Dating in this generation is complicated when it doesn't have to be. But who am I kidding? No one in this generation actually "dates" anymore. In fact, I'm not sure if this generation understands what it truly means to date, someone.

Everyone wants a relationship, but no one wants to do what it takes to keep the relationship together. I feel somewhere along the line we forgot what it means to actually "court" someone. Dating used to mean making a genuine effort in trying to get to know someone with the intentions of possibly establishing a relationship. During this process, two people often engaged in activity that enforces communication. And, after months of going on like this, a decision is usually made if they want to be together "exclusively."

Doesn't sound too complicated right? And you knew you made the right decision if you felt butterflies in your stomach whenever around that special someone. You always knew you made the right decision when every time you were around them it felt like a '90s, early 2000 to mid 2000s R&B song.

I'm not sure what happened, but over time, the term "dating" has been replaced with "talking." In other words, instead of saying you are "dating someone," people replace the word with "talking" instead. Now you may be thinking and wondering, "Okay, so what's wrong with that?" Aren't talking and dating the same thing?" To an extent, yes, they do mean the same thing. However, this is assuming you are honest when asked about your current relationship status and intentions.

I get it, maybe referring to your current situation as "dating" sounds a little old fashion and intense. Perhaps you may feel that the term "dating" means commitment is right around the corner, and maybe you just aren't ready. Maybe the idea of this level of intimacy scares you because you once been there before. But, haven't we all? Whatever the story may be again I understand. However, it is understandable for many reasons why females mostly get frustrated and fed up with the "talking" phase. I found a quote once on Facebook that said: "Don't become the one who hurt you," and I wish more people would follow this rule. We all have experienced that one relationship that caused a change in us and made us hesitant to be willing to give our hearts away to someone new. But it seems instead of coping with this in a way that's "healthy," we choose to take it out on the next person that could have been that one. Then we love to pour our hearts onto social media and cry about how we can't find love. Understand this: it is okay to take whatever time you need to regroup. It is important that we learn how to be alone. You can't love someone else, and give them the things that they need if you don't take care of yourself.

The "talking" phase is to an extent is the same as "dating" just as long as both people are straight forward and honest with each other. If you genuinely like someone but can not commit completely just say it, and the response may surprise you. Part of the reason why dating is complicated now a days is; because there are too many people involved. Be honest about the number of people you are talking to on that "level." If you still have that "Netflix and chill" (meaning you use movies and food to put he/she in the mood hoping it leads to sex) mentality and have no interest what so ever in committing yourself to a relationship, just say it. And, if they are not interest in that then move on quit trying to force it there's no need to lie. It is frustrating and time consuming when you are not on the same page as the other party. And, as sad as this may sound, it is often people do lie about their intentions in hopes it leads to sex. And then they disappear.

The biggest misconception seems to be that females always want to go out on expensive dates. In fact, some of my guy friends have referred to spending money on a female as "trickin.'" First of all, understand that it is one date; who said this would be a daily thing? What you often label and call "corny" actually means the world to us. It seriously doesn't take much to put a smile on a female's face. And, when someone is genuinely interested money is the furthest thing from their mind. And contributing to at least half isn't the issue. If you don't have it like that, what makes you think we have it like that? People have a way of showing if they are interested in you. If they only come around when it may seem as if you have money then move and the same vice versa. To assume that every female is the same is another reason why you should be single.

You get what you give in anything and everything in life. If you are making a genuine effort in trying to establish a relationship with someone I can only imagine them being willing to reciprocate those same feelings back to you. However, it is true what they say about females we find out everything, and social media makes it even easier. If you are lying about your true intentions, do not be surprised when their is a change in attitude. Dating isn't complicated, we are the ones who actually make it complicated...know your worth, pay attention to all signs being shown and never question your instincts because nine times out of 10, you're probably right onto something.