In a digital space crowded with hyper-masculine narratives, a counter-current is building. On TikTok and Instagram, creators who combine physical confidence with emotional literacy are talking about consent, communication, respect and emotional maturity. They are showing that being a man and supporting feminism are not mutually exclusive. This year, gender equality has become a genuine factor in attraction.

Sincerity as the new romantic standard

This change is clearly visible. Among happn users, views on equality are no longer optional extras — they are considered important, if not essential. Respect is no longer a bonus; it is the baseline. A new generation is turning away from manipulative dating tactics and making sincerity its strongest romantic signal.

Pre-date routines are increasingly framed as acts of care: tidying up, creating a comfortable atmosphere, keeping up with sexual health checks, being attentive to a partner’s comfort. Intimacy is no longer about performance or conquest, but about building a space where both people feel considered.

When values become part of attraction

On dating apps, emotional compatibility is now closely linked to shared values. Singles are no longer satisfied with surface-level swiping. They pay attention to boundaries, recognise red flags and place consent at the centre of early exchanges. Openness, the ability to listen and, above all, alignment between words and actions matter more than ever.

On happn, many women show strong interest in content created by male allies — a clear signal of the demand for more balanced, emotionally mature forms of masculinity.

That said, this shift is not without scepticism. Many people are wary of “performative allies” — men who adopt feminist language without truly embodying it, often as a dating strategy rather than a genuine belief. Men themselves express doubts about these behaviours. The risk of co-opting the movement is real, but the broader shift is happening and is fundamentally changing the rules of attraction.

Who are these men? The “good man” in 2026

They are men who no longer try to attract through dominance, but through understanding. Men who acknowledge what they still have to learn, who prioritise listening over posturing, and who value respect as much as desire. They understand that intimacy is built on trust. They question their habits, educate themselves and learn from their mistakes.

They are not perfect, but they are making a genuine effort. In a polarised climate where hostile rhetoric is gaining visibility, choosing to love better has become a quietly radical act.

💙 What this means for you in 2026

• You can expect values that align with your own.

• You can demand respect and clarity from the very first exchanges.

• You can see equality as a true green flag, not a bonus.

Attraction is evolving. In 2026, respect itself is part of the appeal.