The Culture of Netflix & Chill

Watching this reminded me of when I was in high school and my awkwardness in love and romance. As a young man, I was taught to treat women with respect and kindness, open doors for them, bring them flowers, pay for everything while on the date, etc. Looking at how the teenagers and young adults today are driven by instant gratification through social media and text, it is no wonder they struggle even more to communicate to the opposite sex.

While I was in High School, I worked at McDonalds's to earn money for college. I had very little time for romance, however, when I was interested in a person I made time to talk to them, call them on the phone, look out for them during brakes and the like. It wasn't stalking, it was getting to know them. We were friends and in every instance, I was unable to convert our friendship into a romantic relationship. It's not to say I didn't try, I did, however in the end, most of the women I felt romantically drawn to, even though a romantic relationship did not occur we are still friends. I say most because I did ruin a few friendships by being petty or childish, it is one of my regrets.

What happened in high school was a long time ago. Eventually, I met my wife and after more than 20 years of marriage, we are as close as ever. Our relationship started as friends that blossomed into dating and to me proposing marriage. I hope that parents are helping their children out and teaching them the wonderful and sometimes heartbreaking ways or romance. Being an example to help them through this new modern world of instant gratification and help them realize good things do come to those who wait and happiness is achievable.