In the first part of “Is Dating Dead?” we explored how dating has changed over the years, with many mourning the loss of traditional courtship.
But what about the male perspective? Are men experiencing the same struggles and frustrations in the modern dating scene?
For many men, dating today is a different game than it was decades ago.
Mary Glass, who has been married for over 30 years, remembers a time when romance was simpler.
“Over 30 years ago, when Joe [Glass] and I started dating, the world was without cell phones and social media. Dating was a wonderful and exciting time to get to know each other and enjoy something as pure as getting ice cream, bike riding, and simply sitting and talking” she said.
Glass believes the rise of technology has changed the dating scene significantly.
“From what I know about dating today, it seems that some of the simplicity and sweetness is gone. Have you ever seen people sitting across from each other in a restaurant and both are on their phones?! There doesn’t seem to be a lot of talking going on!” said Glass.
Still, Glass remains hopeful.
“Being an optimist, I don’t think the dating scene is dead. God is still in charge and ‘With God, all things are possible!'” she said.
Neumann University students had plenty to say about dating in today’s world.
Andrew Marshall, who has been in a relationship for four months, is not ready to declare dating dead.
“No matter how much someone may think being in a relationship cannot be achieved in their situation, it is always possible to make an emotional connection with someone. You never fully know who is out there for you,” he said.
Marshall also challenges the idea that dating has to be expensive.
“Dates don’t necessarily have to be expensive. In my relationship, we enjoy doing literally anything together, pricey or not, because we are very comfortable and simply enjoy each other’s presence,” said Marshall.
Another Neumann University student, Braden Travaglini, has been dating his girlfriend for over a year and has the same view.
“I don’t think dates are too expensive because for me, it’s not about how much money I spent on the trip; it’s how much fun we had and how much closer my girlfriend and I became on said trip, date, event, etc.” he said.
However, both men recognize and comment on modern dating’s unique challenges.
“I personally did feel pressure to make the first move, and this was due to an assumption that men should be making the first move,” said Marshall.
Travaglini notes that uncertainty plays a big role in why men hesitate to ask women out.
“Guys are hesitant to take girls on dates now because what usually happens is you take the girl out, pay, be nice and respectful, she has fun and tells you she had fun. Then either you see the same girl with another guy, or she just says, this isn’t for me,” he said.
Social media’s influence on dating expectations is another impactful factor in the dating field.
Marshall believes that women don’t necessarily expect too much because of social media.
“There’s nothing wrong with desiring a romantic relationship and wanting someone to show a bit of effort,” he said.
When asked if women are more interested in the status of being in a relationship rather than the relationship itself, Travaglini pointed out the positives and negatives both sides.
“Some women do want the status and want to be seen as ‘taken’ or ‘not single’ because that’s what’s cool on social media and nobody wants to be seen as a loner. But I also believe there are women out there who want things like a family, a house, and children. And I feel that the women who are about building a life with someone will always try to make the relationship work rather than the ones who are only your girlfriend on social media,” he said.
Despite the obstacles, Travaglini remains optimistic.
“The dating scene today isn’t easy, especially as a guy. But through my dating experience, I’ve learned this: Every time God takes something away, he replaces it with something better,” said Travaglini.
So, is dating really dead? While it may have changed dramatically from past generations, the core desire for love and connection remains. Whether online or in-person, romance is still alive for those willing to put in the effort.
Editor’s Note: Happy Valentine’s Day readers!
And speaking of effort, guys if you’ve made it this far, take this as your sign to step up. Grab some flowers, plan a date, and show her that romance isn’t dead, it just takes
