From opening doors and covering the bill, to do it yourself and get it yourself, dating has evolved over time. Dating standards have shifted and continue to be revised. Some people draw inspiration from the past while others make up new styles and approaches to dating.
To some, dating appears to be a more relaxed matter than it did when our parents were our age. Dorien Blythers, junior political science major believes dating is more easy going now than in it was decades ago.
“Dating has definitely become a more casual affair. Dating used to take place as a part of the courtship process that men would go through in order to win over women and eventually make them their brides,” Blythers said. “Today dating seems to be just for fun.”
Angela LaGon, a junior international business major, sees a mentality shift in dating. She believes that it is no longer just acceptable for men to ask women out but now more women are being assertive and asking men to go on dates.
While several people may stay true to the old strategic ways of dating, a number of people have deviated from that style. The strict rules and standards of dating have been challenged by new lenient attitudes.
Another issue of today’s dating styles is face to face interaction or the lack there of.
Junior chemistry major Oloa Oomotosho notices the change in dating in conjunction with the advancement in technology. He said, “The way that dating has evolved over time is the ability to meet a wide range of people from the advancement of technology. [Technology] gives you the ability to find and meet people who you think you could be compatible with in a short period of time.”
LaGon expresses an opposing opinion. “Dating has depreciated with the improvement and advancement of technology, the face to face interaction between parties becomes more and more obsolete. It hinders the dating experience because some people rely heavily on technology and forget that dating is about the interaction face to face and the connection between people in person.”
According to LaGon, text messaging and social networks have disturbed the natural flow of dating.
Chivalry was once a key part dating, junior television production major Falosade Ogunmokum is positive chivalry is dead. “Maybe men just don’t understand the importance of a woman and why she should be respected,” Ogunmokum said.
LaGon is more optimistic about chivalry. She believes it’s not dead but rather overlooked by many.
Dating in this generation has, in some ways, digressed from more traditional methods. People have the sole decision in dating. Style, approach and standards are constructed by those dating. The dating process is unique for each person and relationship.
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