In the age of Tinder, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, it might seem that chivalry is dead. When talking to the opposite or same sex is as easy as clicking a button and typing a message, a real sense of separation begins, even if the interaction is positive. It’s unfortunate that the manner in which our grandparents or parents used to meet seems to be going by the wayside. Striking up a conversation with someone you like the look of unfortunately veers into the feeling of ‘am I coming across as a creep?’ and this goes for either gender.
Darrell McDavid Photography
Is chivalry dead due to this? We’d suggest that it won’t be, so long as you keep it alive. When speaking to someone for the first time, it might be worthwhile to consider how to keep the relationship fresh and engaging, without worrying about the frequent neuroticisms the social media age has put upon us. Consider:
No Texting
The modern flow of dating is pretty artificial and fragmented. Before we even meet in person, we might have been texting for a full week or two. This continual conversation, often afraid to be broken by both parties, leads you to pretty much spending all of your insight, questions and interest within that time period. Does this mean you won’t have anything to speak of in person? Of course not. But sometimes, finding out about a person’s family, their hopes, their dreams, their history and their daily lives is much better, fun and intriguing to do in person. This goes without saying. Don’t spend your entire conversational currency before you’ve even had a chance to meet the person. It’s amazing how ‘speak in person’ needs to be on a list of dating advice, but you’d be surprised as to how every single app developing it’s own instant messaging feature has ruined this.
Inform your partner of your unwillingness to text so you can know them in more of a raw and personal sense. If they have any smarts about them, they will gladly agree.
Formal Dates
Formal dates from time to time can be much better than simply going to the movies, because it adds a sense of occasion about the whole thing. Consider eating at a great restaurant, a place where you have the justification to dress up in a smart blazer and taking your pick of beautiful silk ties. Formal dates can help you both add a sense of import, occasion, and real intrigue into the whole affair, which is what falling in love is all about, right?
Adventure
Action dates are important. What do we mean by this? Well, let’s say you both share a love of rock climbing. Why not both go, no matter how raw and natural your partner will see you? If you’re both fit and healthy, why not go for a hike? Why not trade dates to both explore an interest the other person has? Why not go clay pottery crafting? Action dates are great, because you really find out about the other person, and vice versa when you have to apply yourself to a task.
With these simple methods, you’ll realize that chivalry is in no way dead, it just depends on the decisions and expectations you deliver or manage. We wish you the best in your dating life!
Check out what I'm loving right now on Amazon!
