Bubble Lab: 10 Minutes of Bliss is all we need: Redefining Modern Relationships

“So, what are we now?” At some point, this question has become the go-to “safe word” in modern urban relationships. It signals a mutual, unspoken agreement to press the “pause button,” creating an emotional “vacuum zone” filled with ambiguity, probing, and unresolved feelings.

This year’s highly-discussed Chinese film The Good Stuff gives us a new definition for this type of “tentative relationship”: “You’re my 10-minute break, and we still have 45 minutes left to focus on what truly matters.” (In some parts of Asia, a school class typically lasts 45 minutes, with a 10-minute break between two consecutive classes.)

Part 1: “Ten Minutes of Love Is All We Need” In 10 minutes, countless stories of love and connection can unfold. In The Good Stuff, Wang Tiemei, portrayed as a “steel-like single mother,” juggles being a journalist by day and a supermom by night, handling everything from making dumplings to fixing light bulbs. Amidst her busy life, she craves moments of respite.

After a one-night stand with her daughter’s drum teacher, Ma (played by Zhang Yu), Ma asks, “What is our relationship?” Wang Tiemei considers it a “10-minute break,” to which Ma agrees: “A 10-minute break is nice. We still have 45 minutes to focus on what’s more important.”

It’s undeniable that we all yearn for companionship. Even without clear answers, a dynamic of mutual respect and equality offers both parties more freedom and ease. The key is to establish a strong core in your career and life because love is a game for the strong. Only by fully engaging in life can we enjoy the “10-minute break.”

In the character of Xiaoye (played by Zhong Chuxi), a lead singer and sound engineer, we see a reflection of many people’s emotional journeys. Raised in an unloving household, she falls for a seemingly perfect dentist (played by Ren Bin) she meets online. This triggers her people-pleasing tendencies:

• Despite the dentist’s reluctance to commit to a long-term relationship, Xiaoye pretends to be a carefree single mom who’s ok with friends with benefits, masking her deeper desire for a serious relationship.

• Knowing he’s a “player,” she still can’t help but be at his beck and call, constantly checking her phone for his messages.

• When Wang Tiemei calls her “desperate,” Xiaoye defends herself: “I’m just braver and more capable of love than others.” In her eyes, it’s better to love wholeheartedly than to live without it.

Many of us have had similar experiences of “giving more than we receive,” but isn’t this a unique kind of bravery? After all, putting yourself out there and genuinely investing in love is far more liberating than holding back and internally struggling.

There’s no need to figure out the exact nature of the relationship—if it makes you happy, that’s a “good relationship.”

Part 2: Fluid Emotions in a Liquid Modernity Situationship, a term recognized by the Oxford University Press as one of the 2023 Words of the Year, refers to a relationship without commitment, definition, or formal status. In such arrangements, partners can do everything couples do, but without asking, “What are we?”

“Allow everything to remain in a state of pause, rather than a definite ending.” Unlike traditional views on relationships, concepts like situationship emphasize the present moment. Without the pressure of possessiveness or anxiety, both parties can enjoy a more genuine, relaxed interaction. Social media platforms are flooded with discussions on situationships, suggesting that relationships are an open-book exam with various solutions.

Sometimes, our desire to control everything reveals our vulnerability. We must accept the “indefinite” nature of life and relationships, understanding that constant change and flow are life’s essence. Sociologist Zygmunt Bauman introduced the concept of “liquid society,” describing human connections as fluid, easily formed and dissolved. He notes:

• “In a liquid society, no bond is permanent. Connections are flexible, easily loosened when needed.”

• “Sex, love, and commitment are becoming separate entities, treated as disposable consumer items.”

After experiencing the pandemic, many have become more resilient to uncertainty. With the pressures of layoffs and academic competition, love is no longer the top priority. Instead, young generations are focusing on self-awareness, believing that love should not diminish life’s quality or hinder personal growth.

Thus, we navigate through “uncertain” lives, seeking “uncertain” relationships that offer high returns for minimal investment—a brief “recharge.”

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Part 3: Will Relationships Get “Better” in the Future?

In 2025, will our relationships improve? Tinder’s recently released Tinder’s Year in Swipe 2024 summarizes four major dating trends among young people in 2024 and predicts the trends for 2025:

• “Loud Looking” Trend: Singles are becoming more explicit about their desires in dating, with profiles often stating “Looking for…”. By 2025, over half of singles intend to set clear boundaries, moving away from ambiguous relationships, leading to a decline in situationships.

• “Kiss-met” Trend: A modern twist on the concept of “fate,” emphasizing spontaneity and surprises in dating. Many respondents plan to prioritize activities like hiking dates (40%) and pottery classes (34%) in 2025, seeking genuine emotional connections over rigid dating rules.

• “Nano-ships” Trend: Even the smallest romantic interactions are considered meaningful, such as “eyecontactship” (connections through eye contact) and “textuationships” (connections through texting). In 2025, singles will continue to find joy in these small connections while searching for long-term partners.

• “Dating is a Team Sport” Trend: Nearly a quarter of respondents plan to streamline their dating choices, focusing on meaningful connections. In 2024, 60% sought dating advice from friends, and 20% had friends pre-screen potential dates’ social media profiles. In 2025, 50% plan to rely on their social circles for introductions.

• “Communication is Queen” Trend: In 2025, singles prioritize qualities like trust (40%), physical attraction (35%), shared values (31%), emotional availability (30%), and shared interests (28%). Poor hygiene (50%), rudeness (44%), and excessive talk about exes (34%) are seen as dating deal-breakers. Nearly 45% are looking for a “Golden Retriever type” partner, known for loyalty and friendliness, emphasizing clear and honest communication.

Additionally, Ipsos’ latest Love Life Satisfaction Around the World report ranks several countries among the top in terms of love life satisfaction. Noteworthy statistics include:

• 85% satisfaction with partners/spouses.

• 84% satisfaction with feeling loved.

• 75% satisfaction with romantic/sexual life.

Loyal, direct, and authentic relationships will always be the most attractive. At Bubble Lab, we strive to provide safe, easy, comfortable, and clean sexual wellness products, aiming to enhance intimacy and create beautiful emotional experiences.

In The Good Stuff, Wang Tiemei repeatedly tells her daughter: “You don’t have to write homework, but you must be honest with yourself.” Only you can truly understand what kind of relationship suits you best.

Eileen Chang once said: “Love is dedication, loyalty, sincerity, bravery, joy, willingness, responsibility, and harmony.”

Try to be the one who actively gives love. When you do, you become love itself. Regardless of coming together or parting ways, you are the one who lives without regrets.

Interactive Giveaway Today’s discussion topic: In 2025, what kind of “good relationship” do you want? We will select the top 3 comments with the most likes to win a full-size Peach & Ginger or Coconut & Mint flavored lubricant.

Submit Your Story If you have more to share with us, like emotional dilemmas or personal stories, media@bubblelab.co We’ll send you a thoughtful and practical intimacy enhancement guide.