In a surprising twist on modern dating, singles in Portugal are turning to supermarkets, particularly the Spanish chain Mercadona, as their new hunting ground for romance. This trend, which has gained traction through social media, encourages shoppers to use grocery items as signals for their dating intentions, effectively replacing dating apps like Tinder.
The Rise Of Supermarket Dating
The dating landscape has evolved significantly over the years, from traditional matrimonial ads to online dating apps. However, the latest trend on the Iberian Peninsula sees singles flocking to supermarkets, not just for groceries but for potential romantic connections. This phenomenon has been particularly popularized by a viral TikTok video featuring Spanish actress Vivy Lin, which has garnered over 1.6 million views.
In her video, Lin humorously pointed out that many shoppers at Mercadona seemed to be wandering the aisles with empty carts, hinting at their true intentions. This sparked a wave of comments and tips on how to successfully navigate the supermarket dating scene.
The Rules Of Engagement
Participants in this new dating trend have established a set of unwritten rules to enhance their chances of finding love:
- Timing Is Everything: The best time to visit Mercadona for dating is between 7 PM and 8 PM. Other supermarkets like Lidl and El Corte Inglés have their own prime times as well.
- Grocery Signals: Shoppers are encouraged to use specific grocery items as signals:
- Upside-Down Pineapple: Indicates a casual dating interest.
- Lettuce: Suggests a desire for a short-term relationship.
- Lentils: Represents a search for a long-term relationship.
- Chocolate: Implies a fleeting romance.
- Strategic Aisle Selection: Different age groups are advised to linger in specific sections:
- Ages 19-25: Frozen foods
- Ages 25-40: Fishmongers
- Over 40: Wine section
The Impact Of Social Media
The influence of social media cannot be overstated in this trend. The hashtag #MercadonaDating has gained popularity, with users sharing their experiences and tips. The trend has also crossed borders into neighboring Portugal, where the same rules and signals apply.
However, the phenomenon has not been without its challenges. Reports have emerged of chaotic scenes in supermarkets, with groups of teenagers pushing carts around without purchasing anything, and even instances of individuals dressing as pineapples to celebrate bachelor parties.
A Marketing Masterstroke?
While some speculate that this trend may be a clever marketing strategy by Mercadona, the supermarket chain has distanced itself from the origins of the craze. Nevertheless, the publicity has undoubtedly benefited the brand, making it a household name across the Iberian Peninsula.
As the trend continues to grow, it raises questions about the future of dating in a post-pandemic world. Will supermarkets become the new social hubs for singles, or is this just a fleeting fad? Only time will tell, but for now, it seems that love is indeed in the air—or rather, in the aisles.
