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why is "dating" still the norm?
it seems like such a pointless, dated ritual.
in the 21st century, women are certainly as capable of providing for themselves as men are. so why do people, especially women, still seek emotional dedication from a man so fervently? historically, people HAD to pair up in order to survive. but today, marriages are almost frivolous. with today's resources, it's possible to survive as a complete recluse, therefore it's clearly possible to survive without an (*emotionally dependent*) partner.
and yet, in this new age, people still follow silly courtship laws like "dating". is it because we've been exposed to too many unrealistic hollywood romance movies from birth onward? is it because of the gender roles that they've drilled into us from day one? meh. it's such bs, and i'm sick of it.
people should take advantage of the resources that allow us freedom to live uncommitted, unfettered lifestyles--especially young people.
i mean, can anyone expain the BENEFITS of a relationship that consists of anything more than a mutual physical outlet, i.e. friends with benefits? honestly i don't see any.
in the 21st century, women are certainly as capable of providing for themselves as men are. so why do people, especially women, still seek emotional dedication from a man so fervently? historically, people HAD to pair up in order to survive. but today, marriages are almost frivolous. with today's resources, it's possible to survive as a complete recluse, therefore it's clearly possible to survive without an (*emotionally dependent*) partner.
and yet, in this new age, people still follow silly courtship laws like "dating". is it because we've been exposed to too many unrealistic hollywood romance movies from birth onward? is it because of the gender roles that they've drilled into us from day one? meh. it's such bs, and i'm sick of it.
people should take advantage of the resources that allow us freedom to live uncommitted, unfettered lifestyles--especially young people.
i mean, can anyone expain the BENEFITS of a relationship that consists of anything more than a mutual physical outlet, i.e. friends with benefits? honestly i don't see any.
Comments
First off, I think relationships can help give kids a more stable childhood (if you have parents that can actually work as a unit). Single parenthood or two separate homes can be extremely stressful.
Second, why are you making it all about survival and gender roles? Yes, women can provide for themselves, do any job they want, etc. That doesn't mean they have to; it means they have the OPTION to do that. Some people enjoy being in relationships, some people enjoy being stay-at-home moms, and some people enjoy being completely independent. If being in a relationship makes someone happy, then why shouldn't they be in one?
Personally, I don't like the idea of sex with random people, mostly because I'm a fairly private person and take a while to warm up to people. I also don't like the idea of living completely alone because I find that lonely and depressing (unfortunately, this may possibly be my future since I'm 19 and never have been on a date). I like the idea of relationships because I think it gives a level of comfort of with a person that you can't have with somebody that is just a friend.
Right now, we have the best of both worlds. It's acceptable for young people to have many partners during their youth, but then we are expected to settle down into longterm monogamy as we get older. Seems like a decent compromise, to me.
atleast that's my take on it..
i don't think i wanna die alone when i'm old..
That whole bit about people using love to justify getting togther for the sole purpose of sharing resources never crossed my mind.
Maybe it is just me...
i like meeting and getting to know lots of people and testing the water, to see what i can get, dating is great
Most people will end up settling for a stable job/organization after finding out what they really want to do by trying others. Kinda like dating as a trial for a long term companionship (ie: marriage).
its also nice to be there for someone. someone you date, have a relationship with and you can call your own. perhaps someday, lead to marriage.
while i am not saying that having seperated parents or living with a single parent makes you a bad person. i have to agree with the post above where it states that parents living together as a functioning family unit provides a better atmosphere to grow in rather then multiple houses or single parents.
dating, to me, seems like a way for people to get to know someone more intimately before marriage rather then get married and find out that you dont like that person.
in regards to the OP's comment about being able to sustain our lives alone or by fulfilling sexual desires with random people or friends with benefits, i agree that this is quite possible and am sure that there are many people out there who do so. however, i dont agree with the fact that courtship is a silly process. the benefit of a society where we can live with choices is that you have the choice to live a bachelor life or live a married one =)
called me old fashioned or an idealist or one whose "been exposed to too many unrealistic hollywood romance movies from birth onward?" but i kinda like the idea of marriage.
being a dad with a kid riding on my shoulder and a wife on my arm seems like a nice thought. although i realize there may be a downside to these things such as the lack of "freedom" and what not.
to each his/her own i guess :D
cheers
well said, i totally agree