I have enjoyed both the old school ways of dating and the newer methods of meeting someone through an app. After experiencing it all, I’d have to say that there is no right or wrong way to find the perfect suitor.
Is dating much different than before? From personal experience, yes and no.
15 Reasons Why Dating In the Past Is Here To Stay
1. Slow and Steady
Back then, girls didn’t dare to kiss their crush on the first date. Things were more slow-paced as far as courting went. Nowadays, women have a greater sense of independence and freedom to do what they desire. There are still men who will be patient and let the woman take the lead.
2. Parental Approval
It was common for parents to approve their daughter’s future mate before she (and her family) invested more time in the guy. Getting permission was very much a tradition that still goes on today in some cultures.
3. Spying
When a girl has a crush on a guy, she tends to find ways to hide (behind other people, furniture, you name it) just so she could admire from afar. In-person glances happened often just so she could keep tabs on her cutie without being too forward. Now with social media around, she can be a virtual spy.
4. Letting You Go First When Dating
When a man opens or closes the door for you, that means he likes sticking with tradition. This considerate act has been passed down from generations to generations and luckily, it is still around today. Thank your gentleman and remember he thought of your needs before his own.
5. Prejudice Was A Thing
A long time ago, people kept to themselves and what they were familiar with. Many chose to date inside their own ethnic groups. Nowadays, having a diverse mate is more acceptable. There has been an increase in interracial couples in the United States. Our hearts are all the same, no matter what our skin color looks like and the different languages we speak.
6. The Telephone and Online Dating Via AOL
In my day, calling your crush and chatting through AOL and AIM was the preferred choice of communication. Not much has changed since Instant Messenger. “Texting” is still very popular via SMS and Facebook Messenger.
7. What Dating Apps?
15 years ago, dating apps were non-existent. We barely had smartphones, so the only ways to connect with potential mates were the age old practices of using a human matchmaker or partaking in speed dating events.
8. Dating Age Limits
Gone are the days where women were supposed to date once they turned a certain age. Now, there is no age limit and courting can start as early as pre-teens to as old as your grandma. Age ain’t nothin’ but a number.
9. Love Letters
Communication was a lot slower before we had the internet. Love letters were the main forms of romantic “wooing”. Today, a handwritten note is still cherished and valued even more because it’s such a rare practice. Nowadays, an intimate email is a popular substitute.
10. Privacy
Keeping a relationship private was hard work when you were young because family members who lived in close quarters always found out about your dating life. My sister used to pick up the home phone and listen to my conversation. Nothing has changed except you are now web camming your boo.
11. No Cell Phones
One of my favorite things that I miss when I think about dating in the past is that we didn’t have smartphones attached to our hips. Everyone was present and there weren’t as many distractions. I’ve been on several dates where the guy just couldn’t help checking his phone to chat with friends, play games, or take pictures of his food. If you happen to date a man who gives you his 100% undivided attention, he’s a keeper.
12. Going For A Walk
Technology (and the pandemic) has fueled a lot of indoor activities and it’s great if both of you are gamers and introverts. However, before we had computers, couples would enjoy outdoor dates. Going for an intimate walk with your boo never gets old.
13. Your Man Protects You
When the two of you are walking on the sidewalk and your guy makes sure he is on the side nearest the street, this shows that he is protecting you. He would rather get hit first if any cars came your way. Not many men know about this cute gesture and usually those who are aware have been taught by an older person.
14. When He Drives
Before women could drive, men were their source of transportation. Whether he was on his great white horse or in his car, it was the man’s job to pick up his lady on the date. Now, a woman can meet her potential date directly at the venue or even pick him up.
15. When He Pays
It was (and still is) common for the man to pay on the first date. Since women have joined the workforce, she can help split the bill or pay for all of it. I’ve met men who strictly enforce the idea of going dutch (50/50) or 60/40 during dates. If your man insists on picking up the tab every time, you’re a lucky girl. His generosity and selfless character shines bright. You’ll realize that he chooses to woo his lady the old-fashioned way.
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