When you see a couple on Facebook proclaiming their love for each other via a Facebook wall comment, after only knowing each other for a matter of days - you do start to question our generation's concept of love. The chances are they barely know each other and the weak connection they call a loving relationship will probably be over within a week. It's not over then because next we will have to endure the depressing statuses of the heartbroken ex-couple as they change their relationship statuses to 'single'. Pessimistic? Exaggerated? Perhaps, but we've all witnessed a similar thing.
These days technology seems to get in the way of our relationships, it may be the various social networking sites or our beloved mobile phones. 'Convenience' some people may argue. Another term for it could be laziness. What's actually stopping people from going out to see each other? Sure, it only takes seconds to post a comment on some body's Facebook wall or to drop them a tweet over Twitter but nothing shows more effort than actually making time to meet up with someone.
It's not just the Internet though; text messages can build a barrier between two people in a relationship. One main problem with text messages are that sometimes your intentions aren't always clear. If you include a full stop - you're being blunt. If you don't put kisses on the end - you suddenly hate them... No of course not. it's all presuming and second guessing. Text messages are subject to scrutiny and most likely discussion with other people outside the relationship. Certainly there must be a secret message hidden within the words? Or that's what we convince ourselves anyway. On the other hand texting can be useful especially if you aren't able to meet up in person. Sending a text message is after all much safer than ringing them up and facing the potential awkward silences that could occur at any given point. But instead of going for it we often sit there thinking of what to say in a text message for several minutes before repeatedly erasing the message and retyping it in fear of sounding 'stupid' or 'idiotic'. Maybe we've lost the skills to actually speak on the phone? or maybe we just need to be a little braver. If the 'loving' relationship is there than a phone call should be easy. Although with all the week long relationships these days who can blame them for not picking up the phone?
Before all the technology got in the way people had to talk to each other face to face without the barrier that has quickly become a computer screen or a mobile phone. Love was giving the other person you; your faults and all. In some respects love hasn't changed - the vulnerability, the inevitable heartbreak and embarrassment is still there. The difference is we try to mask our feelings, because we feel that if we do or say something stupid they will stop loving us. If they do turn around and end it all then it obviously wasn't meant to be. We need to take risks sometimes, just run with it. Substance and personality is needed to make it work not just meaningless words and Facebook pokes. Things may turn out badly or they may go to plan but you won't know unless you try. The fact of the matter is we don't like making ourselves vulnerable to other people. We like to seem fearless and omniscient of love and everything that comes along with it - but we aren't. Love is never going to be easy but you need to go into it face on, literally.
"For some quite inexplicably love fades; for others love is simply lost but then of course love can also be found, even if just for the night."
Laura.
I think we can officially say I watch too many chick flicks...
Song: The Fear by Ben Howard
