23 Jul Millennial dating
Millennials Have Brought a Whole New Lexicon to the Dating Experience
The dating experience with millennials seems to have changed from the traditional one-on-one or even double dates. It’s not unusual, according to my millennial clients, to go out as a group even if you are technically with one other person in the group. There seems to be less commitment, less demanding emotionally, and greater safety in the experience.
Of course, with the whole world being faced with the COVID-19 virus, dating in groups has become a severe hazard to be avoided. While maintaining and growing social relationships is important, being prudent and safe in social situations has taken on a higher level of priority in personal responsibility.
Millennials, in general, seem to be more comfortable working in teams and dating in groups. The dating trends are all very similar to how males and females have related for decades. Now, they seem to have all been given names, which tends to describe the various emotions involved in the dating experience for this generation.
According to PureWow.com and Dailymail.com, based on a 2018 survey, there are some new terms being added to millennial dating like the following:
• Ghosting: Initially showing interest and affection in someone, then disappearing by not responding to texting or emailing.
• Swipe Left/Right: This relates to dating apps where swiping left denies a request and swiping right accepts one.
• Curved: Beginning a relationship and then abruptly backing out of it.
• DTR: This is a request to Define The Relationship
• Talking: This is the period before a couple decides they are going to be dating.
• FBO: This is when a couple makes their relationship known by being Facebook Official.
• Benching: As in sports, you may still be in contact through various media, but you never get to meet in person….like being benched.
• Thirsty: Appearing too needy, like posting risqué photos of yourself.
• Kitten-fishing: Presenting yourself online in an unrealistically positive way just to fish for bites on a dating site.
• Bread-crumbing: Faking your interest in someone online or in person through flirting with the intentions of keeping your options open.
• Grande-ing: When people celebrate after breaking up, being grateful for the experience.
• Instagrandstanding: This is when one tailors their Instagram feed specifically to another person.
• Banksying: When breakups are planned in advance.
• Scrooging: Breaking up shortly before an event that would require a gift, typically Christmas or a birthday.
• Throning: Dating someone who boosts your reputation and/or self-esteem.
• Cohabidating: This involves moving in with someone just to relieve financial stress.
• You-turn: This happens when someone falls head over heels in love and then changes their mind shortly thereafter.
• Vulturing: When those surrounding a relationship sense that is obviously about to end, then they choose to focus their romantic intentions upon one or the other in the relationship.
What is really interesting about all of this behavior is the apparent need to label dating activities in communicating with others. Relationships still seem to cause confusion, heartache, joy, exhilaration, anxiety and depression. Now, there are additional names for the behaviors and an added sense of inclusiveness when you have experienced one of these yourself. Perhaps it is only fitting that, according to research psychologist Dr. Peggy Drexler, millennials are more receptive to seeking help with mental health than previous generations.
For more detailed information, Click to get your personal copy of The One Minute Therapist at Amazon!
No Comments