Why Millennials Don't Know How To Date
Start writing a post
Relationships

Why Millennials Don't Know How To Date

Let's stop finding significant others online.

1541
Why Millennials Don't Know How To Date
Her Campus

A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to my parents about their relationship in high school and college. They started dating when they were both 15 and have been together ever since. We discussed how dramatic they were (breaking up every month or so) and other sappy details. What was interesting to hear about was how chivalrous relationships were those days. My dad was extremely polite, went to the front door to pick my mom up for dates and of course, had her home by her curfew. What I came to realize was that this is not even close to how relationships are these days. We, as millennials, have forgotten how to properly date and be exclusive with someone.

The reason millennials don’t know how to date can be blamed on social media. We constantly check our Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and so on; we are ultimately deteriorating our actual social skills. We have turned to these sites to meet possible suitors and we try to get to know others online. Fast-forward some time and and once you think you might be interested in the person, you schedule a time to meet up. In most cases, this “meet-up” is at one of the person’s houses and it’s usually about as awkward as the time your parents sat you down to talk about the “birds and the bees.” In most cases, you realize that interacting on the internet and then meeting is the backwards way of doing things, and you vow to never see that person again. And hey, sometimes it does work out! However, these social media sites allow us to be bold and say what we feel before even actually knowing who were speaking to.

Ever heard of the show "Catfish"? The show follows young adults on their journey to meet their online love, and nine times out of 10, they get catfished (to lure someone into a relationship based on an online persona). Usually the people doing the catfishing are posing as models, highly successful artists and the list goes on and on. The saddest part? The people being fooled are so naïve that they drive or even fly hundreds of miles to meet their “soul mate” whom they’ve never spoken to on the phone or seen on FaceTime, let alone in person.

It is sad to think that today meeting people online and meeting up after is a common occurrence. What ever happened to asking the cute girl from class on a date? What ever happened to getting picked up at 7 p.m. and meeting the parents and being in awe of the pretty girl or handsome boy in a stunning outfit? We have skipped the first date jitters and traded that for online interactions that lead to hanging out on a couch in a basement, awkwardly trying to make small talk. I don’t think us young adults need to break our banks going out on dates with potential love interests, but it should be a little more complex than “Netflix and chill.”

Aside from the traditional social media sites our generation abuses to meet people, the rise of Tinder has created a “hookup” culture for those my age, younger and older. Tinder is supposed to be a dating app, but let’s be honest, who uses an app to find their next serious boyfriend/girlfriend? The app gives you a set of people to either “swipe right” or “swipe left” on, based upon the pictures and biography they set. “Swiping right” means you are interested in the person while “swiping left” discards them. They only know if you’ve swiped right if they swipe right on you, ultimately matching the two of you and creating a message window to begin talking.

Is this how shallow our generation has gotten? Judging people off of their appearance? Are we tired of trying to actually get to know someone when meeting up with since hooking up is at the tip of our fingers? Tinder has allowed us young adults to interact with complete strangers, and of course never see them again after that “one-night stand.” Again, what happened to an honest, innocent relationship with someone you met at school, work or that local coffee shop?

I’m not trying to shame those who use the internet, social media and apps to meet people. And if you enjoy using Tinder and are not looking to settle down, good for you. However, I do believe that millennials should be striving to meet a significant other in a normal, real-life setting. Most strong relationships come from meeting in person first, instead of texting before meeting up and maybe hooking up or trying to keep a conversation going. If you have a cute boy in your English class, ask him to coffee or to enjoy a walk around the lake. Be bold and you’ll be surprised who or what might come your way.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71261
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133382
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments