One thing that I think we can all agree on – dating is hard. If you’re not already in a relationship, putting yourself out there can be a gruesome battle. While dating is already hard enough, there are many other aspects of modern dating that can make it even more difficult. Chivalry is not dead, but it’s certainly different than it was in previous generations. Here are five rising dating trends that have become the new norm.
Online dating/social media courting
Once frowned upon, online dating has increasingly become more popular over the years. In fact, about 1 in 5 relationships begin online. With the rise in technology, it’s no surprise that people are turning to their phones and computers to find love. Not only is online dating becoming increasingly more popular, but so is social media courting. Who needs a dating app when you can slide into someone’s DMs? Whether you’re constantly checking to see if your crush viewed your story or flirting with one (or a few!) of your followers, social media courting has become less of the exception and more of the social norm.
Marriage is not always the end goal
More couples are dating for a longer period of time before walking down the aisle, with many couples even opting to not get married. A recent study revealed that the average couple dates for 4.9 years before getting married. These changes in marriage expectations can be due to the fact that many millennials are living with the mindset that you’d don’t have to be with someone in order to be happy. Today, with fewer couples getting married it’s all about finding the perfect person that you can connect with.
Couples are shopping for engagement rings together
While more and more couples are choosing not to get married, couples that do end up tying the knot are breaking away from popular wedding/engagement traditions. Traditionally, the man would go out and buy the ring and “surprise” his fiancé with it. Today, women are not only shopping for engagement rings with their significant other, but also splitting the cost of them.
A study by The Knot found that 46% of survey participants are willing to split the cost of an engagement ring with their significant other. This decision could be due to the fact that couples are now combining their finances and splitting the cost of other bills before marriage.
Less rigid gender roles
Long gone are the days of the husband going to work while the wife stays at home and takes care of the house and kids. Today, women are no longer seen as just homemakers and are stepping away from typical gender norms with both the husband and wife entering the workforce.
In fact, since 1978 the labor force participation of women has increased over 28%. On top of that, when it comes to taking care of the kids, the number of stay-at-home fathers has grown significantly in recent decades . In previous generations, a woman would wait for the man to ask her out on a date, but today both genders are pursuing each other equally.
It’s harder to define relationships
Unlike previous generations, it’s common to hear millennials refer to their relationships in many different ways. Describing your relationship statuses is no longer as simple as being single or taken. Today, you may hear phrases such as “it’s complicated,” “we’re talking,” “hanging out,” “or “hooking up” to describe one’s relationship status. While this may be confusing to some, it goes to show that modern couples are breaking away from the romantic rules and labels that prior generations created and followed.
Whether your relationship views are more traditional or modern, it’s important to stick to and find someone with similar values and beliefs. What works for one couple may not work for another and vice versa. Dating can be challenging, but by understanding current dating norms and setting expectations for yourself and partner it can be a fun challenge!