A Tale Of Two Talls: The TikTok Love Story That Is Making Rom Coms Feel Real
So, here’s the breakdown–this love story is feeding the people in between part two of “Bridgerton”.
Amid a bleak dating scene, one love story is emerging on TikTok in a way that feels organic and beyond the realm of viral content. Two street interview style TikTok creators named Tyler Bergantino and Gabby Gonzalez interviewed each other on their experiences in dating at their great heights (Gabby is 6’1 and Tyler is 6’9, talk about a match made in the heavens) and it appears that the sparks are flying.
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After the viral interview, in which the pair’s sweet banter caught the eyes of some 29.4 million viewers, commenters encouraged Tyler to ask Gabby out on a date. The pair bonded over their shared great heights and a love of the “Star Wars” franchise. Some women are additionally applauding Gonzalez for sharing words of encouragement for tall women entering the dating pool, inspiring them to wear their favorite heels whenever they want and be unashamed about their “nerdy” or unconventional interests. Their wholesome story continues to captivate the for-you page with all the trappings of everyone's favorite rom-coms made real life.
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This interaction, while now being broadcast on social media, did not come from dating apps, and was not started in the DMs. It simply began with an in person conversation with a stranger. Now, thousands of TikTok creators continue to stitch the video and either root for the burgeoning new couple or say that their story simply gives them hope. Some even joke that watching this love story unfold is keeping them occupied while they await the release of part two of the third season of “Bridgerton.”
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As their story continues to progress, Gabby shared a brief glimpse into their dynamic at the end of a coffee date, and again during a pajama and ice cream debrief with her girls (indeed the best way to debrief). Meanwhile, Tyler documented himself shipping Gabby a UPS box filled with mysterious pink wrapped gifts and a personal note, and singing an original song that may or may not have been inspired by her. On the other side, Gabby continues to reveal sweet similarities between herself and Tyler, including that they both have pets named Leia after Carrie Fisher’s iconic Princess Leia character in “Star Wars.”
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Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about a controversial ad campaign from Bumble, in which billboards advertised that “celibacy is not the answer.” Bumble is only one of several dating apps that continue to be wrecked by a series of controversies, from criminal cases that started with a swipe to an ongoing lawsuit that alleges that several dating apps (notably Tinder and Hinge) “Gameify dating” adhere to an algorithm designed to addict its users.
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The suit reads that the apps work "to transform users into gamblers locked in a search for psychological rewards that Match makes elusive on purpose." The elusivity in question is only solved by premium membership opportunities that offer the potential to meet “the one.” As a result of both these major issues and the everyday horror stories that continue to dominate internet culture, thousands of Gen Z daters have vowed to quit the apps for good.
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The question that lingers then is, how do we meet people without the apps? Several solutions appear to still be in testing–from running clubs and pickleball courts to chess bars and ye olde “going to Barnes and Noble and looking confused” routine. As essentially the first generation to experience the internet in full force and a global pandemic during the coming-of-age years, many Gen Zers find themselves having a difficult time connecting with people outside of school, work, or social media. The anti-apps movement is forcing people to put themselves out there and speak with strangers, both in a platonic and romantic nature. This one story is offering a glimpse into what a future without the apps could look like.
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Regardless of the outcome of Tyler and Gabby’s meeting, if their story gives daters hope, then their viral moment is certainly worth it. Needless to say, I will be staying tuned and wishing them the best.