In the weeks prior to Valentine's Day, the aisles of stores begin to fill with heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, bouquets of red roses, and large, overpriced teddy bears. Social media then begins to fill with pictures of couples, statuses about being "forever alone," or messages suggesting a hangout with a "friend" to Netflix 'n Chill. As I was lucky to spend another New Year with my great-grandparents, I was reminded just how much romantic culture has changed over the past sixty-five years.
When did dates to drive-in movies turn into sessions to binge-watch television shows and hookup? It's a good thing my great-grandparents aren't tuned into social media because they would be so utterly disappointed with how romanticism has evolved. I was privileged to be able to see how my great-grandfather, even after sixty-five years of marriage and dating previously, continued to show how he truly loved her every single day of their lives together. When my great-grandmother drove, he would always warm up her car and pump gas for her; she never ever had to pump her own gas. Even well into his eighties, he still continues to drive her to breakfast, lunch, or dinner since cooking big meals has become difficult for her. He never fails to open every door that presents itself in front of her. He doesn't hesitate to spend every waking moment by her side whether they're sitting at home in front of the fireplace or she's lying in a hospital bed.
Nowadays, it seems that most girls' idea of a "perfect date" has gone from your significant other, picking you up with flowers on your doorstep to showing up with a Crunchwrap from Taco Bell. This isn't to say that food isn't a wonderful gesture because it is; however, there's something deeper and timeless in my opinion when you open your door to find a dozen red roses.
As time has gone on and generations have become more casual, we seem to have forgotten the appeal of showing your significant other that they're truly, madly, and deeply loved. While it may be easier to simply show up with takeout and scroll through a selection of movies to watch, it means so much more to be unafraid of going "old-school." Although drive-in movies are rare, opening the doors for your significant other when you take them on a date shouldn't be. I'm lucky to have my great-grandparents in my life, especially as I get older and see what it's like to be truly loved by another. I'm lucky to see how my great-grandfather treats the woman of his dreams every single day from the time he wakes up until the time he goes to sleep. Through my great-grandparent's, I've learned what love really looks like, and THAT is something I truly love.