In the world of TikTok, dating trends come and go like Arriva buses, but one of the latest ones to hit the video-sharing platform is among the weirdest of all.
The Ben Stage, or the Ben Phase, is a dating trend where hundreds of women have taken to TikTok to share their horrifying experiences dating unavailable men, not all of whom are called Ben. The logic behind it is when you keep dating one emotionally unavailable person after another, you are in your ‘Ben Stage’, and until you realise that, you won’t be able to break the cycle.
The phenomenon has grown so much that global news sites like Tyla, Unilad and The Mirror have dedicated whole articles to the trend. Even so, one good thing that has come out of all this is the advice given by professionals on how to get out of the rut.
Speaking to Unilad, dating coach Haley Quinn said that the best way to stop the Ben Phase in its tracks is to start being more vocal in your relationship. She also advises women—though the advice can apply to anyone—that when dating, we should really listen to what the other person is and isn’t saying. In other words, if they tell you they’re not looking for commitment and you are, then you have your cue.
Such trends, while sometimes seemingly weird, continue to emphasise the minefield that is the dating scene. They also help us feel a sense of camaraderie in that sense that it’s not just us finding it hard to figure out our love life!
So, what are your thoughts on the Ben Stage? And have you experienced this yourself?