Hello! Welcome back to another editorial by yours truly, Janae! I’m happy to be back and writing. In today’s editorial, I’ll be talking about all things love, dating culture and more. Enjoy!
Love. When you think of that special word, what comes to mind? Your favorite color? Maybe your favorite car or sports team? Your favorite makeup or clothing brand? That special someone? Your grandma’s cooking?
I’m going to just say it straight, when it comes to relationships, we don’t know how to commit, communication has absolutely left the room since Covid. “We” consist of Gen-Z and for all of those sane Gen-Z’s holding down a happy, healthy relationship, I salute you! It isn’t easy. What happened to meeting your boyfriend’s parents and vice versa?
DATING CULTURE:
What is a situationship? Definition: A “situationship” refers to a romantic or sexual relationship between two people where the nature of the connection is undefined and non-committal.” If you can’t commit, why talk to me? I don’t want to be here to fill space. Maybe I sound like a prude but I have very strong feelings when it comes to love. I feel as though we throw that L word around quite a bit! Love shouldn’t be something you have to ask for. Love isn’t in the diamonds or the jewels. Love is in the simple things, preparing coffee for your partner, making dinner, watching a movie after a long day or watching the sun set. So, now I’m asking: where are the standards? Do you do things just to expect something back? Are you good at expressing your needs, wants and desires? Are you good at listening and having patience? Are you good at pouring into yourself as much as your partner? If you answered no to any of these questions, you may need to refocus.
HIGH SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS & SELF–RESPECT
Onto the painful topic (You better not click off! I’m watching you!): drumroll please! High. School. “Romance”. Yes! I put quotation marks because people in highschool have no “relationship” skills. It’s built on looks, what personality do you go off of in highschool anyway? We’re constantly changing and developing but, who am I to judge?
I was sitting in the lobby of school, lo and behold, Someone was sobbing because she was broken up with over text. Text? Seriously? I saw a text message from the boyfriend and it read: “You know I’m insecure.” EXCUSE ME? I’m simply a bystander but felt sick as if it happened to me–there’s also 3 sides to a story, his, hers and the truth– I hugged her and told her I hope she felt better. Communication and honesty is key. Another crappy experience I’ve actually been through, a guy “liked” me while he was in a relationship. I cut him off. (unfortunately we have the same class together so…)
ENDING:
If you’re in an unhealthy relationship, please don’t be afraid. It isn’t easy but I believe in you.
I’d like to add that love doesn’t only apply to relationships, it can apply to family, friends and everyone in your life. I want you all to take care of yourselves, and while you’re doing that…
I want to prompt some thinking
- What does love look like to you?
- How do you show love to yourself and others?
Remember, Love isn’t just a noun, it is also a verb–Take action!
