Relationships then V. now
Not to totally write off teenage boys, but…
Junior Courtlyn Brown and senior Scott Silvey pose as boyfriend and girlfriend at football banquet.
One hundred years ago – 1920. Until the introduction of automobiles to average family homes, many nights consisted of two teenagers completely overcome with attraction and affection for each other, utterly disappointed that their date night be spent with parents. At this time, it was customary for dates to be chaperoned. The guy would arrive to the girl’s house with flowers in hand and a gentlemanly smile on his face. He would be greeted by a father who was obviously not-so-pleased that his little girl was old enough to date. Unfazed, the guy shakes her father’s hand and would thank him for letting him take his daughter out – the respect. It’s 2020, and oh, how times have changed. Looking back at the chivalrous, respectful men of relationships makes one question those of today. Not to totally write off teenage boys, you just don’t see many of them knocking on the door with a bouquet of roses and the intention of meeting their girl’s dad.
With the beginning of the new decade, maybe new dating tactics and techniques should be pursued. Even though the differences in relationships from high school’s pass and the present, the deviation is minor. Dating to marry was typically the goal not too many decades ago. High school sweethearts were stylish.
“My ‘philosophy’ back then was – if I can’t picture myself marrying the guy, what’s the point in dating him,” English teacher Amye Tucker said, “Perhaps at such a young age, I should’ve been more open to getting to know guys.”
Trust is a big piece of everyone. Trusting family, friends, and a significant other enough to let them get close – close enough that they could hurt you. Trust issues are becoming more and more apparent, perhaps it’s because teenagers are so willing to give their trust to anyone.
“The levels of trust given so quickly should be lowered. Being too trusting could backfire with drama,” junior Zahria Smith said.
Even more so, relationships tend to have a physical stigma placed on them – regardless of the intentions of the individuals in the relationship. With the uprise of social media usage came toxicity and distrust. Cheating on a significant other is significantly easier with the use of any social media platform, and dating apps are full of people who aren’t who they say they are. Before 1995 dating apps weren’t even a thing. The way to meet someone was by being present and aware, sociable and sweet. To get a boyfriend or girlfriend, words and feelings had to be expressed. Now, teenagers “slide into the DM’s” and call that a success. From the initial message via social media, things escalate quickly.
“Good grief… everything for teens now moves so quickly, and truly, there’s no sense in it. Relationships should be built, not rushed,” Tucker said.
This much said, there’s no harm in change. Maybe you’ll meet your soulmate on FarmersOnly.com, or you could be destined to meet them after an extremely awkward introduction borrowing change at a coffee shop. Some things just shouldn’t change, though. Going to the movies, meeting the parents, bringing flowers, and holding the door no matter the occasion may seem “old fashioned”, but is it really?