Talking--Colleen

 

Such a simple word with such a complicated meaning to this generation, talking is directly defined as engaging speech, however, the definition in this generation is completely subjective. It might sound weird that a word with such an obvious definition has an alternative definition to an entire generation, but this generation is definitely known for being different from the generations before. Talking is such a complicated term defining the start of a possible relationship. Talking could go on for weeks, months or even years and what are the rules? Is there commitment? Should there be flowers and dates? Where are the boundaries? These questions are answered differently depending on each person and their goal of the relationship. Typically there is a lack of communication between the individuals which leads to a whole mess of hurt feelings and rumors. A lack of communication at this stage is fatal to the overall relationship, possibly leading to a situation in which one individual is left so damaged it affects all relationships they have moving forward. Talking stages very rarely end positively (leading to a lot of awkwardness in the halls), people of this generation are forgetting that their actions have consequences when another person's emotions are on the line. Talking typically includes a lack of commitment, a stage where people can still explore their options. The introduction of this new stage before dating has opened a whole new set of problems hurting this generation. Relationships nowadays are so much harder and nothing like how they used to be, there are less gentlemen and more nonchalant men. Women are being mistreated and placing the bare minimum on a pedestal, grateful they aren’t being used for their body for once. Manipulation is becoming so common any other treatment is practically unheard of. These new trends may be a lack of maturity in highschool, a side effect of covid, or easy access to people with social media making commitment seem impossible and options seem endless.

Everyone of this generation has experience with talking whether is through a friend or personal experience(it's typically not a good experience). Not meaning to bore anyone with my horror stories of the talking, but just to vaguely some up a few. My first talking stage was about 2 years and was probably the most confusing point of my high school career. We both felt different feelings, only one wanting commitment and a complete lack of communication created a mess of a relationship(we aren’t even friends). Another example, being a coworker of mine, I wanted to pursue a relationship, he was “ruined” by his last relationship and was avoiding commitment. Without either of us stating a clear motive for the relationship each time we saw each other we had different expectations, leading to me being hurt and feeling unvalued(he remained unfazed). Maybe I have bad taste or maybe this generation is toxic, but talking is a traumatic event for most, but in some cases it can end in a great relationship. Though I complain about the trauma of talking, I think it's important to value every experience and the lessons they teach you. Without those talking stages I wouldn’t be who I am today, I am so grateful for those I got to meet, spend time with, and appreciate, but I really wish we made it out the talking stage.