We're in an era where modernity has changed the way romantic dates are done. In this post, we look back at old-fashioned dating traditions and share thoughts about why we think today's dating crowd should still practice them. Here they are:
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1. Picking up the Girl at Her House
Remember rom-com movies in the '80s and the '90s when the guy actually picks up the girl at her parents' house? Old fashioned? Maybe... But this time-tested tradition has that "official" feel to it knowing that the guy actually took time and effort to go to the house and 'start' the date from there. Sure, there's nothing wrong with the let's-meet-at-the-theatre-around-seven set-up but admit it, having to open the door for someone to take you out to dinner is right up on the list of exciting things to expect on a first date and... the succeeding dates too!
2. Asking Permission from the Parents
Once upon a time, the man was expected to ask permission from the woman's parents so he could take her out to dinner. The entire itinerary of the date is discussed with the father and a curfew is set for him to take her back home in one piece. To some people, this may be too strict but hey, it worked during those times!
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3. Calling Her on the Landline Phone
Back when there were no smart phones and social media was non-existent, guys called girls in their landline phones. Sweaty palms and shaky voice characterize the nervous caller as the other line rings and he waits for someone to pick up the phone. If he's lucky, then the girl herself answers the phone. If fate plays tricks on him, then he needs to brace himself as the girl's father interrogates him about the purpose and intention of the call.
4. Giving Her Flowers and Chocolates
We're pretty sure chivalry is not yet dead. We're also sure that there are men who still gives flowers and chocolates to the women they like and love but... certainly not in a way that the men of bygone years handed flowers and chocolates to the subjects of their affection. How many of you received flowers and chocolates from your suitors or admirers?
5. Spending Time on Weekends with Her Family
The getting-to-know-you stage wasn't all about movie dates, it actually involved the guy visiting the girl on weekends and spending time with her family. "Getting to know you" was a family affair. It definitely took a lot of guts from the guy to step inside uncharted territory!
6. Paying Respect to Her Grandparents
And then there's Grandpa and Grandma, whose significant presence in the family tree cannot be discounted. Suitors were not told to bring gifts, but it was considered impolite to disregard them especially when the girl grew up in a close-knit family.
7. Writing Love Letters for Her on Scented Paper
What can be more old fashioned than love letters handwritten on scented paper, sealed and sent with a kiss? These days feelings are easily expressed through quotes and status posts but back in the days when pen and paper were the mighty forms of communication, writing letters was one of the best expressions of love and those letters were cherished wholeheartedly by their recipients.
8. Turning off or IgnoRing Electronics with Her
There's nothing worse than being on a date and having them answer their phone and start a conversation, or worse, not even hearing what you said because they're so wrapped up in a text. Instead of spending the date on your phones, tuck them away (unless it's an emergency) and give the other person your full and undivided attention.
9. OpenIng Doors for Your Date
A lost chivalrous act in my opinion! A guy who opens restaurant, building, and car doors for his date. Any girl is sure to notice a guy who does this since it seems to be a dead act but definitely not one that doesn't have thought behind it! It's sweet and caring in my opinion and wish it happened more often.
10. Be Clear on Feelings
AHH! The dreaded "What are we?" conversation! If more people were clear and asked some type of "going steady" question instead of "just talking" or "hanging out", we could avoid this awkward situation all together and be on the same page like they used to be!
Any old fashioned dating tradition that you experienced recently?
Comments
Taylor: @sev your always so true! It's like she lives off being ugly on the inside
HollyT: Love it
Kris: MOAK...Seriously...ever hear of proofreading your work? And consider, please, all "sexist" claimers, that there is ALWAYS the family of the person you are dating to consider when you make dates. I know parents of teenagers who would have a fit if a person DIDN'T consider/consult them before asking their child out on a date. It is ALWAYS a smart idea to be considerate of the older generation when dating their children.
Taylor: Oh well. I guess you have fun making fun of being and being a troll. That's good for you. Have fun with the rest of your life. I hope none of your grand children have mental illnesses since they'll get no respect from you. Bye bye.
MOAK: The second thing about the boyfriend asking for permission is sexist.This tradition seems to me to emply that women can't take responsibility for themselfs but need men to take resbonsibility for them. (Their fathers and their boyfriends) i think it must be up to the girl to decide wether or not she wants to go on a date or not:) but lovely theme on the post😊
Isabella: Okay, well, if it helps my fiancé didn't exactly ask my father about marriage, so we're not going by traditions at all - however my dad got upset as he would have loved that honour..
Kris: Kdizzle apparently didn't read my post. "It's not English class" is NO EXCUSE for writing like a third grader.
Sev: @kris this is a friendly non professional comment section. Not a school essay. Nobody is impressed because you are a grammar nazi. They are only amazed by how you can turn a good nice section of a helpful article website into a bitchy cry session for how much better you think you are than everyone else. You are not above anybody just because you take the time to reread and correct your comments. Good lord woman you say you're old and wise but all I see is old, rude and entitled. Get over yourself and start actually acting mature rather than just saying you are.
Kris: I never said dyslexia was laziness, but the VAST MAJORITY of those who criticize me for being a "grammar Nazi" have yet to show me anything that changes the facts. It has been proven that first impressions are the most lasting, and that sloppy presentation does NOT add to one's credibility. I will comment on any site I want, any way I want. Correct your work or risk being criticized. That's the risk you take when you post sloppy work.
MOAK: Kris, i think you should take me seriously since I have a point. And also, have you ever heard of dyslexia? Don't be rude and judgemental.
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