Are relationships on their way into extinction?
It seems as though the hook-up culture is here to stay among men and women in their late-teens to mid-twenties. And with summer just around the corner, its prominence can only grow more rapidly.
The year 2014 is the ultimate year for hookups and casual dating. It’s as if relationships are on their way to extinction. As I’ve gotten older, I've started to realize that relationships are much harder to find.
Most people seem to be seeking casual dating relationships where nothing's official, yet both parties assume neither person is seeing anyone else. However, if the opportunity to meet/start dating someone else does arise, either partner won’t turn against it.
Most people adhere to the logic that if they’re technically single, they can date as many people as they want -- aka, the hook-up culture.
People are constantly looking for the next best thing. If what they have isn't perfect, they assume there’s something better out there and they search to find it, only to start the cycle all over again.
It’s no surprise that with free dating apps, such as Tinder, OK Cupid and Zoosk, people are much more prone to pursue a casual hookup rather than a committed relationship. It’s all in the mentality.
If it’s right in front of you and you can easily have it, why wouldn’t you go for it? It’s an app; you have tons of options to choose from, and if you don’t like your first choice, it’s nothing to stress over because you can log right back in and find another “date.” Dating one person can be tough enough; try dating more than one.
Here are some of the positives and negatives to be familiar with about modern, non-committal dating of multiple people at once:
Pros
1. You always have weekend plans
2. You always have someone to cuddle with
3. You don't worry when you don't hear from one of your prospects because, chances are, one of your other options is contacting you
4. You always have someone to plan dates with
5. No matter what happens with one of them, you know you’ll be fine because you have another prospect waiting for you
Cons
1. Never knowing if you’re a priority or an option
2. The risk of potentially confusing stories/plans
3. Balancing quality time between more than one party
4. Risking the possibility of running into a prospect when you're out with another (this has happened to me before)
5. The guilty conscience of worrying about whether or not the other person knows what you’re up to and if he or she is dating multiple people, as well -- hence, why he or she hasn't committed to you officially yet
As the list sums up, it definitely benefits you to date as many people as you can, as long as you can remain focused on one goal: Don’t lead anyone on.
As long as you’re not exclusive (meaning you’re NOT in an actual relationship), you are free to do whatever and whomever you want.
If you’re not looking for anything serious and the person you're dating doesn't make an effort to commit to you within a certain period (I give it no more than two months), you shouldn't waste any more of your time. Go on other dates; meet new people.
See who wants to make you their girlfriend/boyfriend and if you want them back.
Photo Courtesy: We Heart It
