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The Case for the Entry-Level Boyfriend
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October 14, 2026 SELF The Case for the Entry-Level Boyfriend Gen-Z women are skipping a crucial step: learning how to actually be in a relationship. By Sadie Kargman Photo-Illustration: The Cut; Photos: Shutterstock, Everett Collection For Catherine Ketchum, a 23-year-old working in finance in Manhattan, a boyfriend she can’t picture as her husband is an unappealing prospect. “When you’re in a relationship, you’ve committed to the fucking bit, and it takes a year to break up,” she tells me. Without a label, Catherine feels freer. She confidently speaks her mind without worrying about what it means for the future, works through the pros and cons of the match, and if she wants, walks away. “It’s easier for me to turn people over faster and figure out logistically what I want,” she says. “I’m more into being single until I can find someone that I’d actually consider marrying.” I’ve found Catherine’s philosophy is common among my Gen-Z peers. While previous generations may have had a series of relationships — from the serious to the casual — we only want to commit if a guy checks every box on our future-husband wish list. This is the age of dating apps, with so many potentials at our fingertips. Why bother with a hard launch? READ MORE Celebrity News Gossip, revelations, and timelines. Mia Goth wants a word with Instagram. Rumi Carter cut the ribbon at Beyoncé’s new housing center. Today’s Top Stories Amy Rose Spiegel answers a letter from a reader who developed a crush on a co-worker and wonders if she now needs to leave her job. READ MORE Lena Dunham announced that she’s bringing back Girls for a five-episode run set to film next summer. We have some ideas for her. READ MORE White House officials reportedly found Katie Zacharia’s 14-minute press briefing “rough all around.” READ MORE Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned from her position as U.S. ambassador to Greece amid an investigation into alleged misconduct. READ MORE Subscribe now to get unlimited access to everything New York, including subscriber-only newsletters, exclusive perks, the New York app, and more. Subscribe Now ADVERTISER CONTENT The Mini Cut Shop For more shopping advice, sign up to get the Cut Shop newsletter every Friday. Megan Thee Stallion’s Fitness Journey Landed Her a New Job Gymshark tapped the rapper to be the new face of its brand, and she wants to see all the gym baddies wearing it. Our Senior Shopping Editor’s Fall-Wardrobe Essentials From a slouchy sweater to animal-print mules. Our Style Editor’s Fall-Wardrobe Essentials This season, I’ve been inspired by fun color combinations and women designers. READ MORE FROM THE CUT ASTROLOGY Your Daily Horoscope by Madame Clairevoyant Sagittarius and Uranus could create instability this morning, so seek clarity as you make big decisions. Read your horoscope. ADVERTISER CONTENT Sign up for Personals A newsletter about sex and relationships. SIGN UP follow us on instagram • tiktok • twitter • facebook unsubscribe | privacy notice | preferences This email was sent to you@example.com. Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up now to get this newsletter in your inbox. View this email in your browser. Vox Media, LLC 1701 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 Copyright © 2026, All rights reserved