“Here.” A simple text that speaks volumes. Why? Because today this is how the Millenials court each other. No longer will a man show up at the door to pick up his lady friend, he will text her from the car to let her know he’s waiting for her. Romantic? Safe to say, it’s not what fairy tales are made of. A recent New York Times article brought forth a lot of conversation about the current situation of dating. The relationship experts point their fingers at technology as a factor in the decline of dating culture. These experts state that “texts, Facebook posts, instant messages and other ‘non-dates’ [are] leaving a generation confused about how to land a boyfriend or girlfriend.”
The quips that jaded men and women frequently throw around are those such as “chivalry is dead” or “dating is done” and is making life as a single more and more difficult. Dates are on the decline and so are flowers in hand and butterflies in the stomach.
In the past decade, communication has changed, not necessarily for the better. Technology has simplified almost every aspect of our live except for our dating lives. Blame it on the ease and convenience but it also removes the personal touch. With the human factor removed, we can save face at times but are we also missing out on life? We need to get our balls back and pick up the phone, ask someone out and try to make a real experience with others. We have traded long stem roses for a yellow smiling emoji and crimson cartoon kisses. When it comes to relationships, this is a venue of life when we shouldn’t be looking for shortcuts. Let’s bring back the date!
And NOT just dinner and a movie, creating great experiences together and making memories is what makes a great date night out. Let’s make dating cool again. It starts with the basics, the old fashioned dating habits we lost with technology like :
- Straightforwardly ask someone out-in person. If you like a person, make them know you’re interested and ask them out. None of this confusion while you’re drinking coffee together thinking “ are we on a date?”
- The real pick-up. Coming to the door to pick someone up. No texting, no honking, take the extra 30 seconds to greet your date at the door, he or she will be thrilled!
- Dress to impress. Put effort into yourself and put your best foot forward, no matter what, when you are trying to gain respect and get closer to someone, courtesy and thoughtfulness will win out.
- Why not bring flowers for no reason? How about a little ‘just because’ to confirm your interest. It’s the thought that counts. Ladies- this could be reciprocated by picking up the tab.
- Turn your phone off during dinner. Connect with the moment, and focus on your date. Real connection, real quality time.
Once you’re in a relationship things get cozy pretty quickly. We fall into habits and don’t continue to ask each other out or plan dates. We live in a world where ‘starter marriages’ have become the norm and when things get stale we just move on to the next one, but it doesn’t have to be.
What if we put real effort into what we already have? You may be surprised how rewarding it can be, for both of you.
Calgary no longer has to suffer through dating trials and tribulations. There’s a new kid in town here to help you plan a memorable excursion and resurgence of the date. No longer will the question of “whattya wanna do tonight?” be followed by “I dunno, what do you wanna do?” The days of disconnection are over and we’re getting back to the basics… of real relationships, connecting with friends and loves.
It’s Date Night is a new resource for Calgary’s millenials and just about anyone who likes to have a good time. Their website will simplify your date planning. “All you need is the right company. Planned properly- anything can be a memorable date. says Mandy Balak, owner of “It’s Date Night.”
Included on their website are dating tips, real life dating stories from Calgary’s twenty something’s doing some serious real life research, dating advice and a guide for where to go once you’ve landed the date. Have a story to tell or looking for advice on dating dilemmas? E-mail info@itsdatenight.com they’ll take the good, the bad, and the stories you wish you could forget. Don’t be shy, both good and bad dates make for great stories and we want to hear them! In future issue and on our websites we will be featuring some of your stories.
Visit www.itsdatenight.com and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @DateNightYYC.
— Mandy Balak