Take on Why Snuggling Beats Sex
on October 29, 2024
Read time: 10 mins

Are you a fan of Netflix and Chill? 

Well, it’s time to bid farewell to this dating classic in favor of an approach that involves going a little *deeper*. 

2024 marks a pivotal year in the evolution of relationships, with surface-level connection no longer cutting it for couples in the modern era. Paired, the renowned relationship app has unveiled new eye-opening trends that redefine modern love and intimacy, and trust us, you’re going to want to get involved! 

While Netflix and Chill has dominated for years, a surprising trend emerges in 2024 — the resurgence of snuggling as the language of love. This shift, highlighted by Paired research,  marks a return to simplicity and authenticity in romantic connections.

Do couples prefer snuggling over sex? 

Gone are the days when grand romantic gestures ruled the roost, or when a fun time in the bedroom was enough to keep a couple content.  

Paired's comprehensive research, drawing insights from its 8 million users, reveals a compelling trend: the growing importance of non-sexual touch. The data indicates a notable preference for cuddling, snuggling, and other forms of physical affection over more explicit sexual interactions. 

An impressive 64% of users expressed that snuggling is their preferred form of touch. This isn’t just about getting up close and personal, it reflects couples' preference for both physical and emotional closeness after the pandemic, with 51% of people agreeing that their desire for this kind of touch has increased since 2020.

This signals a shift away from sex in favor of deeper, more emotionally grounded forms of connection. 

How will Paired increase the emotional connection of your relationship in 2024?

Practicing love every day 

Paired is revolutionizing how couples experience love in their everyday lives.

With its unique features, the app turns mundane moments into opportunities for connection. Simple acts, like a warm hug after a long day or holding hands during a walk, are elevated to acts of profound love and care. 

Paired encourages couples to find romance in the ordinary, prompting couples to explore the perks of non-sexual touch in their everyday lives. In fact, after 3 months of using Paired, the number of people unhappy with touch in their relationship decreased from 12% to 8%.

Say it with touch 

In relationships, communication isn't just verbal. Paired recognizes the power of non-verbal cues, especially touch, in conveying feelings and desires. 

“Non-sexual touch brings a deeper connection to relationships by non-verbally communicating acceptance to each other,” says Moraya Seeger DeGeare, a licensed marriage and family therapist.

“Having non-sexual physical touch be a part of your relationship routines, longer hugs, holding hands, snuggling on the couch, you’re giving your love a message of ‘I am here, right here holding you’.”

The app’s engaging activities and prompts guide couples to express their affection physically, breaking down barriers and fostering a deeper understanding.

Trading in avoidance for authenticity 

The benefits of snuggling extend far beyond the moment, with the absence of distractions making way for moments of connection. 

The ‘Netflix & Chill’ phenomenon, symbolic of passive couple time, is making way for more active and engaging forms of intimacy. Paired’s research indicates a desire for more meaningful interactions, with couples who regularly engage in non-sexual touch reporting greater overall satisfaction in their relationships. 

Even though the desire is there, research indicates that couples weren’t so keen on talking about it — with people steering clear of the subject altogether. Out of those who NEVER talk about touch, 59% of them are women. More than that, of those who believe that they aren’t satisfying their partner's need for touch, 77% of them are female.

This is where Paired comes in, replacing opportunities for avoidance with authentic connection — with in-app content offering creative ideas and insights to integrate more affectionate gestures into daily interactions.

In fact, 88% of people overall agreed that Paired helped them to talk about touch and physical affection in their relationship.

What do users say?: Real stories of rekindled romance

Paired isn't just about statistics; it's about real-life impact. 

The impact of these trends is evident in the stories of Paired users. Couples share how the app has helped them rediscover intimacy, improve communication, and deepen their bond. 

Numerous testimonials from couples highlight transformative experiences. One couple, Mark and Emily, share how Paired rekindled their romance after years of feeling disconnected. 

“The simple act of snuggling brought us closer than any date night ever did,” says Emily. “It’s about feeling loved and connected, and Paired was our guide in rediscovering this simple truth.”

These real-life testimonials underscore the effectiveness of Paired in navigating the complexities of modern relationships and adapting to the evolving needs of couples.

Join the relationship revolution in 2024 

Paired extends an open invitation to couples worldwide to explore these new relationship dynamics. Whether it's rediscovering the joy of non-sexual touch or enhancing communication, Paired offers a pathway to a more connected and satisfying relationship journey. 

The app not only guides couples in incorporating more affectionate touches into their lives but also opens doors to new levels of emotional intimacy and relationship satisfaction.

In 2024, it's time to go beyond 'Netflix & Chill' and embrace the new wave of intimacy and connection. With Paired, every couple has the opportunity to be part of this exciting relationship evolution. After all, snuggling isn't just a trend; it's a revelation in the world of romance. 

With the help of Paired, couples are rediscovering the joy and comfort of being in each other's arms, proving that sometimes, the simplest acts of love are the most powerful.

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