# Blunt Romanticism Contemporary expressions of affection take on a frank tone. By [Jordy E](https://www.trendhunter.com/JordyEleni) | Published Aug 14, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/blunt-romanticism ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Blunt Romanticism trend? **Blunt Romanticism:** In contrast to flowery, over-the-top expressions of affection is an emerging segment of blunt romanticism boasting a notably frank tone. A turn towards all things forthright is being well-received by Generation Z consumers, who tend to hold more realistic worldviews. A fondness for realism among digital natives holds great opportunity for brands wishing to communicate with and connect to this group. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 27, 2013 to Feb 13, 2015 - Published: Aug 14, 2015 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Examples of the Blunt Romanticism trend 5 featured examples from Jan 27, 2013 to Feb 13, 2015. - [Blunt Love Notes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funny-valentines-day-cards): Jeffrey Wright Designs Strange and Funny Valentine's Day Cards (Category: Special) Implication: Disrupting the traditional greeting card industry by offering a range of quirky and unconventional Valentine's Day card options. - [Blunt Valentine Greetings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funny-valentine-day-card): This Funny Valentine Day Card Encourages Charitable Acts on February 14 (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: With the rise of e-cards and digital communication, businesses in the greeting card industry can differentiate themselves by offering environmentally friendly and humorous options… - [Blunt Romantic Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/romantic-cards): This Greeting Card is the Perfect Choice For Your Crush (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The greeting card industry could capitalize on the trend toward more direct and humorous romantic messaging by adapting their product lines to cater to this new consumer demand. - [Sarcastic Cartoon Character Valentines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daria-valentines-day-cards): These Daria Valentine's Day Cards are Unethusiastic (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The greeting card industry can leverage the trend of sarcastic Valentine's Day cards to attract customers looking for a different kind of romantic card. - [Intentionally Bad Valentines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crudely-drawn-love-letters): These Crudely Drawn Love Letters Show You Care in an Unartistic Way (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in the stationery industry through the creation of custom, unique love notes that provide a refreshing alternative to mass-produced cards. **Workshop question:** What is Gen Z's perception of your industry and how can you make your brand stand out for this demographic? ## Themes within the Blunt Romanticism trend ### Blunt Romanticism The trend of expressing frank, realistic feelings towards romantic partners. ### Humorous Valentine's Day Cards The trend of creating humorous and unconventional Valentine's Day cards. ### Sarcastic and Satirical Cards The trend of using sarcasm and satire in romantic cards. ## What the Blunt Romanticism trend means for industry ### For Greeting Card Industry Business professionals can leverage the trend of humorous, frank and unconventional cards to tap into new customer segments. ### For Stationery Industry Business professionals can explore new market segments for stationery products by offering unconventional, humorous products that appeal to younger generations. ### For E-commerce Industry Business professionals can set their e-commerce sites to offer customizable Valentine's Day cards as part of the shopping cart services to increase sales and diversify their inventory. ## Trend signals for Blunt Romanticism Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 74%, activity 76%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 74% - Activity: 76% - Freshness: 8% ## Recent trend clusters - [Pastry Echoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/holiday-treat-flavors) (Lifestyle) - [Rebuilt Nutrition](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protein-supply-expansion) (Lifestyle) - [Calendar Consumption](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/holiday-limited-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Routine Compression](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protein-powder-with-fiber) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Playful QSR Advents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-kings-2026-advent) - [Character-Inspired Holiday Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/character-inspired-holiday-candies) - [Temple-Mounted Health Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/temple-mounted-health-wearables) - [Korean-Inspired Convenience Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/korean-inspired-convenience-menus) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)