Hello, we’re back! This is endodo4ever and svdbygrcty, collaborating again after our first discussion on Christianity. This is another discussion on Christianity, but like the hinted title, we’re about to discuss relationships. Oh, and reality TV shows, marriage, and any other random things that come to mind. It will be kind of like a discursive rambling, but it shall be quite entertaining nonetheless! Since this discussion could be endless, there will be a second part, maybe even a third…or a fourth. Hahaha. Just kidding on the last one. But maybe. Join us? [Disclaimer: Um, I don't think we actually discussed much of Christianity ideals about relationships in this one. You'll have to wait for that in the next part(s).]
endodo4ever: As a single person who has never been in an official relationship before, I feel like I know so much about relationships already, even though I have yet to experience it for myself. I mean, if you turn on the TV right now, you’ll be thrust into a whole web of ‘em. In like every (and I mean it when I say every) show, there will always be some romance in it. Or, at least in all the shows that I watch. Goodness, what has relationships come to these days? More like “Heeeeyyy, you’re good-looking. :wink, wink: Let’s date. Let’s make-out. Let’s have sex or at least experiment around. Okay, bye. You’re boring. The end of relationship. Boohoo. Next!”
svdbygrcty: I think you just said it all. But anyways, I’m currently single too, but unlike endodo, I’ve been in a relationship before. Honestly, I also agree that the standard of relationships has deteriorated way too much in our generation. It’s really sickening. Of course, I’m very guilty of being tempted to be involved in such meaningless flings, but after much thought, I really don’t see much point in it..
endodo4ever: Part of the reason why I’m remaining single, is because I haven’t found the right person to date yet, and also because I want something much more than a fling. I’ve talked to both guys and girls who say that they want to have fun or some “experience” before they actually settle down, but that’s just complete B.S. Some of them are afraid of commitment, of being hurt, etc. and of course, I don’t blame them. But still, what has become of relationships lately? Why is it all so darn superficial?
svdbygrcty: …Obviously you have a certain someone in mind…….jk. I actually have an incredibly cynical view on relationships and marriage in general..But yes, part of it is fear of commitment and hurtness, but that’s besides the point. All around, the attitude that I see from people is the whole “problem? Let’s break up.” Or “Irreconcilable differences. Divorce.” What is that? Oh, that’s right. An unwillingness to work through problems. Obviously there’s going to be downs and it’s definitely a lot of work to maintain a relationship. But nowadays, the general mindset is, “In sickness and in health, til conflicts do we part.”
endodo4ever: Oh, I didn’t have one person in mind…but many. ><’’ Honestly, what are we teaching kids these days? That marriage is just a piece of paper? That relationships is all about love and if you don’t love the person, you can just dump them and pretend that it never happened? Ha. Ha. Ha. It doesn’t work that way. I did have one almost-relationship, and boy was that bad. :shudders: I mean, I’ve had crushes and stuff, so it’s not like I don’t completely know anything about relationships. I guess I’ve been doing my share of observing my friends and their relationships. I don’t think it matters if you’re Christian or not; Christians seem to have similar divorce rates just as non-Christians. Seriously, what is UP with that?
svdbygrcty: I think society or whatever else it is, has made it way, WAY too easy to end a relationship. It no longer has anything to do with commitment. People these days just run on feelings, which is no safe road to travel, as most of us know. Feelings go up and down almost as much as San Diego’s weather. Commitment is holding on despite the ups and downs that emotions may bring. It’s because I don’t believe I’m capable of this right now, that I have no interest in being in another relationship yet.
endodo4ever: I definitely agree with you. I guess I kind of like being an Asian American, because my parents really emphasize the cultural aspect of marriage. I'm sure that if you're part of another ethnicity that is big on culture, you're in the same boat as me. To them, a marriage, even a relationship, is two families joining together to become one big one. So obviously, dating casually is a completely no-no. Now add being Christian to the mix, and marriage is something very serious, because if you’re gonna put a ring on the finger, you better not separate with your other half unless death pulls you apart. Now I am an easily attached person, so that’s also why I haven’t had a boyfriend yet. I know that I’ll just give a big piece of my heart away so I really need to be mature and stable in my life before I get into one. I can’t have flings. That will just about kill my fragile heart.
svdbygrcty: Well, as an Asian American without bringing Christianity into the mix, I’m still not very fond of the idea of casual dating. Either way, relationships involve someone’s heart, whether it be one or both. That’s no light matter. I’m sure the majority of the world’s population has experienced the agony of heartbreak, yea? That’s not something you should throw around like it’s nothing. Of course, on the other side of the fence, I do see the appeal as well. But I really don’t think it’s worth it.
endodo4ever: I see your point, and again, I agree that casual dating isn’t worth the pain. Oh my goodness, you know what’s even worse? One night stands or random make-out sessions. Excuse us for always mentioning sex and stuff, it’s just been something that we’ve been talking about between the two of us. I think the media has a pivotal role in the degradation of relationships and marriage in general. Because in these dramatic scenes, two people dramatize every situation, and don’t truly work it out. Perhaps people don’t like actually confronting the problem in a relationship, but you have to in order to make it work. Life is like that. Which reminds me that I occasionally hear couples saying, “Oh, my boyfriend/girlfriend and I never fight! Teehee! We’re so perfect for each other!” Reality check: If you guys haven’t fought, then you haven’t really experienced the deeper part of a relationship.
svdbygrcty: That makes sense. I see relationships this way: when you first meet a person, you always put your best foot forward because you want to be accepted. It’s only when you get closer that you start to see each other’s shortcomings and faults. There will be little things that start to annoy you. Spending a lot of time with someone and going deeper in a relationship will inevitably lead to that.
endodo4ever: Have you ever watched “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette”? Dude, those shows are so dramatic and so…nasty albeit entertaining. I also don’t know how the bachelorette/bachelor could make out with so many people. Nasty. Anyway, see? That’s just like an example of the deterioration of relationships and marriage. The couple meets on a reality TV show, and they go on a couple of dates, and they choose to get married immediately afterwards. So. Weird. They haven’t even gotten the chance to understand the other person, so how can they get just get married? Well, most of them don’t even make it to marriage because some scandal pops up. Sheesh. Now with Christians and relationships, I don’t see them as any different. And that’s what bothers me too. :sigh: (I actually sighed, and svdbygrcty can account for that. Heehee.)
svdbygrcty: Well, since this is really long now..we’ll split this into another part later on. endodo4ever is quite disappointed, since she can rant even longer, but for the sake of our readers’ sanity……………The end!