Going to watch the newest film at the theater, cruising around the city at night, sitting on the porch and watching cars go by, watching the sunset go down behind the mountains. These date ideas seem so simple - especially nowadays - but in a time period where our relationships only go as far as back-and-forth texting and the occasional dinner out, it appeals to me way more. The simple type of relationship seems more personal, peaceful and old-fashioned. Unfortunately, today's dating scene would rather stick behind a screen and see how many likes their selfies with their lover can get than actually putting their own effort into the relationship.
As an old-fashioned teenager, I'm not into boasting a relationship on the internet. Yes, I do upload the occasional photograph of my boyfriend and I, but I don't let the amount of "goals" comments on our photos justify whether we have a great relationship or not. Honestly, I don't see the point in putting so much emphasis on a social media site when it comes to anything, let alone a relationship.
However, today's generation has made dating so much more complicated than it needs to be. I believe this is partly due to the fact that we communicate solely through text messages and social media apps. With this type of communication, we lose so much. There's this lack of emotion and care when it comes to virtual forms of communicating. It is so easy to take something that someone said that wrong way, and it makes the whole ordeal more complicated. Even when we are face-to-face with our significant other (let's say on a date), more times than none, we find a way to get on our phones. I know it's almost impossible to get rid of our smartphones, let alone minimize our time on it. I am as guilty as anyone for being reliant on my cellphone, but there comes a time when it is just plain rude and obsessive. However, when I am on a date (or even hanging with friends), I try to cut my cellphone use to a minimum.
Also, dating has become centered around useless ideas and unspoken rules; it's almost come down to a science of its own. Reply to a text too quickly? You're desperate. Hanging out with boys/girls not your boyfriend/girlfriend? Unfaithful. If a boy reads a text and doesn't reply, it's OK. But if a girl does the same thing, you're a terrible girlfriend. The list of standards to live up to could go on and on. And like others, I am tired of trying to fit myself in such a tiny box just to please others. I mean, a relationship is between two people who mutually feel for one another. However, today's relationships do not care about these sorts of things. No, it's all about who's dating whom. Who's hottest. Who are "goals."
While explaining why I can't stand that technology has taken over dating, I do realize there are long-distance relationships (shout-out to those relationships). But when you have the right person by your side, why be engrossed in a piece of technology when you could be enjoying each other's company?
It makes me sad, and even worried, to see and experience what dating and relationships have come to. Now that technology continues to grow and innovate, what will this mean for relationships?
So, let's bring back old-fashioned dating. Come to the door to pick up your date. Open the door for your date. Bring flowers. Dance with one another. Just care for one another (and show it). It isn't that hard!
