Dating the Jerry Seinfeld
Generation
These Days Relationships Are 'All About Nothing'
Is That Good?
I woke up this morning with Jerry Seinfeld on the brain. It's
funny because I've only seen a few re-runs and don't watch
television much. But today a question came to me: Are we
dating the Seinfeld Generation?
Recently I read an old article at New York Times about "The
Demise of Dating." It suggested that dating was on its last leg
and now singles preferred to hook up and hang out casually in
groups instead of dating. This article must have been my day
residue, as well as the lingering complaints of my single clients
threatening that meaningful dating no longer exists.
Is it true that the lost art of planning, courtship and tailored
date days have been replaced by texting, "Sex and the
City" flings and a string of meaningless drinking and eating at
hip venues? Are we dating for fun, or for meaning?
Dating a Date or Place?
A single man said that he was surprised when the women he
meets are no longer dating to find a long-term relationship.
Often when he asks a woman out, she'll ask where he wants to
go. If he doesn't suggest somewhere appealing enough, she'll
decline.
The question then becomes: Is she dating her date or the
place? He explained that many women like the single lifestyle
now, a la 'Sex and the City' and they're just enjoying the
adventure of going out. They're not dating as a means of
attracting a serious relationship.
Perhaps the exception, this frustrated man longed for the days
when singles meaningfully met up, in order to create an
intimate partnership.
Before all the women descend and purport the opposite, I'm
well aware that often women are the ones who want a
relationship and men don't! I am not juxtaposing the sexes
here, merely posing a question about singles these days.
Yes, there are many reasons to date: fun, sex, adventure, to
learn about yourself and others -- companionship, romance and
friendship, not to mention a long-term relationship or marria