Let's Talk About Dating In 2018
Because this generation sucks and I want a time machine
A breakdown of dating in 2018: by a 24-year-old super single
To start, let's just say that living in the "casual" let's just see each other but not commit day and age, is a STRUGGLE. If you are anything like me, you have already tried all the methods of meeting somebody, and it seems to be impossible to find a relationship at this point. Maybe you are one of the lucky ones who entered a relationship before social media and dating apps...if so, I envy you. Here's what it's like-
You begin by downloading a dating app (Bumble for example). You swipe for hours to match with a mere 4-5 guys. You check back after a few hours to see that only one has answered you back. Don't be too excited...it's just a "Hey, sup?". You reply with an over enthusiastic "Not much, just relaxing. How about you? Where are you from?!?!". Too eager? Maybe. After a few dry responses, you then ask the big question, "Do you have Snapchat?". The conversation turns into a few snaps with selfies and stupid captions back and forth. Eventually you get their number.
You begin texting each other, and let me tell you the first few days are intense. You are getting to each other, asking the basic "What's your favorite movie" questions, and opening each text with a smile on your face. This is the super exciting, maybe there is hope after all stage. After texting for a few days, he FINALLY asks you to hang out!!!
You hop in your own car, and drive yourself to the local smoothie place (no he doesn't offer to pick you up). You sit in your car nervously waiting for him to reply to your "You here yet?" text. You meet inside and greet each other with an awkward hug. The conversation starts, and to your surprise it is going shockingly well. You have so much in common, mutual friends, and both share a love for the strawberry-kiwi smoothie. After a while of talking, you both walk outside where the conversation continues. He expresses that he had a great time and would love to see you again. At this point you are super excited, you both hug each other tightly, and you then get back into your car.
After a few "dates", you think things are going really well. He has expressed to you numerous times that things are going really well, and he really likes you. He has even talked about doing cute activities with you in the future. You start telling your family and friends about him, and are genuinely happy. It's right after this point when things start getting weird...
Suddenly he becomes distant. His text responses become hourly, your Snapchat's to him are opened with no response, and plans you have set begin to fall through. He agrees to plans one day, and the day of he becomes a ghost with no response to your texts or calls. You begin to wonder what YOU did wrong, and are anxiously checking your phone for his text. He follows up the next day with a "Sorry, was super busy at work", text.
If you're stupid like me, you fall for this and give him the benefit of the doubt. After trying again and again, it finally becomes evident that he's done with you. You're putting in 100% of the effort to get nothing in return, and it gets to be too much. In the end you are left confused, angry, and upset. All to just return again to Bumble in hopes of finding somebody new. You're willing to risk it all again, just to find another human connection.
So here are my questions...Why doesn't anybody want to commit anymore? Why do they throw away something good in hopes for something "better"? Why is it that people nowadays want options rather than one solid relationship? Social media and dating apps make it so easy for these people who are happy with the casual romance.
I guess I will just have to keep on hoping that somebody out there has the same feelings as I do. Until then, I will keep on swiping in pursuit of that one solid connection.
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