I "Like" You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

I "Like" You

Because we live in a much different dating world from our parents.

13
I "Like" You
Pexels

Remember daydreaming as a little girl of after searching for what seemed like forever, you finally found and then married your forever true love? Remember when that dream still didn't come true?

Yeah, me too.

It's pretty obvious, but dating is not the same as it was. It just isn't. I always love when my mom tells me the story of how she met my father:

"We both worked at Beachwood Mall. I worked at the teddy bear store (keep in mind this is the 80s) and he worked at the bank there..."

That's already an "awww" story, but there's so much more meaning to it. You see, our grandparents, our parents, and even some of our older siblings have stories to tell of how they genuinely found love. Lots of them sound like rom-com movie plot lines or even a story you would tell to kids on a night without any giant flat screens due to severe weather.

"Mommy, how did you meet daddy?"

What am I supposed to tell my future daughter in a world full of fake love and illusional relationships?

Today, we don't love people. We grab what we can, devour every inch of it, and then once we get our high we simply find no use for it anymore. People aren't people anymore - they're objects.

Now, I understand that not everyone practices this disturbing mindset, but think about it. No, really, stop and think about it.

Years ago, there was no technology. Without technology, people actually had to interact with each other (I know I sound like grandpa, but hear me out). As a result, sometimes a genuine connection was made, resulting in life friends or even life partners.

Our technology is a blessing yet also a curse. Sure, it's fun catching Eevee when we should be studying or sending funny Snapchats to friends who would relate best to them.

And then there's Instagram and Tinder.

Instagram - a fun way to share what you have with the world, right?

Tinder - a great way to meet someone "different from the rest"?

Maybe.

You post a selfie one day. You receive a notification that a guy who you think, for the most part, has always been nice and genuine towards you has "liked" your photo.

Or, you swipe right and he swipes right back, which is also an indication that he "likes" you. (Cue your little victory dance).

"Does he like me?" Don't lie, this is your first initial feedback.

He hits you up, plans a "date", and then you're smitten. Completely smitten. Because remember, anytime a guy is extremely nice to us, we usually take it for flirting or attraction. Especially if we find him extremely attractive. And this is not our fault, it's our generation's way of lying to us about true love.

Date happens (restaurant or movie usually of your choice, he pays because 'gentleman') and he may even kiss you once. Or twice. Or do more than that.

Dates are simply not dates anymore - they are hookups. Admit it. They never provide any stories to tell for the ages, except for ones later on in life that lead you to the long discussion of regrets or your next topic to cry about at your Alcohols Anonymous meeting years later.

Reason I bring up that example is because today's "relationships" are causing us more hurt than ever. Depression, more drinking, low self esteem, and competition.

Because right when he likes another girl's picture, you know how that mental process tends to go. But that's a whole other article.

Have we simply lost the power to love? We hardly get to know each other (except for how far we've gone). We forgot to how to genuinely kiss (because today that's considered 'innocent'). We wear caution tape on our sleeve (instead of our hearts) because we simply don't know if we will shatter. And we can thank it all because of social media.

Will we always be this way?

Well, I still miraculously have strong hope that we can get through this mess. I suggest that you join me and together, we will all find our true loves someday. Social media is a fad, not a permanent life dedication.

"This too shall pass", a very wise person once told me. And more than likely told you too.

Until then, give your time to someone who actually likes you, not someone who likes your filtered pictures, body, or how plastered you can get at a party.

Keep in mind, there is nothing wrong with using Instagram or Tinder, I'm not saying you should delete it forever - just use it wisely and stay true to yourself. Always.

Remember that it is never you. Ever. Just because someone is stuck in the field of abusing love doesn't mean you are not good enough to love and be loved.

Continue to love people. Love them through communication. Love them by getting to know them. Love them for the little things they do. Love like our ancestors loved. Someone will see you for you one day and not just for your physical qualities. They won't care if you had only 14 likes on your Instagram posts because they'll know you were too good for all that crap. They will understand your beautiful big heart inside and out - promise.

And one day, I'll be able to tell my daughter with a smile on my face,"Well, it's actually a great story how I met your father..."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

192366
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16142
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458843
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27162
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments