Meeting People Organically vs. Virtually

While growing up, I've always felt like I've always "just missed" something great in love, and that my generation would forever be doomed in the romantic gesture love department. For example, when I was in middle school I would watch movies like The Notebook, and admire how Noah took the time to handwrite letters of longing to Allie; at that time, the closest thing that I ever got to handwritten letters were Myspace messages and T9 texts, and let's face it, those weren't really wrapped up in heartfelt claims.

And now, as a 25 year old woman, just trying to find her way, I've felt more stunted than ever before. Whenever I go out to a book shop, or a concert, or just anywhere that has people—people are put off by in-person introductions. It's like, if we both didn't "swipe right," then why should I even bother with giving you any of my time, especially if nothing is guaranteed?

The biggest problem is, even when two people do swipe right, there are automatic expectations that go along with that swipe. So, when you go off on a date, it's no longer the guy coming to your house and picking you up, opening your door from the car to the restaurant, and having quality conversation over a nice cup of coffee or a meal. It's now all text-induced consensus plans to meet up, with the expectation that if we're meeting on a date then how far are you willing to go with "like uh, butt stuff?"

I mean, I understand that our generation is one that has pushed the limits on sensitivity, but come on people! What person in their right mind thinks it's appropriate to ask a girl out for pizza, and then proceeds to ask her how far she'll go on the first date?

I know that the majority of men seem to grow more intimidated and put off by how independent women are becoming. Especially since we want this crazy thing called respect? But that doesn't give them permission to talk to us like we're "one of the dudes." Sure, some women may be fine with that type of talk, or some women may even pretend that they're OK with that type of talk, but in the end, it's just rude and unnecessary.

It feels as if everyday there is a constant battle of meeting someone in life versus meeting them online, and the more you talk to one another the more you get to know each other, and if things are going well, the more you end up liking each other. But I'll be damned if another guy tries to tell me that I'm being too sensitive when I freak out and call him a creep after him asking me to "send him nudes" or randomly just thinks a good idea to send me a "dick pic" at 2 PM on a Tuesday.

The point I'm trying to get across is that even though we as millennials may have things "easy," it's becoming more and more difficult to sustain actual human relationships with one another, especially when we're constantly consumed by the content on our phones. Or even worse, when we're constantly trying to swipe right and find someone better than the person sitting right across from us.

I just hope that, even though dating is a challenge this day in age, that people treat one another with more decency and mutual respect. Because at the end of the day, we're really all just people trying our best.