Much like rock and roll music, the idea of entering into a relationship with serious, committed intent has taken on somewhat of an antiquated identity. What was once the norm has gradually become hokey and overly sentimental.

We've entered a generation where casual sex, swinging, and otherwise "open" relationships have taken the place of commitment. No wonder the current divorce rate is between 40 and 50 percent.

People are losing touch.

These words come not only from observation, but from experience as well. Before meeting the woman I'm with now (we've been together nearly two years as of this article), I was involved in a shotgun series of flings, awkward dates, and casual "un-relationships" despite having been an ardent believer in old-school romance.

Whatever happened to my rock and roll? For a brief while, I was like a slightly taller Tyrion Lannister (for those who watch Game of Thrones) and I eventually wound up feeling dirty. Not in a fun or rebellious way, either.

It seems I had lost my way, though my conscience eventually returned.

While I'm forward-thinking about a lot of aspects of life, what troubles me is that dating in the college and twenty-something experience has become a way of seeing people as a means to an end as opposed to treating people as an end in and of themselves.

What I mean here is that within the confines of the contemporary dating scene, people tend to treat each other as little more than tools of gratification. People would mostly rather fuck and forget than make a conscientious effort to grow with someone and fixing things as they break. By absolutely no means am I suggesting that people should "stick it out" in toxic relationships or abide by celibacy until the perfect person comes traipsing into the picture, more so I am simply trying to say that the love and feeling of inner peace that comes with taking time with someone and crossing bridges as they come far outweighs what any fling could bring.

Such isn't necessarily something that happens easily, however. It takes learning to love yourself and being willing to radiate and share that love with another person for the magic to really happen.

In the end, it's worth the effort.