So Valentine’s Day has been and gone. Some will have looked forward to the special day to be romanced, or to romance.
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Others will have watched the day pass like any other; and some will have adopted an anti-Valentine's Day stance. For some, the decision to snub the day of romance may be for the lack of a significant other, while others may choose not to get caught up in the day's consumerist tendencies.
Perhaps a question that needs to be considered in the wake of this designated day of romance is: are we losing perspective on love?
There was once a time when people first met their significant other in person. Their eyes may have locked across a crowded room, at work, on a blind or group date, or even simply bumping into each other in the street. Names and phone numbers would have been exchanged and over a series of dates they would have got to know each other better. Eventually they could make a choice to spend their life together. It's the stuff of romantic stories told throughout time.
Sometimes the dream of a lifetime commitment came true, and sometimes it didn't, but the intention was real and there was something special and romantic about such a decision.
There is little doubt that in the 21st century there is still a desire to find a significant other, someone to share the journey of life, but has the process become just a little too clinical and calculated?
'Hooking up' on dating sites has become commonplace, but fake or altered photographs, misleading biographies and the need for both parties to 'swipe right' to indicate interest are hardly a romantic back story.
Sure, the concept of a dating site expands your options, and maybe helps fill your social calendar, but are we looking for romance in all the wrong places?
You still need to get offline and meet in person to truly connect with someone. Often that 'in person' Tinder date will not be exactly who you expect, based on their biography and photograph. There is something to be said for getting to know someone face-to-face.
Regardless of how you choose a partner don't forget the importance of putting in the effort to ensure longevity and quality of the relationship. Remember romance shouldn't be confined to one day of the year.