Dating is difficult as it is...add dating apps and social media to the mix and we have constant need for affection and approval. We're more concerned if someone likes a photo than if someone actually likes us. We use Tinder as a match maker to find love and social media as the FBI to investigate possible cheating scenarios. We live in a world where we have technology at our fingertips and instead of paying attention to our date we worry about the latest drama brewing on Facebook. It's sad we essentially let our fingers do the dating. Here are the 11 things I hate about dating in the 21st century:
1. Tinder
In today's society, we think dating involves swiping left or right. We hide behind our seductive selfies and quirky bios in hopes of finding love. It's like our own handheld version of The Bachelor/ Bachelorette. Most of the time we decide which way to swipe based on a profile picture. Sure, Tinder may be a confidence booster...like how many matches can you get, how many guys/ladies messaged you...but is it really a place to find love?
2. "Hanging Out"
The phrase "hanging out" is used all too often when dating. It's that awkward in-between where you're not official but you're dating. Instead of telling someone you're going out on dates, you're "hanging out" or you're "talking." It's like we're too afraid to admit we're dating someone.
3. Facebook Official
It's so sad we live in a society that literally depends so heavily on every ounce of someone's personal business being on the web. It's amazing that people will not believe that a couple exists if it's not "Facebook Official." I wonder how the dating world even functioned before Facebook came along and became the official say on who's dating and who is not.
4. Netflix and Chill
Okay so I am guilty of loving Netflix as much as the next person. But I hate that this phrase even exists. It's great to get to binge watch some movies or TV shows with your guy/lady. But this should not be the basis of your entire relationship. Go outside and live. Netflix will always be there, but there's a whole real world out there.
5. Bae
This word should never be used as a form of endearment...EVER. Sure, I use it in a joking manner with my friends. But for the love of all-things-Nicholas-Sparks, please don't use this in a serious manner. It's insulting.
6. Month-a-versaries
We get it...you've been together one whole month. This person is your soulmate and you love them. But can we have a quick lesson on prefixes? It's cool you want to celebrate your hunny on the one month anniversary of dating. But "ani" usually means annual, as in yearly. It's so wonderful to see young love, but we don't always need a monthly update on your relationship. Enjoy being together, we're silently rooting for you.
7. Liking A Photo on Social Media
Technology is great and all but I feel like it has caused so much anxiety in the dating world. We see someone "liked a photo" and immediately we freak out. What does it mean? Are they interested in that person? And then you assume and accuse. You hate the person in the photo while simultaneously trying to be them. It's amazing the effect a thumbs up or heart has on your relationship. These tiny little icons have been known as relationship enders.
8. Snapchat
Remember the world before Snapchat? The one where we didn't have to worry about being someone's "best friend" or a "snapstreak?" Apparently in today's society, it means something if you're not someone's Snapchat best friend. Or if your guy/lady is sending secret 8 second snaps to someone other than yourself.
9. Side Chick
There's a reason this phrase exists and it's sad. It's sad we don't have enough respect for ourselves or others' relationships. Being a "side chick" is not something to be proud of and is one of the many reasons why I dislike dating in the 21st century.
10. Hollywood Romance
When we see a movie, we see what we think love is supposed to look like. We see a girl being whisked away by her knight in shining armor, off to some beautiful fantasy island. We see a man professing his love to the woman of his dreams at the top of the Eiffel Tower just as the sun is about to set. What we don't see in these movies are the average relationships. Hollywood has given us these crazy expectations that just aren't realistic.
11. Fancy Gifts
Love isn't about the gifts you get. I go crazy when I see guys/girls post pictures of things they wish their significant other would get them. Fancy clothes, watches, cars...that's not what love is. It also makes me crazy when guys/girls get upset over a Christmas gift their boyfriend/girlfriend got them because it wasn't what they had asked for. Meanwhile their significant other worked overtime every night and spent every last penny they had on said gift. We live in a generation that is so materialistic, it's disgusting. We have to learn to be more grateful for what we have.
