Talk to any college or high school student today about relationships and boys, and they'll probably tell you all about the millennial dating scene. The phrase they probably use frequently? "Hookup culture." It's definitely true, too! We live in a world where the majority of young people want a one night stand or a late night booty call on their speed dial. (Wait — do young adults actually use speed dial anymore? I may be out of the loop on this one.)
In a world where it seems like any guy you talk to just wants that one thing, dating seriously may seem almost impossible. But fear no more, Millennials, because it's totally possible to date in 2016. Here are some tips and tricks to bring along on your quest!
Before hitting up the dating scene, you need to know yourself first. What are your priorities in life, your values, your goals? When you know these well, you'll be able to identify similarities in potential suitors, as well as total opposite priorities in said suitors. If you feel like your morals line up with the person you're interested in, it might be go-time! If not, maybe take a step back and examine his or her character. Just because your morals don't line up doesn't mean either of you are awful, but it might mean you want different things —i.e. a hookup versus a relationship.
Another early-on tell-tale sign, which I have experienced myself, is that you guys just don't really get along. Sometimes the physical part is great, but you can't actually hold a conversation with the guy. This doesn't mean anything bad on either of your parts, but maybe you want to discuss art and music, and he's just a football guy. I've fallen into the trap of,"Well we don't really get on, but he's a good kisser, and he thinks I'm pretty?" Guess how that ended. He wanted a hookup, and I really did not. So we went our separate ways.
Finally, assess the situation in which you are meeting. This definitely won't go for all meetings, but oftentimes if you're both hanging out at a frat party, and you start talking and maybe you're both drinking, it's safe to say he's maybe not thinking about a serious relationship. Maybe you're not really either! That's so OK.
In short, don't get down by the hookup culture of the 2010s. Hold out for the guy (or girl) who shares similar values and is looking for the same type of relationship as you. There's no shame in hooking up, really, but don't feel pressured to participate if that's not what you really want. Look for someone with your morals and priorities, and you may find what you're really looking for.
