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How Does Your Generation Date?

Apr 06, 2023 - Nancy Ryan, LMFT

Romantic relationships are molded by the broader views of society, and the last few generations have each had unique coming of age experiences. 

The slew of norms, roles, and expectations (many of which are now viewed as outdated, restrictive – even silly) are changing almost as fast as technology, a vital component in modern-day courtship. 

It’s fun to look back from time to time and see how things have changed. Curious how your generation and others are finding their way? Keep reading.

Dating & Relationships

Boomers, Gen X, and some Millennials – depending on when they were born – have a unique shared experience. They know a time before dating apps and matchmaking sites. A simpler time of landlines, answering machines, and nosy parents who loosely cupped the receiver while yell-whispering, “it’s a boy!”

As technology evolved, so have the “rules” that used to govern dating. People are freer to follow their heart. Same sex couples are embraced and accepted by most as society broadens its understanding of different sexual orientations. 

Relationships themselves have changed. What was once borne out of necessity – finding a partner to share the workload and ease some of the struggles associated with basic survival – has become a choice. Divorce is less taboo, making it easier to leave a toxic or abusive relationship. Additionally, people are able to express themselves and seek partners who share similar likes, values, goals, and activities. Even breakups have changed. What was once a somber face to face affair now includes “ghosting” – disappearing without an explanation or trace.

The modern era of online dating has turned much of the world into a prospective dating pool, linking people with suitors across the globe. 

Dating Today: How do the Generations Differ?

Given how different views and methods governing dating have changed, how are boomers and the other generations adjusting? How do they differ, if at all?

While it may be hard to picture grandma swiping left, it’s not unheard of. Online dating is not solely reserved for younger generations. As stated by the Pew Research Center, “About half of those under 30 (53%) report having ever used a dating site or app, compared with 37% of those ages 30 to 49, 20% of those 50 to 64 and 13% of those 65 and older.”

According to a study by Zoosk, a dating app that surveyed its users, coffee dates are the most popular first dates, regardless of age. 

Boomers are much more likely to cut to the chase and meet in person, and prefer phone calls over text. Gen Z is the happiest to prologue meeting in person, and continue courtship through their smartphones much longer than the other generations. 

Of all the generations, Gen X had the deepest conversations, followed by Millennials. Millennials also spent the most time perfecting their profiles. 

Gen Z was the generation that appreciated a woman initiating a date the most – more than half – and only half of Gen X and Boomers feel similarly.  

Marriage is becoming less and less aspirational than it once was, and only 44% of millennials have tied the knot. 

Gen Z – the newest to the dating scene – are the least sexually active of all the generations mentioned here. 

Love is Love 

Of course, the goal of anyone looking for love – regardless of their generation – is to find someone who enhances their life. Someone with similar ideals and aspirations. 

There’s no denying the joy of finding a partner who meets you where you are and shares your values. The clearer you are when searching – when you’re desire for a partner isn’t to make you feel whole or complete, rather someone to share your whole and completeness with – the more likely you are to find that person. 

Regardless of your generation, having to reenter the dating pool (for whatever reason) is daunting.  If you feel as though you could use some extra guidance and support, therapy is an excellent resource. Your therapist will help you through the process, teaching you how to impose boundaries if necessary, and work with you to develop a deeper understanding of your needs and desires. To find a therapist, search counseling near me. 

California residents, the Relationship Therapy center has two Northern California locations. Offering in-person counseling in Roseville and counseling in Fair Oaks. We provide virtual sessions too, and have helped countless people work through past challenges which resulted in incompatible unions, doing everything possible to set them up for future relationship success.

Interested in learning more? Give us a call, we offer a free 15-minute consultation, and are always happy to share more about how we can help. 

Begin Relationship Therapy for One in Roseville, CA or Fair Oaks, CA:

If you are ready to make lasting changes in your life to strengthen your relationships with others, we can help! Our therapists are trained to provide relationship therapy for one for adults living in the Sacramento Area or online in the state of California. You can begin relationship therapy for one in Fair Oaks, CA or Roseville, CA by following these easy steps:

Other Services offered at The Relationship Therapy Center:

In addition to relationship therapy for one, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.