Inflations next victim? The dreaded friend zone that hopeful daters never want to be

Friendzoned? In this economy?It’s the dreaded, no-sex space that young, hopeful daters say they never want to be — but even those willing to practice patience are saying that the price of sitting tight is simply too high in this inflation-ravaged era.Romantic hopefuls online are sharing their sad truth: “staying in the friend zone” — aka wading through the murky space between platonic friendship and official dating until you figure out if there’s real relationship potential — is now financially irresponsible.Young males are warning other Gen Z daters not to blow money on “unknown odds.” That overpriced coffee is only worth it if you know you’re moving from the friend zone to second base.For them, the lack of certainty is no longer worth the long-term investment.And the price of “taking it slow” and working your way from friend to lover is now too expensive and financially irresponsible, according to these viral TikToks.“Back in 2012, s–t used to be cheap,” ranted a TikTokker named Gordon in a now-viral video.

“You could blow $2 to $3 on a coffee for your ‘girl best friend’ that you were interested in.” Today, Gordon, 21 (who refused to share his last name with The Post), says that kind of cash is unavailable.Gordon’s video with 1.6 million views went viral for suggesting that the era of taking it slow is over.“Now you’re blowing a lot of cheese for something where you’re getting absolutely nothing in return,” he expressed in his video.TikToker @nojokeilly doubled down, arguing that men aren’t being out-competed by richer rivals but by the brutal reality of groceries, utility bills and car payments.

With over 50,000 likes, his message hit close to home for men, with a commenter admitting he “don’t even spend on the one who accepts me,” let alone for a potential rejection.Spending on “unknown odds” in this financial climate, he says, is a recipe for disaster, crushing both your self-esteem and your credit s...