When did “I like you,” become taboo?

Here are the rules: 

Let them chase you. If not, it'll risk them thinking you're coming on too strong. 

Don't be too busy to hook up. Those midnight "come over" texts are sometimes the closest you'll get to a date. 

Don't answer too quickly. You have a life, too; live it. 

Ignore them, and they'll come running. Make them think you have other options, and it'll spark competition. 

Show interest, and it's over. 

In college, the game is everything. Hookup culture has replaced dating culture, and showing interest has become your biggest mistake. 

The dating scene has changed drastically; it's no longer a series of first dates, getting to know someone over a coffee or a meal, maybe indulging in a goodbye kiss. Today, we entertain "the talking stage," "situationships," and midnight hookups with someone off Tinder while prioritizing nonchalant attitudes. 

Sitting next to someone in class to talk to them? You're weird. Making plans to go out to dinner? You're asking for too much. Telling someone you want something serious? You're not fun. And most of the time, this leads to one of the two getting ghosted without explanation. 

So the question is: why has showing interest become so taboo? 

There are many reasons why people might be afraid to show interest. On a deeper level, this could be because of a fear of rejection, commitment, vulnerability, or even being seen as desperate by others. But in some cases, the fun of dating is in the game: pulling back and giving a little here and there to see if you'll "win" the prize. But if it's too much, then you're disqualified. Truly, this is just a recipe for disaster. 

It is important to read the other person's behavior when getting to know them to see if they reciprocate your efforts. However, being nonchalant has never been proven to work the way everyone thinks it will. In reality, it causes more confusion and hurt in the end. 

It's not embarrassing to tell someone you are interested in them or want to get to know them on a deeper level. In this age of technology, when meeting new people is easier than ever, we should change the dating culture and be more open to showing people that they are desired and admired. And when it is not reciprocated, communicate it. 

Leaving them "on delivered," ensuring you always have a roster, and never texting first is all fun and games— until it's not. When it inevitably backfires, you'll be wrong for leading them on. 

Abolish the game. Be yourself. Love loudly. The right person won't be scared off by a little bit of attention.

Strike Out, 

Madi Denizard 

Boca Raton 

Madi Denizard is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. In typical Leo fashion, she is a social butterfly and loves self-expression of all kinds. When she's not writing, you can find her with her nose stuck in a book, mermaiding in the ocean or crocheting her newest masterpiece. You can reach her by email at madison.denizard@gmail.com or on Instagram @mpaigee_