So are we Hooking Up? Today's Dating Norms



Are you guys hooking up? Are you talking? Those questions every college student doesn't really know how to answer. Today, society's view on love has completely changed. Yes, deep down everyone wants that special someone but today's dating norms have completely taken the "magic" out of dating.

Today's generation, especially college students have set the norm for a "hook up" culture instead of old fashion romance. What happened to getting to know someone before sleeping with him or her? What happened to taking girls on dates and opening the car door for them? or Just talking instead of jumping straight to ripping each other's clothes off? The dating "norm" for today is casual. Casual everything. Casual hook up's, casual sex, no strings attached bullshit. People feel that it is easier to not  involve feelings and just have fun. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with a casual fling here are there but if you want the real deal, your not going to find it by just sleeping with each other.

Today, people just want to have fun but later on they don't want to be with someone who has slept with a lot of people. Guys want to have sex with certain girls but don't want to date them because they slept with them and girls say they want to be treated with respect and be with a nice guy but continue to sleep with assholes. So we set these "norms" and then we don't even like them...that makes sense right? Wrong. People today are so wrapped up in having fun that they have forgotten what relationships and romance are supposed to be about.

Relationships aren't easy, don't get me wrong they are a lot of hard work but that's the point. Why would you want to put all this effort, time and money into someone who is a waste of your time? Relationships mean a lot more then just hanging out and spending time together. It means being there for one another when you need them most and supporting each other through the good and the bad, finding someone who is not only the person you are dating but your best friend. Relationships aren't easy but they are worth it.... when you find the right person. But how are you supposed to know if you found "the one," if all you do is sleep together and never bother to get to know each other? So next time you meet someone you like, think twice before keeping things casual. Challenge yourself to put your heart on the line and actually get to know someone and let someone get to know you. The best feeling is when you found someone who you can confide in and someone who genuinely cares about you.  People don't realize everything they are missing out on... I mean why do you think there have been epic novels and movies written about love? Trust me casual hook up's get old, and at the end of the day you are going to want to know, that no matter what life throws your way you have someone you can always rely on.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Lauren Ashley Photography

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and I couldn't agree more. They document every milestone and accomplishment a person's ever had. They capture everything from a little kid losing their first tooth to that bad hair cut you had in middle school. They make you laugh and cry all at the same time. So to be honest I think a picture is worth more than a thousand words! It is something that preserves time and takes you back to that family party, that day at the beach with all your friends or the day that your high school won the big game! Pictures freeze time...even if its just for a moment.

My best friend Lauren, is an amazing up and coming photographer. She has shot Sweet 16's, family parties, maternity photos and head shots for clients of all ages. She gives her clients a fun and creative experience all while making them feel comfortable! She has this amazing knack for capturing the most beautiful moments. Not only is Lauren an amazing photographer but she is also an incredible person. She gives off the most positive energy and is truly passionate about what she does. I mean what  21 year old girl sits at home on a Friday night to edit the photos instead of going out?! Lauren strives to make every customer happy even if that means missing out on the weekends.

Lauren has recently redone her website so you should check it out and like her at Lauren Ashley Photography on Facebook!
http://www.laurenashleysphotography.com/?page/125589/home

If you want a creative, fun and amazing photographer that captures the magic in every moment than call Lauren Ashley Photography and  I promise you wont be disappointed!

Here is some of Lauren's Work:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The 12 Components Every Relatioship Should Have.

Remember when you first started dating someone and you would get butterflies in your stomach. You couldn't stop thinking about her/ him and you smiled every time you talked about them? Well that should never fade! Yes, relationships obviously have rough patches and the feelings change but at the end of the day you should fall for that person every time you're with them! I may not be an expert, but here are a list of things that you should have in a relationship:

1. Relationships should be more than just physical!

Yes you should be both physically and sexually attracted to your significant other but that is not all the relationship should be based on.

2. You should support one another in everything that you do.

 

No matter what life throws our way you should support one another.

 

3. They should be the first person you tell everything to whether it is good or bad.



 No matter what the news is you should always want to share it with the person your dating!

 

 

4. You should both do things just because







 

It's the little things that keep a relationship going!

 

5. You should encourage each other to pursue each other's dreams.

 



In any relationship you both should encourage each other to make your dreams come true.

 

6. You both should fight for each other.

 

If the relationship isn't worth fighting for then why are you in it?

 

7. In any relationship, you should want to put the other person's needs before your own.

 

If you truly love someone you will do anything to make them happy.

 

 

8. Your partner should love you, despite your flaws.

 





 If you can't accept each other for the good and the bad then you probably won't last to long.

 

9. You should be able to be yourself around them.

 



 

Even if that means making a complete fool of yourself.

 

10. You should be each other's lovers and best friends.

 

That's why the best relationships come from friendships.

 

11. You should fall even more in love with each other everyday.



 

This is key in any relationship!

 

and most importantly ....

 

12. If it's not crazy, out of this world, grow old together kind of love then don't waste your time.

 

 













 

 

 

You only get one life. So don't waste it on someone who isn't worth your time.