I was recently asked by a coworker why I've been single for as long as I have been (which has been three years and counting); when I was asked this question a year-and-a-half ago, my answer was, "I don't know." However, that is not the answer I gave to said coworker, who became engaged only a month ago. Instead, I replied with, "because I haven't found someone who has seemed interesting enough to keep my attention." She appeared to think it absolutely ludicrous that I wouldn't agree to "hang out" with a seemingly nice guy, even if he wasn't particularly my type, or knew it probably wouldn't work out. This time, it was my turn to think she was absolutely ludicrous to suggest that would be acceptable, even encouraged. Why would I want to settle and make myself miserable? Why would anyone, for that matter, want to settle and make themselves miserable? For the sake of having a significant other? To me, that is completely pointless and will only lead to hurt feelings.

It later dawned on me that I was beginning to realize what the real problems with attempting to date within this odd generation are, and I believe I have finally fit all of the pieces of the puzzle together.

Going back a few months, when I was actually active on social media and before I gave up any hopes I had for it, I would see posts on Twitter about this thing called "relationship goals." It usually included a photo set of a couple who was obviously very well off, with perfectly tailored clothing, designer shoes, high-end cars, and mansions (not to mention the fact that they were both up to par with today's standards of beauty).

Obviously, and, lamentably, the photo sets usually only focused on the most superficial aspects of the couple: their material items and perfect bodies being showcased, rather than their love for each other.

Although some might think these photos represent an ideal relationship, I personally can't see how it could. Only a superficial relationship could focus that much on the superficial. Plainly speaking, it seems that there has been a massive disconnect in what a relationship should actually consist of, and I have found one of the main perpetrators.

I strongly suspect that this generation's lack of commitment and pickiness, which only leads to settling, is what is hindering people like you and me from finding someone that is right for us, along with the tendency to focus more on the superficial. Online "dating" outlets such as Tinder are largely at blame, encouraging this hookup society that has regrettably become very popular, with a phrase that is rising in use: "we're just talking." What does that even mean?

Unfortunately, because of this, it seems as though no one wants to actually talk to each other in person anymore, an idea that is absurd. For those who require a great deal of intellectual stimulation, or for those who want to be in a relationship with someone that could be, or is, their best friend, a casual hookup would not permit them to have those things that are so necessary for them to have a relationship. So, why is this noncommittal, no-strings-attached society still thriving?

It saddens me that the number of people who are out there, who are completely absorbed by swiping left and right is continuing to grow. It only takes a second to look up from the phone screen to realize that there might be someone standing right in front of you that catches your attention, which could be the start of something beautiful, something that is worthwhile.