COLUMN: Some parts of dating are worth giving thanks over
In honor of Thanksgiving and the right to be cliche, I’m going to write about all the reasons we should be thankful that we get to date how we want and, most importantly, who we want. Too often we take for granted the freedoms we have concerning who we want to date and eventually marry.
We have so many reasons to be thankful, single or not. We should all be grateful for our dating experiences, past and present. We have the past to learn from and improve, but the present to be new and exciting. So in light of the holiday week and traditions of expressing gratitude, I asked people what they are most thankful for when they think of dating and relationships.
A lot of people answered honestly that they aren’t the biggest fan of dating but are thankful that it teaches them how to be creative and to communicate serious matters with those you care about.
One reader said: “The awesome connections I make with people while dating. I feel like the people we meet play a huge role in our happiness. Having someone to spend time with. Getting to know another person and trying to make them happy. And making out is always a plus.”
It’s OK to be as picky as we want so we don’t end up going on one lousy date after another; no one is forcing you to go out with someone you don’t want to, but take into consideration the free meals, free movies and free activities.
Another reader said: “It’s just plain old fun, and it beats ‘bro-dates.'”
We are lucky to have choice. We can choose to leave a relationship when it gets out of hand or as soon as drama becomes a part in it, and whether they’re your type or not, there’s always someone to date. You get to meet so many different kinds of people and form friendships that you might not have any other way.
An experienced dater said: “We get to go through experiences with someone by you. It would be boring if you were always alone. You get to learn new things and maybe even develop a new hobbies.”
Social media has made it convenient to flirt: favoriting or retweeting on Twitter, adding someone on Facebook, double-tapping a picture on Instagram and of course swiping right on Tinder. There are a lot of ways to get someone to notice you nowadays.
Dating also allows you to find yourself and get out of your comfort zone. A lot of people have said they are thankful for the confidence it has helped them develop. It’s a chance to enjoy the company of being with somebody who appreciates you and helps you become a better person by being around them.
An honest reader said: “It gives you some horror stories to tell. Oh, and developing the feeling that you actually could survive forever alone and be happy. Just kidding, dating helped me see the types and qualities in people I wanted and the types of qualities I never wanted in a potential spouse.”
One positive dater said: “I’m grateful for dating because it gives me hope that I wont be a loner for the rest of my life.”
Now, we can’t go forgetting the physical aspects like the first-kiss moment. If it works out, then you have someone to cuddle with, and yes, many said a reason they’re grateful for dating is because they like a good make-out session.
One reader even said: “The companionship is always good. Dating the right person makes you happy. Plus, if you’re dating someone seriously you get two Thanksgiving dinners.”
Whatever your reason for dating, Aggies, have a wonderful Thanksgiving break.