Graphic by Caroline Cunningham
“What are we?” hangs ominously in the air, leaving a feeling of dread in its wake. Traditional dating norms have been destroyed, replaced by a limbo-like state where two people talk and flirt, but won’t label the relationship.
Situationships can be a hard subject to navigate when we’ve been fed a steady diet of Hollywood romance where love conquers all and every meet-cute ends with fireworks. Naturally, we expect nothing less from our own love lives. An anonymous student stated, “Most guys I’ve talked to haven’t treated me well. One guy I used to talk to would always cancel when I asked to hang out at the last minute.”
In films, love is a whirlwind of passion, but once faced with reality, this bar plummets to Level 0. Expectations dropped further as the student added, “There was no chivalry in that man. No, sorry, boy.” Emphasizing how expectations within relationships are at an all-time low. These so-called long-term relationships can be simplified into just Snapchat streaks and month-long flings.
Additionally, public displays of affection, once reserved for special occasions, have now expanded — whether it’s a lingering kiss near the lockers or a full-on make-out session at the grocery store. Couples are now putting their affections out in public causing many to gag. One student said, “PDA has different levels. Sometimes people will hold hands or peck each other, but other times people get a little too comfy in public and get way too touchy.”
It’s evident that underlying factors have played a significant role in shaping our perceptions of love and dating. Real-life relationships should be viewed as far more complex and nuanced beyond having a full-blown public spectacle or a one-week relationship.
