Turning a new leaf: these Victorian-inspired 'flirtation cards' are flipping the script on dating apps

Flirting like it’s 1890: I gave this Victorian-inspired ‘acquaintance card’ to a stranger. Here’s how it went Unlucky in love? Maybe ditch the apps. This new twist on Victorian-era ‘flirtation cards’ could spark your next meet-cute How do romance novelists celebrate love? Sign up for the Filter US newsletter, your weekly guide to buying fewer, better things Jump to Do acquaintance cards really work? Tired of swiping , singles are attending flirting parties and even dating-oriented run clubs in hopes of meeting their future partner in real life. But even those lack the romanticism of a true meet-cute. The Brooklyn-based stationery brand No Particular Order is offering a more serendipitous option: its new acquaintance cards that encourage more spontaneous connections. Like a business card, you give them out to people you meet – but they foster romantic connections instead. The brand’s founder, content creator Margot Lee , came up with the idea after exiting a long-term relationship and feeling pressured to get on the apps. “I really did not want to do that,” she said. She wanted to connect with people through “happenstance of being at the same place at the same time”. No Particular Order Acquaintance Cards $22 $22 at No Particular Order No Particular Order Acquaintance Cards $22 $22 at No Particular Order She was inspired by flirtation cards , which were used in the Victorian era to ask a potential beau on a date. With phrases such as “May I see you home?” and “I very much desire to make your acquaintance,” the cards offered a furtive way for men to show their interest to women in public, where the latter was often accompanied by a chaperone . Lee’s modern-day versions are more inclusive, but they’re just as playful. They prompt you with introduction options to circle or fill in: first, you choose the greeting – a “hey” or shyer “um”. Next, you circle one of the 10 provided compliments (or fill in a blank for your own) about why that person caught your eye: their smil...