LOVE
Dating and Relationships in the Eyes of Millennials
Dating and relationships aren’t immune to life’s constant changes. Trends come and go, and habits and patterns evolve.
Each generation has a different approach to love. Millennials are no exception. Since this generation grew up with the internet’s rise, they communicate with people differently.
More often than not, this generation finds and interacts with fellow daters on the internet. This explains why they’re usually glued to their phones. Apps and sites have made millennials find love in more convenient ways.
But like every other generation, millennials have their share of issues in the world of romance. Let’s take a closer look at their general approach to understand them better.
Millennial Dating in a Nutshell
How does this specific generation take romance head-on?
For starters, millennials — as mentioned in the intro — usually date online. Why go through the hoops of in-person meetups when more convenient options exist? Sites and apps serve as a shield from the anxiety of meeting and talking to someone in the flesh.
Two, they have a multitude of options. With so many singles online, finding one won’t be a problem. Choosing one, however, is a different story. And having so many options can sometimes overwhelm them.
Three, breakups aren’t formal affairs to them anymore. If Gen Xers treated them like official matters, millennials are less uptight and more cutthroat. Once they decide a relationship is over, they walk away without second thoughts. What’s the point in staying if things are headed nowhere?
Millennials also fear commitment, making them hard to date. On the upside, they value mutual respect, emotional intimacy, and communication over social status and income level.
Millennial Dating Habits to Take Note Of
Now that you’ve gotten the gist of millennial dating, you’ll want to learn about their dating habits. Here are some of the most common ones to get you started.
#1: Ghosting is a popular exit strategy.
Millennials usually view breakups as informal events. This mindset leads them to choose the easiest route out of a relationship — Ghosting. They leave without saying a word and looking back.
This may be a popular practice, but let me make this clear: not all millennials ghost their partners. Don’t let this stop you from dating one.
#2: Sometimes, dating comes down to who cares the least.
Vulnerability is like a giant monster everyone wants to run away from. Some people use it as a means to an end. Who wants to get burned after opening their heart?
The sad reality is that some people look at dating like a contest of who can act like they care less, which sucks. In their eyes, the less you care, the less the pain will be should the relationship end.
#3: Responses tend to be strategic.
Communication with a millennial can be tricky. They seem to be constantly trying to outsmart matches through strategic replies.
An example of this is not replying immediately after receiving a message. A quick response will make them look needy, so they often wait longer to send a reply.
They don’t want to seem too available/open because they don’t want to look desperate and easy to get.
Trust me when I say this mind game isn’t as fun as it sounds. If you’re enjoying your conversations, why hold back?
How to Approach Millennial Dating
Winning a millennial over can be challenging. However, the possibility of rejection shouldn’t discourage you.
Step away from your screens and go out. Meet people! You can’t shoot your shot if you don’t know who to aim for. Be sincere and don’t hold back on your feelings. As scary as it seems, wearing your heart on your sleeve often does more good than harm.
People like millennials approach dating and relationships differently, but that shouldn’t be a black mark. There’s a lot to learn by looking at love from a different perspective. Open your heart and be receptive to new experiences. With this knowledge of millennial dating, who knows? The next one you meet might just be the right person for you.
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