The Unattainable Ideal
Societal Messages about Dating
Common Societal Messages
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The Timeline Myth
Society sometimes makes us feel like there's a specific timetable for when we should meet our perfect match, get married, and start a family. This can create a lot of pressure and lead us to rush into relationships or settle for someone who might not be the right fit.
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The "One True Love" Myth
You've probably seen it in fairy tales and romantic movies - the idea that there's one perfect person out there for each of us, and once we find them, everything will be perfect. In real life, love is more complicated, and there can be many people who are a good match for us.
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The Perfection Myth
Movies and social media often show couples who never seem to argue and are always happy. This can make us feel like our own relationships are flawed when, in reality, every relationship has its ups and downs.
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The Gender Roles Myth
Society's expectations about who should take the lead or make decisions in a relationship based on traditional gender roles. But relationships are more flexible than that, and it's important for each person to feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing responsibilities.
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The "Happily Ever After" Myth
Many stories end with the characters living "happily ever after." But this leaves out the real-life struggles and compromises that all couples face. It's okay to have challenges in a relationship; it doesn't mean something is wrong.
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The Comparison Trap
Social media can make us compare our own relationships to those we see online. When we see what looks like perfect love stories, it can make us feel insecure about our own relationships.
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The Materialism Myth
Sometimes society equates love with big gifts or grand gestures. While those can be nice, true love is about emotional connection, communication, and shared values.