Remember when I said this year, we’re not doing surface-level conversations anymore?
That we’re choosing depth. Honesty. The kind of talks that don’t rush to conclusions?
Yeah. This is one of those talks.
Let’s talk about relationships.
Not the Instagram version.
The real thing.
Because if we’re being honest, this generation is obsessed with relationships, but also very tired.
Tired of confusion.
Tired of mixed signals.
Tired of having to decode behavior like it’s a course we didn’t register for.
You’ll hear Gen Z say things like:
“The talking stage is the most honest relationship you’ll ever have.”
And at first, it sounds dramatic. But think about it.
That stage is when people are most careful.
Most intentional.
Most themselves—or at least, the best version they’re willing to show.
Then commitment enters… and honesty slowly starts packing its bags.
Why does that happen?
Why does effort reduce after “we’re official”?
Why does clarity become scarce when it’s needed most?
I don’t have answers. I’m genuinely asking.
Another thing Gen Z keeps saying is:
“You can love someone and still need to leave.”
That one is heavy.
Because we grew up being taught that love means endurance.
That staying is proof.
That leaving is failure.
But this generation is starting to ask different questions:
Can love exist without peace?
Can commitment thrive where there’s no safety?
Can prayer replace accountability?
And maybe that’s why the idea of “The Perfect Guy” is losing its shine.
You know…the “perfect guy” often looks good, sounds good, even believes in God…
But still leaves you feeling unseen.
Which brings us to another quiet frustration Gen Z whispers:
Why does bare minimum feel rare these days?
Why does consistency feel like a miracle?
Why are apologies so expensive?
Why is emotional availability treated like a personality trait instead of a basic requirement?
These are not accusations.
They’re observations.
And maybe that’s why so many of us are still single, healing, cautious, or taking our time.
Not because we don’t want love, but because we want truth.
Real love.
Safe love.
Honest love.
Let me ask you (and please answer honestly):
What do you think this generation is getting right about relationships?
And what do you think we’re still learning the hard way?
So let’s talk.
No pretending we have it figured out.
Because, we don’t.😂
Intolerance is what this generation is getting right.
But we ain’t tolerable.
I’m not in a relationship and I can’t say much.
I just know that if you’re expecting so much from me, be ready to do so much too.
I think what this generation is getting the most right is fluidity with relationships. The audacity to challenge hitherto established norms and set their own terms for engaging in the mating dance.
However, on the flip side of the coin, I think we’re learning the hard way that some of these patterns and norms developed over time based on basic human nature. So we’re having to find a balance for what relationships will be in this new age
I enjoyed reading every bit of this, Norma. Seems like these questions have been on your chest for too long.
This post strikes a chord. Bollywood sometimes makes love seem so easy and magical, but in reality, it’s much more complicated.
I think what this generation is getting right is the refusal to suffer in silence and to make decisions without fearing societal opinions/expectations. You know those bold decisions that would have gotten young people ostracized or exiled in 1914. We’ve stopped romanticizing ‘the struggle’ and started asking if love actually brings us peace and fulfillment.
I think we’re finally defining what we deserve, but we’re still learning how to bridge the gap between ‘knowing better’ and ‘doing better.’
The world is spinning so fast and many are losing patience, the willpower to commit to one cause (union) and honour it till death like Samurais.
Sometimes it feels like we’re all so afraid of being hurt that we keep our guards up even when we finally find something good. However, delayed gratification would be the weakness and downfall of many GenZ lovers.
Pardon my long epistle. You triggered this.
Most times, I want to believe that what the Gen Z says are true and most times I don’t even want to think about it.
Why would you be in a talking stage and be yourself all lovey lovey maybe and when it comes to commitment you back out, I mean you off. You immediately change into something else. Is it that this commitment something isn’t for everyone?
I’ll kinda agree with them on loving someone and still leave. This kinda love sometimes is usually one sided. And one of the party needs his/her mental stability in tact.
There’s a whole lot in relationships we do not understand. Once there’s communication, understanding and commitment, I think we’ll have a safe landing.
The audacity and courage to walk away when it doesn’t seem right, I think this generation is getting that right but the level of impatience is high, I guess that’s why it’s easy to walk away.
Again there’s a lot of issues about roles and responsibilities.
I feel if you’re not ready to comprise or learn to understand each other don’t be in a relationship.
Remember you both are from different backgrounds with different upbringing and as such most people only understand survival thereby making them selfish.
This generation, everyone is playing safe(scared of being vulnerable so their partner doesn’t take them for granted) etc
Love is a beautiful thing when it is selfless and mutual.
Weldone sunshine (norma)😍