In a very meta sense of "today's society," there's an expectation of young adults not to get to attached to someone they have romantic feelings for. With so many innovations in finding love--from dating apps to the expanses of the internet, why has Generation Z cut out the romanticization of romance? We can't deny innate human nature for love in whatever sense that may be, but over and over, we can see the ideals of finding happy and lasting love replaced with caution and overprotection of emotion. There is of course strategy in this. No one wants to be hurt, and the dissipation of romantic connection can be one of the greatest pains in the human experience, but we forget that when we continually protect ourselves we leave little to no room for exploration or challenge.

Many people would very readily trade experience and exploration for no chance of being hurt. Hurt and growth are two things that coincide on many occasions. In this way Generation Z is hindering its ability to grow while trying to protect themselves. The big question stands, "Is it worth it? Is pain worth experience and growth?" While this could be a question highly based on personal preference and prior experience, I say, "ABSOLUTELY."

Pain may not be temporary, but it never stays the same. You may possibly never get over the boy who had no idea who you were in sixth grade, but that pain will change and become something completely different. Perhaps a better example of this is the person you thought you'd spend the rest of life, but things didn't work out the way you planned. "Will that pain change? Will I really stop hurting from that?" Yes. The person I thought I'd be with forever holds a place in my heart and perhaps always will. I believe it will always hurt to see him happy with someone else, but I believe fully this should never hinder going forth in my romantic experiences. That pain has changed into a fondness of our amazing friendship, and that is the beauty of love.

Do not fear pain. Pain is essential. You may experience 100 heartbreaks before you find someone. You may never find the right person, but does that mean you shouldn't allow yourself to feel? Love fully. Allow your feelings to build upon themselves. Never stop yourself simply because you fear pain. There's such a cathartic underlay to pain that you should feel.

You are an individual. If you don't want to actively search for romantic connection, DON'T. Be happy. Love yourself. Become who you want to be.