Let's face it, in this generation romance is pretty much dead or extremely creepy. What ever happened to the days of opening a woman's car door or giving her your coat when it's cold? What happened to paying for the bill or flowers just because. Heck, just what happened to the days of actually going out on dates and not expecting something out of it. There used to be a time where men actually had to put effort forth to obtain and keep the woman he longed for. Today that is just not the case, and it is sad.
Growing up, I was lead to believe that the movies were reality. I expected my first date to show up at the door with a flower ready to convince my father that it was OK to let me go and that he would have me back before curfew, which he would. I was lead to believe that I would get the romance on Valentine's Day and the cute little reminders of how much he cares. I imagined going out dancing (and I don't mean grinding) or getting to witness a five star dinner at least once in the relationship. I imagined he would be ok with taking things slow and I wouldn't feel guilty because of it.
When I got older, I quickly learned that dating wasn't really a thing in this generation. There was hook ups, friends with benefits, one night stands, relationships without the title, open relationships, but not dating. A guy is quicker to try to get a girl into bed than to a movie, or at least a quick bite to eat. Women are talked about in degrading manners because it is considered funny. No one cares about respect. If you don't give it up soon enough you are a tease, and if you give it up too quickly you are too easy and most likely left heartbroken. There is so many unspoken rules and regulations in this secret game everyone seems to be playing that it ruined the whole essence of romance.
In this generation, romance is just a story you hear in books or see in movies, but it is not real. And if there is any sign of romance it is written off quickly as that person is too creepy or you're just "not feeling it." The men who try get discouraged and turn into the men who just don't care at all because the ones who don't care get the girl. It is a vicious cycle and I am still trying to process how in just a few decades relationships and love could change so drastically.
So, until I meet my Romeo, I am just going to sit here with my Nicholas Sparks movies and try to stay optimistic about this generation. You can't blame me for wanting to wait for the guy that will show my kids what love truely is.
