Let me start this article by apologizing if I offended anyone named, "Megan." I hope the point of the article is clearly conveyed. This isn't directed to any singular person or anyone named "Megan."
The other day, I received a text from one of my best friends. (See the cover photo)."The radio just announced that the age group most likely to buy women flowers, perfume and chocolate and call them beautiful as well as insist on a kiss before they leave for work are men over 50. Aka millennial killed chivalry." I was enraged instantly. Between the uproar of the infamous election, the toxic relationship I have been dealing with the last two years, and the way people everywhere behave, I just got so upset.
WHY?? The question that keeps ringing in my head. Why do we live in a world where when we encounter assholes we say, "Hey, that's just life. That's just the way it is."?? Why are people content with mediocrity? Why are people mean and awful? And... getting to the point of this article...why have we as a society become accepting of half-hearted relationships and non-commitment? Why are we accepting of text messages rather than phone calls, swiping left or right verses having the gumption to ask someone out in public when we are attracted to them or stalking someone on social media rather than simply trying to get to know them in person? Why do we settle? Why have we let our standards in society as a whole deteriorate? Why is it that when a girl decides to have self respect, she's all of a sudden a feminist or intimidating? Why are girls trying to act like men and have no feelings when it comes to sex? Why have we allowed sex to lose its value in bonding a man and a woman emotionally and physically? Why are we acting like animals in heat rather than humans with thought and consideration and love and kindness? Why did we allow this new found "hookup" generation to gain momentum? I whisper "why?" as I choke back tears.
"The radio just announced that the age group most likely to buy women flowers, perfume and chocolate and call them beautiful as well as insist on a kiss before they leave for work are men over 50. Aka millennial killed chivalry." It's so very true and sad and it's the boys and girls who are both at fault because they both settle for less and compromise standards. We live in a society of instant gratification where you don't have to work for anything, and it's evident in the work ethic as well as the relationships and families we see today. If you share the ideals of anyone who is per se over 50 as the radio brings out, you're old-fashioned and out of date. I'd like to think that I'm the best of both worlds. That's why I will no longer settle in life, I'll keep my standards, I'll insist on more and I will always give more than I expect. We don't have to follow the world as it circles the drain. Why would you ever want to?? Girls, let's be old fashioned together. Let's be the "Magnolia's" in a world of "Megan's".
Everything is a choice. CHOOSE BETTER. Choose good. Choose love. Choose quality. Choose to not accept that "that's just life. That's just the way it is." Choose to be the exception. Choose to be the light in the dark. I am a firm believer in God and His original purpose of man and woman coming together in love and support to grow the world and to make it beautiful. I believe in respect and open, honest communication. If those beliefs make me old fashioned, then honey, I will gladly stay in the dark ages where chivalry isn't dead. Regardless of your belief system, we should all want the best for ourselves and those we encounter in our day to day lives. We should conduct ourselves with grace and integrity. We should always be motivated by love.
To those men who still practice chivalry, I applaud you. I admire you. Hold fast to those sweet gestures because the nice guys don't finish last. You get what you put out to the universe. Good things always come to those who are real. I refuse to lose hope in humanity. I know that there are still genuine and sweet people out there. For two years now, I have been guilty of settling for crap. I have been the biggest hypocrite. I have allowed myself to be with someone who won't even claim me as his girlfriend. But, TODAY, I choose to walk away. Practice what you preach. As I finish up this article, my heart is a little broken. But I am so so so proud of myself for walking away. If any of y'all are in the same boat as me, I beg you to have the courage to walk away. Jump ship! The pain will pass. But you'll feel empowered. There will be relief. You'll be proud of yourself too. One day there will be a boy who asks you out on a real date, who surprises you with flowers, who makes you feel secure and beautiful, who delivers on his promises. You'll get the chance to fall in love all over again. The love he gives will heal all your hurts and soften your scars. Don't settle. Chivalry isn't dead. Let's keep it alive.
All my love,
"Magnolia"
