I’m not a fan of ambiguity. And it seems like that’s in right now. What I mean is, there’s not much “dating” going on, more like “hanging out” and seeing what happens. Which is fine, until it’s not. I mean, what’s wrong with calling a date an actual date? Maybe I’m old-school, but if you’re interested, why not show it – at least enough to let a girl or guy know that it’s a date, even if they don’t want another one after that? It’s not a marriage proposal, people.
There’s already enough stress and ambiguity in dating – wondering whether someone is interested, why he hasn’t called or texted, when you’re going out again, what she’s thinking, why he acted like such a douche the other night. On and on with the questions that often can’t be answered, and we just have to suck it up and move on.
I understand keeping things casual – after all, why get someone’s hopes up and then disappoint? Or worse, why get your own hopes up about something that probably won’t work out anyway? I think many daters have become cynical, and that’s why everything has become so casual. And why they don’t want to commit – to a date, a movie, or even a flavor of ice cream. It will just weigh you down. Better to leave your options open and try a lot of different things.
Have we lost our sense of romance? Of possibilities?
Which is why I’m not surprised that online dating is giving way to these new social discovery sites. Because people can kind of date or kind of not – they don’t really have to say. That is just so…NOT hot. Maybe that’s me.
What do you think? Would you rather hang out, and see if dating/ romantic involvement comes later? Does that make dating easier?
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
A lot of people, especially the younger generation, prefer to use the word hang out rather than date because they want to find out first how things will work for them. Those who want to hang out first I think are afraid of failed relationships.