DING!
And just like that, you're "matched" without even meeting. No previous talk, first glance exchange, or prior knowledge of who the hell this stranger is. You swiped right because you thought they were hot. Maybe if you're not that shallow, you skimmed their bio. But who cares about their life story, fears, hopes, and dreams, right? You're just trying to get with them. This is Tinder, and it has become more popular than actual dating in our modern society.
Dating-- an endangered word in this time and age. My grandparents remember the days of committed relationships, but will our own future grandchildren even be aware of the definition? It's a scary thought. Sexual pick up lines have replaced love poems. Netflix and what's referred to as "chilling" has taken the place of dinner and dancing. Today love is declining as lust tops its frequency. Girls are quicker to open their legs than their hearts. Guys are more concerned with quantity than quality. Quick fixes seem more attainable than long-term dedication.
I'm not to say this is everyone. There are millennials searching for a deeper connection than what most of the world has to offer. But even when two people develop mutual feelings for each other, dating is still a hesitant doubt. More than likely they'll choose not to be together, to avoid the risk of "complicating" things. It makes sense, right? Not at all.
Is it commitment that is terrifying? Is the act of promising fidelity, support, and trust to another body and soul really that scary? Or are we that unfaithful, that unchaste, and that (for lack of a better word) "thirsty?" Is the single life really that luxurious? Or are we blind to what dating actually has to offer? Maybe this generation just has a lot more maturing and soul searching to do to be able to successfully obtain these answers.
There are those who avoid commitment because of expectation, and those who dodge giving it a chance from past experiences. They're the ones who have fallen victim to relationships that should've never been, which ended up scarring them and their viewpoint of dating. Typically in these situations, fights outweigh teamwork and criticisms triumph over compliments. People change to please their partner and lose a part of them in the process. Little do they know, this rollercoaster ride is the farthest thing from love. Remain in a toxic relationship, cease your potential to blossom, and prevent yourself from experiencing dating the way our grandparents did-- the beautiful way dating was and should be again.
A healthy, committed relationship will guarantee comfort. It's the assurance of emotional encouragement. It’s knowing there is someone who values your happiness, and seeks to contribute to it. It’s the relief of a constant cuddle buddy, date goer, and best friend. Two people who enjoy each other's company, treat each other right, and care for each other should date. It's that simple. This other half will not complete you, because you are whole on your own. They can, however, give you someone to share this crazy journey called life with. Don't give up the hope that chivalry is dead. Don't discredit Romeo and Juliet's romance because you haven't crossed paths with your prince yet. And don't settle for another Tinderella story when you deserve way more than a right swipe. It's in the hands of this generation (not Cupid and not Donald Trump) to make dating great again.