Bridgerton (The Bridgerton Chronicle, in French) would it have an effect on romanticism today? The series, which takes place at the time of the Regency, in the XIXand century in England and which deals with desire and feelings, does it inspire us in our romantic relationships in 2022? Specialists enlighten us.
Posted at 11:00 a.m.
The second season of Bridgerton, available since last month on Netflix, is once again a great success. Inspired by Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels, the series is set in London’s high society, where romance is pushed to the limit when it’s sometimes hard to find love, between suitors and love triangles.
According to the dating app Tinderbetween December 2020 and March 2022, users adapted their vocabulary to that of the famous series. The most coveted bachelor, Lord Anthony Bridgerton, Viscount, seems to be having an effect.
In fact, users increased the number of mentions of the verb “to woo” by 81%. They also multiplied by 20 the mentions to Bridgerton in their biographies Tinderand the words “suitor” and even “duchess” also appear much more often.
Tinder advises moreover, in a small guide on the expressions of regency style to adopt, the use of words and expressions like “I burn for you” or “I presumed that your affections were already committed”.
PHOTO MARTIN CHAMBERLAND, THE PRESS
Claudia Larochelle, author, journalist and host
“I wouldn’t be offended if someone told me that they like me, that they like to hear the sound of my voice, that they enjoy my company, or even that they say to me, ‘I’m burning for you.’ Why not ? “, underlines the author and host Claudia Larochelle. It evokes the very current approach in the love relationships of Bridgerton, even if the series takes place in the XIXand century. “We are in a new romanticism, which is destabilizing, because the series takes place in another era. The fact remains that the little attentions, the delicacy and the elegance, it does not go out of style, these are sure values”, she says.
This is also the opinion of Joan Payment, owner of the Intermezzo dating agency.
The desire for romance is always present in women, but men seem to lack it!
Joan Payment, owner of the Intermezzo dating agency
“For example, women like gallantry, they appreciate men opening the car door for them or taking off their coats, or even paying the bill on a first date. What do you want ! These small gestures have a lot of effect on women, but they are increasingly rare! “, she laments.
PHOTO ÉMILIE TOURNEVACHE, PROVIDED BY JULIE LAVIGNE
Julie Lavigne professor of art history in the department of sexology at UQAM
According to Julie Lavigne, professor of art history in the sexology department of the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM), romanticism has never disappeared. “I would say that, for singles, it’s the return of the pleasure of dating. This feeling that we experience when there are sparks, this chemistry that operates, this pleasure that we feel in front of a person who has an effect on us. Because with dating apps, we tend to forget what it’s like to be courted. »
As for couples, in our society, Julie Lavigne reminds us that the conception of romanticism is when the loved one is the person with whom we have a romantic and sexual relationship and with whom we live a conjugality. It remains the social ideal. “The series reaffirms this desire to find the person who meets these three elements, even if we know that with everyday life, the feeling of love crumbles”, indicates the professor.
Rethinking the dredge
Claudia Larochelle points out that we are currently in a period of redesigning the dredge. “We are cautious, but I hope that we will move towards a flirt that respects the other. We can flirt without being macho, we can compliment the other without it being disrespectful. We are rethinking the codes, because there have been toxic behaviors, ”she says. The author thinks that romanticism should not be associated with domination by one person over another, manipulation or sentimental strategies. “We are not in Dangerous relationships ! Romanticism must be frank, gentle, respectful of the sincere desires of the other, in listening, in intuition. »
Is it time to think about romance differently? This is suggested by author Lori Saint-Martin, who recalls that most stories considered romantic are based on power imbalances.
“How can love and desire be staged differently, in more diverse ways, and not just between young, thin, conventionally beautiful heterosexual people, ideally rich and located in a beautiful setting, but between people of all ages, all types, of all sexual and gender orientations? she wonders.
PHOTO LIAM DANIEL, PROVIDED BY NETFLIX
Simone Ashley, who plays the character of Kate Sharma, and Jonathan Bailey, who plays coveted bachelor Anthony Bridgerton.
Vincenzo Susca, director of the sociology department at Paul Valéry University in Montpellier, describes our era as postromantic. “We live our loves with more cynicism, but this series emphasizes the return of feelings, love and passion,” he says.
“Beyond social belonging, space and time, there is the fact of fully living our feelings, especially after widespread isolation due to the pandemic. Moreover, young people took risks by seeing each other clandestinely during confinement! There was this desire to find the loved one even at the risk of his reputation, ”says the author ofCultural industry and everyday life.
Joan Payment believes the series could inspire her dating agency’s clients, who range in age from 23 to 90. “My clients are looking for love and serious long-term relationships, but I think that people under 30 don’t know what gallantry is. A candlelit dinner, little words of love on paper! It’s obsolete and yet it’s so appreciated to write with your old-fashioned hand! It will do them good to watch Bridgerton ! »
Bridgerton is available on Netflix.