Love, rain or shine: The ultimate guide to dating in monsoon

As the monsoon rains pour down relentlessly, they also present an opportunity to cultivate a different kind of magic - monsoon romance. Experts agree the cosy vibes and change of scenery create the perfect backdrop to deepen your connection. Whether you're a couple seeking an adventurous escapade in the rain or a pair who prefers a heartwarming indoor date, relationship gurus will guide you through the monsoon dating scene. They unveil a variety of options, from playful dashes to cosy evenings filled with shared laughter, all guaranteed to spark connection and turn your date into a cherished memory. Put away your umbrellas for a bit, because with our monsoon dating guide, you're all set to embrace the season's unique charm and create cherished memories.

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Leveraging monsoon for intimate dates
Monsoon season, with its pitter-patter of rain and cosy vibes, offers a unique opportunity for couples to create a more intimate atmosphere for their dates. It presents a unique opportunity to reignite the romance for couples. "Forget the gloomy skies, monsoon has its charm. Couples can use this season to plan indoor activities that foster closeness, such as visiting art galleries, or enjoying board games. The sound of rain can enhance the experience, making it more serene and magical. For a more interactive date, cooking class is a fun idea. Monsoon also calls for simple pleasures like sharing a hot cup of masala chai or coffee at a cosy cafe with a window view, reminiscing about childhood memories and creating new ones," suggests Karima Ben Abdelmalek, chief executive offer and president of happn.

Conversation prompts to help you delve deeper
We all know there comes a time when we fall into our routines, that conscious conversation falls behind. When we wish to spend quality time with our prospective, or current partners, leaning on conversation prompts can be an effective way to spark deeper connections and create lasting memories. "The happn trend report published in 2024 found icebreakers to be among the top 5 trends seen in India. Monsoon presents us with a great chance to break the monotony of dating and explore new avenues in real life. Visiting a local bookstore or a library and picking out books for each other can be a great way to spark discussions about interests, aspirations, and personal tastes. Alternatively, having a movie marathon with films that are significant to each other can lead to conversations about why those movies are meaningful, revealing more about each other's experiences and values," poses Abdelmalek.

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The relationship expert suggests five conversation prompts for singles as well as couples:

1. Are you more of a dancer in the rain or appreciate the rain indoors sipping on chai kind of a person?
2. Rainy days always make me crave something delicious yet soothing. What's your favourite comfort food when it's pouring outside?
3. What is your go-to rainy day playlist- sappy melancholic masterpieces or road trip bangers?
4. What is your rainy-day ritual?
5. What are some of your favourite memories of monsoons from your childhood?

How to personalise monsoon dates to reflect interests and hobbies
When you're starting to see someone, it is essential to find common ground to spark a connection. One effective way to do this is by leveraging the interests and descriptors info tags available on dating apps. Based on Tinder's Future of Dating Report published in 2023, it's recommended to incorporate at least four descriptors and three interests to your bio to authentically showcase who you are.

"This not only helps you attract like-minded matches but also sets the stage for meaningful connections based on shared interests. Remember, the best dates reflect when you are with someone who matches your quirkiness. So, embrace your unique interests, get creative, stay cosy, and make some monsoon memories that are you," says Dr Chandni Tugnait, life coach and relationship expert partner with Tinder India.

Below, she shares innovative ideas for couples with a wide range of interests:

Fashionable duos
Consider exploring a scenic indoor space for a creative photoshoot. Grab your phones and some cutesy props, and let the moody weather be your backdrop.

Tech enthusiasts
How about a retro gaming marathon? Dust off that old console, stock up on snacks and battle it out in vintage multiplayer games. The loser buys bubble tea!

Nature lovers
This monsoon, turn your balcony or window sill into a mini herb garden. Plant some seeds together and watch your basil (and relationship) grow over time.

Foodies
Challenge yourselves to create a gourmet meal using only what's in your pantry. Post your culinary masterpiece (or disaster) on your socials for some laughs.

Bookworms
Start your two-person book club. Pick a genre that's new to both of you and discuss homemade chai.

Monsoon date ideas for different personalities
As the rainy season sets in, it's the perfect time for couples to embrace diverse date ideas that align with their unique personalities. "It's also an opportunity to explore shared interests and experiences with your match, whether you're introverted or extroverted, adventurous, or seeking cosy moments. The rainy season offers a perfect backdrop for couples to explore date ideas that suit their unique personalities," says Tugnait.

She lists a mix of options catering to different personalities:

For introverts

Matchmaking with friends
If you're still in the process of matching with someone and not sure about it, go ahead and use Tinder's Matchmaker feature and let your friend be your wing person. Your bestie's opinion might lead you to your perfect match.

Video chat
Plan a video chat to break the ice. Share your favourite books, movies, or hobbies to find common interests and get to know each other in a relaxed setting without any distractions.

Puzzle marathon
Challenge yourselves with a captivating jigsaw puzzle. As the rain creates a calming rhythm on the window pane, lose yourself in the quiet satisfaction of piecing it together, one satisfying click at a time.

For extroverts

Board game night
Select a few engaging board games and spend the evening playing and chatting. This can be a great way to bond and have fun without any weather worries.

Karaoke night
Belt out your love with a playful karaoke night featuring monsoon-themed classics! Think "Singing in the Rain" with a twist, or romantic Bollywood ballads perfect for a duet.

For cozy couples

Baking session
Whisk up some romance in the kitchen! Whip up a batch of warm and comforting treats like crispy pakoras or decadent hot chocolate, perfect for sharing and creating sweet memories.

Movie marathon
Cuddle up and create a haven filled with fluffy blankets and warm drinks. Dive into a movie marathon of your favourite films, classic rom-coms, or heartwarming monsoon-themed stories.
For adventurous couples

Urban exploration
Wear your raincoat and become an urban explorer! Seek out hidden alleyways and charming cafes that unveil the city's unique character during a drizzle.

Monsoon photography challenge
For creative couples, compete to capture the most artistic rainy-day shots around your neighbourhood.

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