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Today’s Dating Culture

And Why Parents are so Confused

Jan 02, 2020

Have you ever tried to explain your relationship status with someone to your parents? Maybe you're a “thing", or you've gone on one date and he hasn't even called (or texted for that matter), or you just confessed your feelings, and both of you are awkwardly waiting to decide if and who will make the first move.

Your parents probably sat there with a puzzled look on their face after you sort of explained the situation.

Disclaimer: no matter how old your parents are, I promise you they didn't court each other like in the olden days. They were not accompanied by someone on a horse and carriage without being allowed to even hold hands, let alone kiss.

They did however use different terminology for some of the same dating scenarios we have today.

The Term Dating

Dating can mean any of the following:

1. Going on dates but not officially boyfriend and girlfriend

2. Officially a couple

3. Available in the dating scene - “I'm dating, putting myself out there. Just haven't found a keeper yet."

If your parents are like mine, they probably just think that dating means you're going on dates with one or more people. Being a couple no longer qualifies as dating.

A “Thing”

Frankly, a “thing” is youth’s way of saying I want a relationship but am terrified of commitment, so I’m going to avoid any label possible. Your parents should be confused!

It’s possible that a “thing” was probably parents’ version of dating before you became a couple.

What it Means to Be Single

Some adults believe you're single until you're married. Some have even said, “Anyone is fair game until there's a ring on their finger!"

So, how about we go back to just saying “I'm seeing someone" or “We're exclusive"?

Terminology of dating is important but also confusing! I advocate for more straightforward terminology, but more importantly, a more straightforward relationship.
You are friends with people that don’t take you on dates.
Strangers or friends hoping for more take you on dates.
You’re in a relationship when you're seeing one person exclusively.

Don't let yourself be in the bumpy waters of no labels! It's just as bad as the friend zone. Once you're in, you'll never get out.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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