How Relationships Have Changed since the ’70s
The ’70s were the times when people cherished relationships for a long time. Technology has overtaken the dating world today. We see dating on Tinder. We see breakups becoming common. People now do breakup using a simple message. The relationships have come a long way. Previous generation was of face-to-face meetings and dumping with a heavy heart. Dating and breakups are fashionable and cool today. Long gone are the days when means of communication was the humble phone. Today’s generation has new channels of communication. They use Facebook. They use Tinder. Whole day, they chat on WhatsApp. There are host of other mediums to get what they need.
The Way Relationships Have Changed for the Millennials
It is right to say today’s generation is tragic when it comes to love and relationships. In the ’70s, for the millennials, relationships were precious. They invested in love. They made a whole-hearted effort to make it work. They always kept it alive. They knew the knack of keeping the flock together. They knew the ways of turning houses into sweet homes.
Today’s Generation Marries Later: Back in the ’70s, people got married at an early age. But today, people do not commit for a long-time relationship. Marriages have taken a backseat. Couples want to enjoy life. They want to travel before committing on marriage. No partner is ready to sacrifice or compromise their happiness. Today’s generation is quitters. The millennials of the ’70s knew what they wanted in a marriage. Today’s youngsters know what they don’t want. They may commit. But, they don’t want to go for a winter wedding this season. They do want to be together this winter. But, who knows, what the next winter has in store for them?
Having Kids Becomes a Lesser Priority: What is the urgency to have kids soon after marriage? Today’s generation prolongs having kids due to various reasons. They want to have financial stability and then plan for kids. Many are not ready to take the responsibility. No wonder that the average age of first childbirth has increased from 21 years to 26 years. Women settle down in life first before planning to have their first child.
More Live-In Relationships: People today like to live with their partner without marriage. Today’s youngsters want to live life on their own terms. That is with no strings attached. You cohabit with your partner for benefits. You live with them till you get the benefit. You dump them when you no longer profit from them. Live-in relationship is as casual as breakups. Hence, they feel that the marriage cuts their independence. They feel that marriage makes them bound to their spouses. They feel that marriage makes them bound to their spouses and fear the accompanying responsibilities. They prefer to cohabit with their partners without getting hitched, as it is simpler for them to break the relationship when things go wrong. Couples counselling can help address these concerns.
Sex before Marriage Is Cool: Blame it on the social media, today, having sex before marriage is cool. There is nothing wrong about it. It is more of sexual attraction, and the young generation is open about it. They date for having sex. They do not deny the fact that they are together for this purpose. They watch movies and dine out together. They want a thrilling life. They want instant gratification in their relationship. After their convenience ends, the initial brouhaha fades away. Yes, sex was cool, but no longer is it with the same partner. That is when they start drifting away to greener pastures and they call it quits. Honeymoon is always on the cards. But, marriage is not!
The Sex Interest Has Decreased: Yes, having sex is cool. But, the sex interest has waned. The relationship remains strong for a shorter period due to sexual attraction. Once the attraction fades, compatibility issues arise. Add to it, the stressful and hectic professional life, the couples hardly find time for each other.
Divorce Rates Have Increased: In the ’70s, divorce was unacceptable. The couples did everything for their marriages. But today, people are in no mood to commit to a long-term relationship. Divorce today is completely normal and acceptable.
What Can We Conclude
For today’s youngsters, relationships are mere physical attraction rather than personality. This leads to broken relationships and unbalanced marriage. Relationships have changed since the ’70s for millennials. Mature people find it tough to accept the current scene of relationships. Broken households and toxic relationships are more in vogue now. Divorce rates have increased and kids are lesser a priority now. It is the responsibility of the elderly to make their children understand the value of true love. They honor their relationships. They must also guide their children to respect their spouses. This would pave the way for a better world with healthy relationships.
Author Bio
Bronte Price is Australia’s First Certified marriage celebrant in victoria. He stands strongly for marriage equality and takes immense pleasure in marrying any couples in love. He has also co-founded The Equality Network to help wedding suppliers create a better wedding experience for LGBTI couples. He is a regular volunteer newsreader at Joy 94.9, and a member of GLOBE (Gay and Lesbian Organization for Business and Enterprise). Beyond this you will find him either in his organic backyard vegetable garden or taking walks with his fiancee Clint and their four legged fur baby Bingo.
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