Some peoplelook back fondlyon dating, generations ago, with romantic ideas of greater morality and better values.
Dating becomes a thing
The concept of dating reallybegan at the turn of the 20th century.
Prior to the late early 1900s, courtship was a much more private, unemotional affair.
Still, the ultimate and very apparent goal was still that of marriage.
Courtship vs. dating
The fundamental difference between courtship and dating is that of freedom.
Courtship was seen as a fundamental part of a well-functioning society.
When people started dating, relationships became less restricted and more personal.
So what instigated this cultural shift?
However, couples would form after several dates if they were interested in having more exclusive relationships."
This status was about the relationship, sure, but it was also about standing out amongst your peers.
Dating had become much more about youth culture than about family expectations.
The way in which two people experienced sexuality when dating also shifted.
In the earlier part of the 20th century, sex and sexuality were not openly discussed.
Many young women took birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.
They freely explored their sexual feelings.
Sex before marriage was no longer taboo.
There were no rules for dating anymore.
Young people did what they wanted, when they wanted, and modern-day “hook up” culture began.
Shortly after, sites likeOKCupidfollowed.
Just think of the concept of the selfie.
This generation is muchmore focused on themselvesthan previous generations.
Millennials simply have so many options that “going steady” can be a hard pitch to sell.
Is dating getting worse or better?
There is a case for both sides of this argument.
Nowadays, we have more freedom to choose how we live our lives.
However, this is exactly what makes dating in 2017 so difficult.
What does the other person want?
Are they looking for something real or are they just trying to have fun?
Are there any mind games going on here?
