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A forum for Blog Community #1 of CSCL 1001 (Introduction to Cultural Studies: Rhetoric, Power, Desire; University of Minnesota, Fall 2011) -- and interested guests.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Lazy Nights In


Ideal romantic dates often are thought of as needlessly expensive. They tend to involve horse carriages, fancy restaurants and clothing, and flowers (ideally). But I have found that some of the best dates are actually free, and simply involve a movie, sweatpants, and a home cooked meal. I am currently in a long-term relationship, and have found that I actually prefer these lazy nights. It is simply the best way to spend time with a loved one, because both partners don’t need to worry about customs and looking good to strangers. All that matters is conversation, cuddling, and each other.

This is a great example of how romance has evolved to society today. Instead of giant romantic gestures that movies of the past have enforced, quality time and conversations is the way couples bond. In a society where divorce is extremely common, it is important to really know the person you are dating. People have become somewhat skeptical of romance, which is not necessarily a bad thing. We need to make sure that connections on every level exist, and there is no better way of finding these connections than witnessing the other’s taste in movies (or just having a night long conversation over homemade pizza).

What I’m trying to say is that romance has changed. We have witnessed the rise of divorce rates in the country and now understand that getting to know your partner is much more important than expensive romantic gestures. So this example constructs romance through discussion and comfort rather than flowers and fancy clothes.

The rise of the “lazy nights in” trend in society argues that dating has changed, and that we are skeptical of romantic gestures. To prevent divorce, we now safeguard ourselves by spending quality time with loved ones. Romance isn’t dead, it’s just changed a little.



3 comments:

  1. This is amazing. You can see how politically, the world is trying to send out another image of family time and spending quality time with your loved ones rather than spending hundreds of dollars.

    I agree with you when you say, "romance isn't dead, it's just changed a little." But has it changed to become something completely different--or is it still the same with a few minor changes?

    I agree with you as well. We know that the divorce rates are over 50% and they only seem to be constant. So I think politically, whatever source you found this image, is sending an image of trying to keep families together.

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  2. I agree completely! It's hard to see who someone really is when they are dressed up all "sexy" or fancy for a date. This isn't the person you will have to spend the rest of your time with if any relationship develops. Although its fun to have a fancy date night, and i'll never object to one, I think that its almost more important to have the Lazy Night together so that nobody is posing as something they're not! Great idea.

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  3. I completely agree! They best date nights are really just staying in and relaxing with one another! Its hard to just be relaxed and be yourself when your in an environment that you are not comfortable in such as dressing up and going out for a fancy dinner. A relaxed lazy night is just the thing to totally break down the walls and be yourself with one another. I find that those are some of the best date nights I have had with a boyfriend.
    In todays society everything is about money and who has the most. Who can bring you to the nicest restaurant or buy you the nicest gifts. Why is dating now a days such competition and flaunt what you have? I really think that is why there is a rise in divorce rates! Couples are so worried about their appearance or where they are going that they never truly have time to just focus on one another! Great example!!!

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