There Is Nothing Romantic About Modern Love

There is nothing romantic about flirting over social media. I don’t care if you liked my post on Instagram. I don’t care if you were the first person to scribble happy birthday on my wall. It’s nice that you were thinking of me, that much is true, but if you actually want to date me then you have to put in more effort than that. You have to see me face-to-face and show me you care while we’re both there in person, not only over the internet.

There is nothing romantic about acting distant. I’m not going to grow more interested in you if you take days to answer my messages, if you avoid answering my questions, if you cancel on me when we’re supposed to see each other in person. Acting mysterious doesn’t make me want you more. It convinces me that you aren’t as invested in our potential relationship as I am. To me, it’s a red flag that I should give up on you before getting my heart completely shattered.

There is nothing romantic about almost relationships. I don’t want half of your heart. I don’t want to be considered a backup plan. I don’t want to be one of many, I want to be the only one. If I’m going to put my time and effort into you, then you better be serious about me. If you don’t give me a title, then I’m not giving you my time.

There is nothing romantic about sending mixed signals. I don’t want to waste my time wondering the reason behind why you seemed interested yesterday and aren’t even bothering to answer my texts back today. I’m not into guessing games and I’m not good with subtlety. If you like me, tell me. If you want me to leave you alone, tell me that too. Be obvious. Speak up. I can’t read your damn mind.

There is nothing romantic about on and off relationships. You don’t get to walk away from me and then come running back once you realize that there isn’t anyone better out there for you. You don’t get to play with my heart in that way. If you are going to leave me behind, then that is the end of it. You are never going to be allowed back inside. You don’t get a second chance to break my heart.

There is nothing romantic about treating the person you care about poorly. There is nothing romantic about friends with benefits and booty calls and backup plans, which is why I have no room in my world for them. I don’t have any desire to put myself in such a shitty place.

There is nothing romantic about modern love, which is why I’m not going to settle for what most people have been willing to give me. I need more than that. I need passion. I need effort. I need attention. I need affection. I’m not willing to compromise. I’m keeping my standards high and I don’t care who that pushes away.