A man and woman on a coffee date testing the waters before committing to a relationship.
Image: Priscilla du Preez/Unsplash
In the complex landscape of modern dating, opinions and approaches vary widely, particularly when melding cultural perspectives with contemporary practices.
As dating apps surge in popularity, one woman’s refreshing yet controversial standards have sparked significant discussion among viewers and netizens alike.
Mariam Sallam, a spirited participant in the Hulu series "Muslim Matchmaker", has taken a stand against conventional norms of finding love through digital platforms.
Teaming up with matchmakers Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady, Sallam has expressed her disdain for dating apps, labelling them as 'degrading'.
In a clip that has gone viral on TikTok, Sallam stated, “I don’t go on dating apps. I think there is a component to dating apps that’s just very degrading. I’m not a catalogue of women that some man can flip through.”
Her criticism extends to the traditional coffee date, where she argues the costs of her time versus the small reward of a $5 coffee.
“I studied software engineering. My actual work pays me, like, $200 bucks an hour, and a man is paying me $5 for a cup of coffee and my time? So it just doesn’t make sense to me,” Sallam pointed out.
These candid remarks resonate especially in a society where the dynamics of dating are evolving with each generation.
Reactions to her bold standards have been mixed across social media.
Some users, like @jovanni3737, echoed her sentiments, suggesting that men who opt for coffee dates may not be selective, potentially making them not worth a woman’s time.
Conversely, others found value in such casual meetings. User @Its_judy quipped that coffee dates are a "safe route" allowing individuals to leave if things aren't going well, while @JerBear emphasised that coffee dates serve as a quick opportunity to gauge compatibility in an informal environment.
The debate surrounding Sallam's approach encapsulates a broader conversation on how modern dating is perceived across diverse cultures and personal experiences.
With the rise of technology influencing how relationships are formed, individuals are continuously redefining what they seek in potential partners.
As viewers tune into Sallam's journey on "Muslim Matchmaker", her story serves as a reminder that the quest for love remains as varied and intricate as the individuals seeking it.