By Danielle Cramberg

In the 18th century, dating didn’t exist. It wasn’t called dating, at least. It was called courtship. Young men were called suitors, eagerly courting young women in their town, looking for a woman to marry to have their children. The girls they courted were looking for a respectable husband who could provide security.

In the ’50s, couples “went steady” and dated exclusively. The boys outright asked the girls on dates and met her parents before going on their date. If all went well, the two teenagers would “go steady”, their relationship now exclusive.

Needless to say, things have changed. Teenagers nowadays shy away from serious commitment, the entire concept of relationships muddled. Courtship has changed to “talking” which leaves plenty of room for miscommunication. Did that happy face make their text flirtatious? Was that tweet indirectly about you? Or, are they just being friendly? Are you two talking or “talking-talking”?

It’s obvious that over time, the respect for relationships has been lost. Teenagers are more prone to love triangles and friends with benefits than they are serious relationships, preferring to stay away from seriousness. Many justify this because they’re too young to be tied down, but at what point does being unrestrained youth become promiscuity?

The answer isn’t an obvious one; in fact, it’s very much dependent on perspective. To those who prefer serial dating, it’s just teenagers enjoying their youth before they lose it. To those who prefer “old school” dating, current dating habits are unacceptable and relatively tragic.

Either way, it can’t be denied that the nature of relationships have changed and are continuing to change. Whether relationships are evolving or deteriorating is something you have to decide for yourself.