Since when did you have to be "FBO" with someone for it to be real?
For those of you who don't know, "FBO" means being "Facebook Official" with someone. In today's world, it seems as though if you aren't "FBO" with someone you aren't really dating.
So let's clear up some terminology before I continue, but bare with me. Some of these "terms" used in society are a little, how do I say this nicely, odd? Weird? Complicated? Yes, I like that adjective. Complicated.
Crushing/Snacking: This is when you like someone and would like to get to know them better. The typical "crush." The one who you see in the coffee shop or across the room who just seems to catch your eye. The one you want to ask for your number, or nowadays, your Snapchat.
Where in the world did someone coin the term "snacking"? That just sounds creepy.
Talking: You like someone. They like you. You text frequently. You are best friends on Snapchat. You follow each other on social media. You may even go out for coffee or dinner every now and then. But—there it is, the but—you aren't "FBO." You don't have a label. You aren't "talking" to other people, but you aren't "tied down."
This term makes everything awkward. I can't say, "Megan and John were talking," without having to clarify that Megan and John were just speaking, not going on dates and flirting and texting. Could we not have chosen a different word to describe this stage in "dating?"
"FBO"/Dating: This is where you are officially "boyfriend"/"girlfriend." You are in an exclusive relationship. You are only spending a significant amount of romantic time with the other person.
Now that we have some terms out of the way, let's get to the point:
When did your Facebook relationship status determine when you are "dating" someone? Granted, some people do not have Facebook, nor do they care whether people view their relationship status, but many people are so bent on labels and that little post that reads: "Sally Jane and Billy Bob are now in a relationship."
What happened to courting? To meeting the parents to ask for permission to "go steady?" What happened to liking someone, calling them or asking them in person out to dinner or coffee? What happened to casual dating?
I have been in only a few "FBO" relationships, but I have "talked" to a handful of great guys. But let's be real. I am in college and honestly, am still trying to find out who I am as an individual. I am still trying to be the best woman God has created me to be for that man who I will one day make legally and "FBO."
I wish I lived in the time where you went on dates with guys. You dated them to spend time with them. So you could get to know them. So they could get to know you. So you could laugh and create memories. But while you dated, you weren't "talking" or you weren't "FBO" you were just casually going on dates and having fun together.
Talking on the phone for hours. Writing cute little notes that you leave under you windshield wipers. Laughing at really lame jokes so you didn't hurt their feelings. Living life together. Enjoying each others company. I want that kind of "dating."
When did "dating" become how many #WCW or #MCM you post of each other? Or how many lovey-dovey Snapchat stories you post? When did "dating" turn into changing your profile pic to you and your boyfriend or girlfriend? Or posting month-aversaries? When was "dating" defined as who your number one best friend on Snapchat for more than four weeks?
When did "dating" become a Facebook status?
I pray the whole "FBO" phase dies out soon. I pray "dating" is no longer a Facebook status, but an intentional relationship between two people because of romantic and genuine interest and feelings.
