The prelude to a kiss
Will You Be My Date Tonight?
What can be more beautiful than the young, budding romance of the teens? The overwhelming warmth of a crush or the rosy hue of a blush; the exchange of loving glances or the camaraderie and friendly tussles of blooming hearts; all ways to find a mate- a love that is genuine and true! Nevertheless, how do you find a person you gel with, until you can spend some quality time together? So do you just moon around waiting for your soulmate to appear or are you one of those who are out in the crowd meeting, dating and partying?
The customary, old India believed in fixing matches for their marriageable family members, finding no reason to involve them in selecting their own life partners. Later generations graduated to the ‘cuppa chai’ custom where the couple met over a cup of tea while all in the family looked on! Shy appraisals and covert glances were all that they were armed with, before making the stupendous decision of “yes” or “no”. Gen X has left all this way behind. They believe in meeting, talking, and even mating before they are ready to pop the question or met out the final agreement.
So emerging from the orthodox portals of Indian conventionalism, modern India is deep into the trends of dating. Aped from the west, this practice was taboo just a few years back. No society conscious parents allowed their grown-up daughters to stay out late with somebody else’s son, nor did any prudent girl or boy move in the company of the opposite sex, without one or more chaperones! However, people today, are no longer hesitant to hob-nob with total strangers or acquaintances, usually of the opposite sex, for companionship and enjoyment. They are going out on dates with complete disregard of social stigmas and orthodox conservativeness.
Dating for mating
Dating has become a way of life in the urban circles. After a grueling and hectic work schedule, couples head to pubs, restaurants, movies and discs to let down their hair and enjoy some moments of dreamy bliss. Having a partner who gels with you is a plus on such rendezvous’, so most plan a date with a boyfriend or girlfriend, to meet at a stipulated time and venue, before proceeding to enjoy their time together.
A charming nature and good looks is what most people look for in a partner, though occasionally, a few shy types are content with just anyone who is willing to go out with them. The task of asking your dream date out is an arduous one but beautifully worded cards, fragrant fresh blooms, chocolates, romantic gifts or an invite to a special party or event can ease the way. Once a date is fixed, all that is left is to dress in your best and meet up on time. Easier said than done!
A date mostly has romantic overtones and many people find it the best means for finding a life partner. They date a person in a sub-conscious effort to form an opinion about them. This may take anytime between a meeting or two, or years of roaming together. Others might be interested in just a casual fling rather than serious thoughts of settling down. To marry or not to marry is the prime question doing the rounds!
Sixteen Going On Seventeen
True to our inborn instincts and basic nature, every adolescent is on the look out for a partner ‘to hold and cherish in happiness or sorrow’. In the busy schedules of today, dating has become an extremely popular pastime among the youth. School and college kids are out on all types of dates; regular dates, double dates, group dates and even blind dates.
The advent of online dating sites and numerous friends club have facilitated the fixing up of blind dates; dates with people they have never seen. This may be quite adventurous but certain aspects regarding security should be kept in mind before venturing out on such a date so that a wonderful experience does not turn into a nightmare. If you make sure that, your date is safe and in complete synch with your ideologies and limitations, you will assuredly feel less conscious and be able to enjoy their companionship better.
The valentine fever also never fails to shake up the young crowds from their lethargy of shyness and achieve the momentum of bonhomie, thereby adding to the mayhem of finding a suitable date! The FM channels dish out a variety of prizes and free coupons for romantic revelry, discs and restaurants plan out special carousing activities while shops shriek out tantalizing discounts and gift options encouraging young hearts to come forth together and enjoy. The world eggs them on and most plunge in, to enjoy safe camaraderie, while others push in deeper into forbidden territories.
Naughty at forty
Trends and times are changing and today many young but lonely hearts beat a naughty rhythm after crossing forty. “The younger generation can always find ways to have fun, but it is those beyond forty who really need to go out on dates so that they can let their hair down too.” True, the mature lot prefers to spend quality time with an understanding partner, rather than carousing with a wagon full of revelers. So all the smart people are filling their lonely hours by pairing up with smart, sociable associates and going for movies, dinners or dances together. Being married is also no hindrance to meeting old friends and associates for a date. India is broadening its attitudes towards camaraderie of the opposite sex and now you can behave as young as you feel, without being judged every time.
Dates are meant to be enjoyed doing things that both partners find interesting. Being natural and your usual self helps to keep the relationship comfortable. In the whirlwind of a few romantic dates, you just might find yourself walking down the aisle to say, “I do”!
So go ahead and ask someone out, let down your hair and Voila, you might have the time of your life!
