Breaking Down the Dating Scene

Growing up my parents always told me that I would probably meet my soulmate in college. Now, whether you believe in soul mates, are in college, or are just a young person living in 2024 there has been a huge shift in culture since the previous generation’s courtships, going steady, dating, or relationships.

Now that I am finishing my junior year of college, I have felt slightly dismayed by the complete lack of romance in my life so far. If you are going through something similar, you may have felt the same way, or even thought “Is there something wrong with me? …Because somehow we’ve managed 21 years without a significant other.” Three years of scrolling through dating apps with no success. Mindlessly swiping left, left, left, right?… Well no, that caption is just scary.  And then when I do get a match, the conversation dies, or we want different things out of the experience.

So, here we come to the part of… “Well okay, If I can’t find a partner maybe I will get some fulfillment from a casual hookup?” Been there. Done that. And hey, if that works for you, more power to you baby. I am here to have a conversation about the seeming decline in commitment and steady increase of hookup culture or sexual expectations such as “putting out on the first date.” This is our safe space to talk about how damn disappointing it has been, but I am here to remind you (and myself) that it really is a product of our culture and standards more than anything.

I would also like to include that of course not everyone will want a relationship. Many times in my young adulthood I have been opposed to the idea of commitment, loving the single life and time to focus on myself. All this is to say you don’t need a relationship to be happy. A significant other doesn’t define you, but also, wanting love and companionship is totally normal. I am seeing you and you are seeing me.

In the meantime, don’t fluster over the fact that you want a partner. Let’s use this time to better ourselves so when the right person does come along, we will be happy and healthy enough to properly experience that relationship.

Strike Out.

Writer: Rebecca Morgan

Copy Editor: Jane Dodge