Love? Technology killed the courtship

At 46 years old, I find myself in a position where I have to unlearn everything that I grew up with in regard to dating. With the surging of social media and technology, it's a brave new world.

Women are furthering their independence and personal strength with the power of the platform. They have a plethora of tools at their disposal to create themselves as a brand rather than a potential mate. Are you popular enough to deserve said member of your intimate desire?

There is also a lot to be said for smart phones and computers offering the portal for the internet's streamline of free porn mesmerizing the population. A population that includes children. So the new generation is sexually liberated like never before. Much of the population would consider sex now a days as... Just sex; desensitizing the emotional element of the act.

With this being said; the courtship of a member of the opposite sex (or same, whichever your pleasure) has changed dramatically. I often wonder if anyone born in the 2000's would even know what the definition of courtship is. Greener grass is only click away and if you are in a relationship, your/our replacement is a swipe-right away. Why fight for the sanctity of a relationship, with the inevitability of things getting rough, when you can just find someone new in seconds? On a side note: A woman's FB inbox is quite disturbing. Stop-It men! You're killing our value.

When I was young, pre-internet, a real world social life may bring a few members of your delight into view and it took real-life effort to woo that person. No longer necessary; instead of putting forth a strategy to woo one of maybe 5 potential relationship choices, now you have thousands of choices. Choices that require no effort. Sex is at your fingertips with virtually (no pun intended) effort. Once again, desensitizing the value of an honest effort of courtship, which would bring respect and a desire to protect it by default.

In an attempt to not sound completely cynical, there are people out there that still long for the old-fashion courtship. I see women post often about wishing that they could be woo'd and dated in an old-fashion manner. Kudos to the remaining passion-players that want to be made honest partners, however, along with this newly found strength an independence also comes the idea of using old-fashion values at convenience. This is an entirely separate potential blog prospect.

Some women are finding it hard to find a man that will marry. Well, marriage is dangerous for a man, the risk vs. reward is unbalanced in a major way. A man will not so excitedly jump into matrimony knowing that technology can assist in easy replacement when half or more of their assets are on the line; along with their reputations on the line to be slandered so publicly and easily as technology provides. Worse yet... add the victimization of children into the mix.

Unfortunately, all if this certainly renders me cynical. My ability take the risk has diminished along with my faith in relationships. I am 46 and never married. Not by choice, but by circumstance. I've only ever not been cheated on once in my life. The odds are against me and I don't see it happening.

One can dream, though, common sense and risk assessment must take point.