How many times has somebody asked you what your relationship status with somebody is, and all you can do is look at them with the "deer in the headlights" look because you truly have no idea where you and the person you've been consistently texting and hooking up with stand? I feel that this is something that happens so often these days. And after a lot of thought and consideration, I realize the issue at hand: we hate commitment.
We hate it so much. More than what we might even realize. It's almost looked down upon to be more than just "casual" with somebody. You're not comfortable with saying that you're in a relationship with somebody, so you panic and tell somebody that you're just friends. Or worse...that you're "talking."
I think that the concept of "talking" to somebody is the most vague, ridiculous term ever. And all that it leads to is a world of confusion for at least one of the involved parties. There are no parameters defined in talking, so neither party really knows how to act. When two people never go beyond the "talking" phase, it's usually because somebody was "talking" to multiple people. The other person gets upset, but is it really fair to get upset? After all, you're just "talking."
The avoidance of commitment isn't just about relationships. It's honestly about anything. All of the plans we make with people are tentative. Plans end up changing all the time, and usually pretty last minute. And blowing people off happens so regularly now. It makes sense though, because we have cell phones in which we can send a quick text to break plans at the very last minute if something better comes up or we just don't feel like getting out of bed.
This is one thing that older generations put millennials down for, by the way. The older generations recognize that millennials make it a habit to avoid committing to anything. And honestly, they have every right to be frustrated by this. It's frustrating to know that everybody puts on a great front and acts as though they are going to be dedicated and put work into something, but many turn around and renege on their commitment. Few actually stick out the promises they make, and this is something that needs to change.
So break the cycle. Commit to being committed. To everything. Be committed to your relationships with people (friends, families, love interests). Be committed to your classes. Be committed to your job. Be committed to taking care of yourself. And most important of all, be committed to your goals. Don't give up on them, no matter how tough it may seem.
