Dating in the United States of America

If we talk about being liberal in dating then the Western countries especially the United States is the leading country which may have been a major influence. In the United States people are more open to all modern ways of courtship. But they started out very differently back in the 18th century.

In the past, courtship could only lead to marrying the person you're courting. And being married was the highest status for women back then. The best example for this is the movie "Far and away". Although the characters from the movie are slowly beginning to be a little bit liberal with their relationship, the change in the way men court women over the years is quite significant.

Back then, only men were allowed to court women, unlike now where people are given more freedom to express what they feel. It's just normal if you see girls making the first move in asking out the guys they like. And there are many ways of expressing or hinting to the person that you like him or her.

We now have the internet and the use of mobile or cell phones to send out our message to the other person. And then the whole courtship could happen without seeing each other until they are engaged. Some people are lucky enough to find their partner in life through the internet. But this can make the relationship seem surreal. The classic way is still being preferred; like writing letters and guys really makes the effort of visiting the girl's house. You'll know the person more up close.

The role of a matchmaker is the only thing that was preserved in the way courtship is being done in the Unite States. Back then, married women or a girl's mother would help her find the perfect partner. They had balls to give their single daughter the chance to socialize with the entirety of eligible bachelors in town and eventually find their partner.

The modern version of a matchmaker could be a common friend that would set you up for a blind date. Or could also be some dating site on the internet which helps you look for the perfect partner you always dream of. Socializing with other singles doesn't have to happen in one of those formal balls, there are lots of bars which other singles always go to. So there are a number of options for all single people to choose from.

How long the courting would take before the girl gives her hand to the guy has also changed. Like back then most courtship would take months before the guy could have a reply from the girl he likes. Now, most courtship could just happen in a week or no courtship will take place at all. It's just as simple as knowing if the person you like, likes you back.

We could blame all this change on the movies or other forms of entertainment which might have influence people. What ever it is, let's just hope that all the classic values are still kept alive in some of the more romantics among us.