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Relationships

A Meditation On The Millennial Dater

Do digital beginnings render digital ends? What is lost in the convenience of a swipe - and what isn't?
Join me in my reflections of online "dating" culture and the propagation of the hookup mentality.

Rachel Malak

Sep 18, 2019

Fordham University

183

a swipe to start

a gif, that's art

emojis > à la carte

a DM here,

snap rely there

oh, see that?

digital romance in the air

months go by

delete & redownload

match, message, flag, blush

validation is a new code

"hello gorgeous"

heart-eye text

but she still wonders

who'll swipe next

long-winded bio

"office" quote

"hey, u up?"

that's all he wrote.

"if you're not gonna message,

don't even swipe right"

a fragile boy's ego

seen nursing a natty light

frat bro vibe

gym selfie's cute

but conversation?

that point is moot.

but wait, there's a chance!

it takes more than a glance!

maybe love is digital happenstance?

roommate's cousin's friend-in-law

a love truer than true

all started with the algorithm:

the matches she accrued

she listens to the swipe story

with hope that still abounds!

uploading a new photo

*taylor swift plays in the background*

faithfully, she builds her bonds,

first impressions through the screen

linking up her instagram

where good friends comment "queen!"

i guess he likes the girl he sees

tech-mediated sweetheart

rapport extended back and forth

quick-witted, kind, and still smart

first date planned

"let's grab a drink"

she laughs; he laughs

*virtual clink*

III

time to get ready

there are nerves to be steadied

primping and prepping

hopes she's not overstepping

"what time should we meet?"

fresh-mani types as she smiles

then awaits his response,

ah, courting tribulations and trials!

"it's getting late,

can we do a different night?"

she's sad, but not surprised

it's the twenty-something's plight

his quasi-regretful SMS sent

her gracious reply is reprised

trying her hardest not to resent,

all before the setting spray even dries

she shrugs away the could-have-beens

what's worse: to flake or ghost?

no matter now, the night is young

who cares for oh wells and almosts?

back to the apps

she starts up a chat

it's calming, her habitual judgment lapse

a swipe to start, they're at it again

vicious cycles will continue

until, one day, he'll come along

the guy to dispel doubt within you

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A Meditation On The Millennial Dater

Do digital beginnings render digital ends? What is lost in the convenience of a swipe - and what isn't? Join me in my reflections of online "dating" culture and the propagation of the hookup mentality.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

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

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Ingredients

Instructions

Ingredients

Instructions

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A bad day at the lake is still better than a good day not at the lake.

You know the best beaches and coves to go to.

You have no patience for the guy who can't back his trailer into the water right.

Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

1. My school is incredibly unique.

2. I am not just a number at my school.

3. I feel like I am contributing something to the community.

5. My professors know me and I feel that I can easily communicate with them.

6. The incredible people I've met

7. Opportunities

8. Students want to learn

9. Ability to join a sorority and have a house full of people I know I can talk to anytime I need to

10. I have figured out how I learn best because my school offers so many different ways of learning.

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Do digital beginnings render digital ends? What is lost in the convenience of a swipe - and what isn't?
Join me in my reflections of online "dating" culture and the propagation of the hookup mentality.

Subscribe to our
Newsletter